Description (podcaster-provided):
A seasonal podcast that brings the ideas and tools of philosophy to everyone. Featuring interviews with professional philosophers, personal stories, and lots of fun thought experiments. We'll start with about 5 episodes per season.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Philosophy discussions • Thought experiments • Political theory • Ethics • Identity • Personal stories • Academic interviews • Philosophy of mind • Social issues • Audio renditions of textsThis podcast, titled "Reductio," seeks to bring philosophical ideas and tools to a broader audience through an engaging format that includes interviews with professional philosophers, personal narratives, and thought experiments. The episodes cover a range of philosophical themes, delving into both classic and contemporary issues. Political philosophy is a recurring topic, with discussions on liberalism, idealism, justice, and critiques of capitalism. The show also addresses ethical considerations, such as animal rights and the moral implications of cost-benefit analyses.
In addition to these broad themes, episodes explore specific philosophical thought experiments, like the Trolley Problem and Leibniz's theory of monads, which are used to challenge conventional thinking and provoke deeper inquiry. The podcast does not shy away from contentious or complex issues, often engaging with provocative questions related to personal identity, the role of ghosts in belief systems, and philosophical perspectives on contentious social topics like climate protests and religious exemptions.
Interviews with scholars and experts such as Jonathan Cohen and Amy Kind add depth to discussions on niche philosophical subjects like the Inverted Spectrum and Personal Identity, while thought experiments like "Soul Sleep" and "The Passion of the Sunprobe" provide a narrative-driven exploration of philosophical ideas. The podcast includes contributions from various intellectual figures who provide their insights, enhancing the diversity of perspectives presented. Overall, "Reductio" offers listeners an exploration of philosophical concepts through a combination of interviews, storytelling, and critical discussion, aiming to make philosophy accessible and stimulating to a wide audience.