Description (podcaster-provided):
Practical Wisdom is a short weekly podcast produced by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci of the City College of New York. The idea is to do a deep dive into some of the most crucial philosophical writings of a wide range of Greco-Roman authors in search of insights that may be useful for modern life. Available also on Apple, Google, and Spotify.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Exploration of Greco-Roman philosophy • Discussions on wisdom, justice, friendship • Philosophical insights for modern life • Examination of the soul, death, virtue • Themes of pleasure, happiness, courageThis podcast, titled "Practical Wisdom," is produced by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci from the City College of New York. It is a series that engages deeply with philosophical texts from a wide range of Greco-Roman authors, aiming to extract insights relevant to modern life. The podcast provides an exploration of ideas from ancient philosophers including Plato, Epicurus, Aristotle, Epictetus, and Cicero. It tackles broad themes such as friendship, justice, virtue, happiness, and the nature of the soul, alongside more specific philosophical questions regarding the roles of reason, knowledge, and courage.
Philosophical discussions in the episodes often focus on contrasting views, such as the nature of courage versus fearlessness, the role of external goods in achieving happiness, and the reconciliation of deterministic and free will perspectives. Classic philosophical inquiries into the nature of pleasure, pain, death, and the divine are also prominent. Furthermore, the podcast delves into ethical considerations, addressing how virtues like friendship and justice can be applied in personal life and broader society.
Each episode is an inquiry into different facets of human experience and philosophical thought, intertwining ancient wisdom with practical implications for everyday challenges and ethical dilemmas. Through detailed analyses of philosophical doctrines and dialogues, the podcast demonstrates philosophy's enduring capacity to address fundamental human concerns and questions, inviting listeners to consider timeless questions of meaning, purpose, and ethical living within a contemporary context.