I ask the philosopher Sebastian Rödl five questions about himself. Sebastian Rödl is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Leipzig. He is the author of “Self-Consciousness” (2007), “Categories of the Temporal” (2012), and “Self-Consciousness and Objectivity: An Introduction to Absolute Idealism” (2018).

I ask the philosopher Cheryl Misak five questions about herself. Cheryl Misak is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Toronto. Her books include “Truth and the End of Inquiry” (1990), “The American Pragmatists” (2013), and “Frank Ramsey: A Sheer Excess of Powers” (2020).

I ask the philosopher Philip Pettit five questions about himself. Philip Pettit is Laurance S. Rockefeller University Professor of Human Values at Princeton University and Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University. He is the author of many books, including “The Common Mind” (1996), “Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and Government” (1997), and “The Birth of Ethics” (2018).

I ask the philosopher Anil Gomes five questions about himself. Anil Gomes is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. He is the author of “Iris Murdoch on Art, Ethics, and Attention” (2013), “Is There a Problem of Other Minds?” (2011), “Kant on Perception” (2014), and other essays.

I ask the philosopher Elizabeth Barnes five questions about herself. Elizabeth Barnes is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia and the author of “The Minority Body” (2016).

I ask the philosopher Sarah Moss five questions about herself. Sarah Moss is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan and the author of “Probabilistic Knowledge” (2018).

I ask the philosopher Raimond Gaita five questions about himself. Rai Gaita is Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at King’s College London. He is the author of many books, including “Good and Evil: An Absolute Conception” (1991), “Romulus, My Father” (1998), and “A Common Humanity” (1998). J. S. Bach, Cello Suites, performed by Pablo Casals

I ask five of my colleagues one question about themselves. MIT Philosophy

I ask the philosopher Steve Darwall five questions about himself. Steve Darwall is Andrew Downey Orrick Professor of Philosophy at Yale University. He is the author of several books, including “Impartial Reason” (1983), “Welfare and Rational Care” (2002), and “The Second-Person Standpoint” (2006).

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Barney, a Professor of Classics and Philosophy at the University of Toronto, dives into her academic journey and passion for ancient philosophy, particularly Plato. She shares her thoughts on the optimistic view of failure in philosophical pursuits and how setbacks can lead to growth. The conversation also reveals the surprising connections between art, philosophy, and even Monty Python, illustrating how humor can challenge societal norms and serve as a powerful teaching tool. Lastly, Rachel explores themes of fear and existential dread, enhancing our understanding of these complex emotions.