Rationally Speaking Podcast

In this episode Julia interviews Massimo about his new book, Answers for Aristotle: How Science and Philosophy Can Lead Us to A More Meaningful Life. Massimo's central idea is that a combination of science and philosophy, what he calls "Sci-Phi," is the best guide to the big questions in life, from issues of morality and justice to the meaning of love and friendship. The book's title derives from the fact that Aristotle was the first philosopher-scientist, adopting the sci-phi framework and posing a number of questions with which we are still struggling. What is the best way to live one's life? What sort of society do we want to live in? How do we relate to our friends and loved ones? Two and a half millennia later, modern science and philosophy have come up with some of the answers to Aristotle's questions, or at the least with a better way to think about them.

Explore the world of paradoxes and paraconsistent logic with a philosopher and logician as they discuss how statements can be both true and false, unravel the mysteries of the barber paradox, and delve into the evolution of thoughts on infinitude in mathematics. Discover how paraconsistent logic can navigate contradictions in mathematics, and get book recommendations for philosophical insights and logic.

By its very nature, science fiction has always been particularly suited to philosophical exploration. In fact, some of the best science fiction novels, short stories, movies, and TV shows function like extended philosophical thought experiments: what might cloning tell us about our views on personal identity? If we could all take a pill to be happy, would we want to do that? In this episode, Massimo and Julia recall some of their favorite philosophically-rich science fiction, and debate the potential pitfalls in using science fiction to reach philosophical conclusions.

For all the time Massimo and Julia have spent discussing and debating philosophy on Rationally Speaking, so far, it's all been philosophy from Europe and North America. What about the philosophical traditions of, for example, Asia? In this episode, professor of philosophy Graham Priest offers a brief introduction to the philosophy of India, China, and Japan, and explains why he thinks it should be better known in the West.

In this thought-provoking conversation, James Ladyman, a philosopher from the University of Bristol, argues for a radical rethinking of metaphysics and its crucial role in connecting scientific disciplines. He critiques current scientific paradigms and explores deep questions about reality, space, and causality. Ladyman discusses the limitations of traditional views on knowledge and observation, while advocating for a more dynamic understanding of determinism and emergence. His insights challenge listeners to reconsider what we know about the universe.

Explore the intriguing world of cognitive biases and discover effective de-biasing strategies. Dive into the challenges of teaching critical thinking beyond traditional methods, emphasizing real-life applications. Uncover the complex relationship between intelligence and outdated beliefs, revealing why smart people can still fall prey to biases. Learn how to navigate between automatic and analytical thinking for better decision-making. Plus, find out how rationality apps and community initiatives can enhance our skills and promote personal success.

The podcast dives into the pseudoscientific foundations of Freudian theories, questioning if all psychological issues stem from sexuality. It critiques concepts like 'penis envy' while linking war neuroses to repressed instincts. The discussion contrasts empirical evidence with vague definitions in Freud's work, emphasizing the allure of talk therapy over biological solutions. The hosts also explore the humorous side of philosophy through webcomics and even touch on the evolving themes in Doctor Who that reflect deeper philosophical questions.

Matthew Hutson, a science journalist and author of "The Seven Laws of Magical Thinking," joins the discussion about the innate superstitions we often overlook. He explores how magical thinking impacts self-efficacy and goal-setting, even among skeptics. The conversation dives into the paradox of selective irrationality, where people recognize their beliefs are irrational yet cling to them. Hutson also examines the balance between rationality and happiness, questioning how our belief systems shape our lives and perceptions.

Why do philosophers sometimes argue for conclusions that are disturbing, even shocking? Some recent examples include the claim that it's morally acceptable to kill babies; that there's nothing wrong with bestiality; and that having children is unethical. In this episode of Rationally Speaking, Massimo and Julia discuss what we can learn from these "Philosophical shock tactics," the public reaction to them, and what role emotion should play in philosophy.

In this engaging discussion, Jesse Prinz, a CUNY philosophy professor and author of "Beyond Human Nature," dives into the age-old nature vs. nurture debate. He argues that human behavior is largely shaped by cultural influences rather than just biology. The conversation explores gender differences, the complexities of morality, and the evolution of language acquisition. Prinz also critiques traditional views on empathy, using film to illustrate how cultural narratives reflect and shape moral systems.