The Wisdom Of
Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb
In this podcast we explore great works of philosophy and literature and art, and try to pull out of them what’s most interesting and inspiring! Whether they come from the works of Plato, or Dostoevsky or Picasso, here we explore ideas that move mountains and rock the soul! So, come join us, won’t you? Come worship at the alter of ideas, and come celebrate the dancing of thought. Welcome to the Wisdom Of!
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 14, 2022 • 28min
Heidegger's Being and Time
Martin Heidegger was a German philosopher who was born in 1889 and who died in 1976. He’s probably best known for his 1927 philosophical work Being and Time. In this episode, we discuss his reaction to Descartes, his concept of being-in-the-world, and his view on conformity or inauthenticity.
May 10, 2022 • 12min
A Eulogy on Love
A little eulogy on love, Symposium style!
May 9, 2022 • 10min
Elon Musk and Mars
In this brief episode, I reflect on Elon Musk's goal to colonize Mars.
May 8, 2022 • 29min
Anton Chekhov
Anton Chekhov was a Russian short story writer and playwright. He was born in 1860 and died in 1904. He's regarded as one of the greatest short story writers in history. In this episode, we discuss his realist approach to art and what he takes an admirable life to be.
May 4, 2022 • 10min
Love and Possession
In this brief episode, I discuss the philosopher Robert Solomon's view on love and possession.
May 3, 2022 • 10min
The Sun
In this brief episode, I reflect on the sun and some of its associations throughout history. I touch on Christianity, Nietzsche, and Camus.
Apr 29, 2022 • 21min
Peter Singer on Animals
Peter Singer is an Australian philosopher, who works at Princeton University. Outside of academic circles, he’s probably best known for his book Animal Liberation. In this episode, we discuss his view on the importance of the capacity for suffering, and his view on animals for food.
Apr 26, 2022 • 9min
The Benefit of Being a Crab
In this brief episode, I discuss the Spanish philosopher Miguel Unamuno's concern with human consciousness.
Apr 24, 2022 • 27min
Simone Weil
Simone Weil was a French philosopher who was born in 1909 and who died in 1943. In this episode, we discuss her poem on Homer's Iliad, called The Poem of Force, and we also talk about her view on attention and compassion.
Apr 20, 2022 • 10min
Freedom and Responsibility
In this brief episode, I discuss some of the views of the existentialists as it relates to the notions of freedom and responsibility.
