

The Nathan Jacobs Podcast
Nathan Jacobs
A philosophy podcast exploring the issues of today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2025 ⢠1h 13min
The Evolution of Ethics | Realism: from John Locke to Woody Allen | Ethics & Anthropology | Part 4
In this fourth installment of our series on Ethics & Anthropology, Dr. Nathan Jacobs traces the evolution of Realism from ancient philosophy through John Locke and even Woody Allen, asking what this tradition missed about the true nature of reality. How does Christianity reframe the conversation on Realism, and why does it matter for ethics, anthropology, and our understanding of the world?Please Like and Subscribe! Follow Dr. Jacobs and his work: X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastSubstack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

Aug 21, 2025 ⢠1h 43min
The Secret Hand Behind History: Providence or Chaos? | Part 3
In this third installment of our four-part (or 5-part đŹ) series on Ethics & Anthropology, Dr. Nathan Jacobs explores Moral Philosophy and the enduring debate over Providence vs. Chaos in the history of philosophy and metaphysics. Is history guided by a divine hand, or is it nothing more than accident and chance?All the links: X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastSubstack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

Aug 14, 2025 ⢠2h 16min
The Slow Death of Morality | How Modern Ethics Sold Its Soul | Part 2 of 4
What happens when morality is unmoored from its metaphysical foundations? In part two of the Anthropology series, Dr. Nathan Jacobs traces the slow unraveling of moral philosophyâfrom its classical roots in virtue and teleology to its modern preoccupation with utility and consequence.All the links: X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastSubstack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 Intro 00:05:22 Pagan philosophy and human polarities00:35:38 Augustine and the Nature-Grace Divide00:55:06 Medieval faculty psychology: intellect and will01:04:52 From Medieval Scholasticism to Modern Philosophy01:11:56 The rise of empiricism and materialism01:29:46 The empiricist challenge to Providence 01:41:18 Contemporary culture's nominalist foundation01:47:53 The hedonistic definition of happiness 01:52:47 Modern anomalies in historical perspective 02:02:05 Passion over reason

Aug 7, 2025 ⢠1h 59min
The Pagan Blueprint For the Good Life | Plato, Aristotle, & the Stoics
Dive into the wisdom of ancient philosophers as they explore human nature and the quest for the good life. Discover how metaphysical dualism shaped views on the soul and virtue. Learn about Epicureanism's take on pleasure versus happiness and the Stoics' views on fate and emotion. Unpack Plato's cave allegory and his ideas on the immortality of the soul, contrasted with Aristotle's focus on earthly flourishing. The vibrant clash of these philosophies reveals timeless insights into ethics and our understanding of existence.

Jul 31, 2025 ⢠1h 39min
Transformed by the Eucharist | Body or Bread? | Part 2 of 2
Sign up for Dr. Jacobsâ course Intro to Philosophy: https://myprofer.com/ đ Click âJoin as a studentâ đ Fill out registration đ Verify your email đ Navigate to âCourse Registrationâ in the side menu đ Find 180 Introduction to Philosophy đ Auditors can register immediately đ For college credit, fill out the long form and wait for approval before registration đ $175 audit đ$400 college creditDr. Jacobs examines how different traditions understand the Eucharist, transubstantiation. consubstantiation, and real presence. He explores the Orthodox concept of the divine energies through communion and discusses how Eucharistic participation connects to broader questions of transformation and cultural renewal, and how to harness the transformative power of the Eucharist. All the links: X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastSubstack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Website: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/Academia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs00:00:00 Intro 00:02:58 What is transubstantiation? 00:11:57 What is consubstantiation? 00:18:29 The problem with transubstantiation 00:23:40 The problem with consubstantiation 00:32:02 Memorialist, reformed, and real presence views00:35:30 Imbibing the energies of God 00:44:49 The doctrine of resurrection 00:52:21 Transelementalism 00:58:39 God communicates holiness 01:02:13 Problems with evidentialist apologetics01:13:52 Transformation of culture01:22:33 Why donât we see more transformations?

Jul 24, 2025 ⢠1h 10min
Understanding the Eucharist | Sacramentalism East vs West | Part 1 of 2
Explore the intriguing depths of Eucharistic doctrine and the contrasting sacramental views of East and West. Delve into the complexities of Christâs dual nature and divine attributes. Discover the historical landscape from medieval transubstantiation to the nuances of Lutheran and Reformed perspectives. Unpack key debates surrounding the person-nature conundrum and how these shape our understanding of divine simplicity. Gain insights into the transformative role of the Incarnation and the communicability of divine energies, revealing a rich theological tapestry.

Jul 17, 2025 ⢠2h 33min
Therapy & the Eastern Church Fathers | Merits & Demerits of Secular Therapy | with Dr. Adam Dell
Dr. Adam Dell, a clinical psychologist and author, dives into the fascinating intersection of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the teachings of the Eastern Church Fathers. He shares insights on psychological flexibility and how ancient wisdom can enhance modern therapy. The conversation highlights the importance of confession, personal identity, and the role of mindfulness in overcoming self-sabotaging narratives. Dell also critiques the limitations of secular therapeutic practices, advocating for a deeper spiritual connection for true healing.

Jul 10, 2025 ⢠2h 21min
On David, Giant Slayer | Not Your Mamaâs Sunday School Story | With Fr. Stephen De Young
Fr. Stephen De Young, a priest and consultant for the Amazon show House of David, dives deep into the lesser-known narratives of King David. He unpacks the moral complexities behind the destruction of the Amalekites and discusses the role of giants in biblical stories. The conversation questions traditional Sunday school lessons and explores Davidâs cunning strategies against Goliath. With rich insights from Orthodox perspectives, this dialogue reshapes our understanding of biblical tales and their cultural implications.

Jul 3, 2025 ⢠1h 21min
Does Jesus Claim to Be God? | A Closer Look at Nicene Trinitarianism
Sign up for Dr. Jacobsâ college course: https://myprofer.com/ đ Click âJoin as a studentâ đ Fill out registration đ Verify your email đ Navigate to âCourse Registrationâ in the side menu đ Find 180 Introduction to Philosophy đ Auditors can register immediately đ For college credit, fill out the long form and wait for approval before registration đ $300 audit đ$500 college credit Substack article: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/p/does-jesus-claim-to-be-god?r=r1mfjBegotten Not Made Part 1: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/p/creed-0?r=r1mfj

Jun 26, 2025 ⢠1h 47min
Consciousness, Reality, and the Human Condition | What It Means to Be Human
Dive into the intriguing debate on whether AI can truly be conscious or is merely mimicking human thought. Explore how Christianity intertwines with philosophical realism, balancing faith and rationality. Discover the role of humanity as a microcosm in divine interaction, and how historical theological disputes shape our understanding of God and existence today. The podcast also reflects on the implications of AI on art and society, urging listeners to critically engage with the digital age's challenges.


