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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):
➤ Philosophical writings • Greco-Roman authors • Insights for modern life • Stoicism • Ethics • Logic • Friendship • Virtue • Happiness • Life purpose • Justice • Determinism • KnowledgeThis podcast, titled "Practical Wisdom," is a weekly series produced by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci of the City College of New York. It delves into crucial philosophical writings from notable Greco-Roman thinkers, aiming to extract insights applicable to contemporary life. The show explores themes of ethics, human nature, and the pursuit of knowledge through various philosophical lenses. It draws primarily from the works of philosophers like Epictetus, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Cicero.
A recurring theme in this podcast is the quest to understand virtues and the good life. Discussions often focus on the nature of virtue, the balance between pleasure and pain, and the roles of courage, justice, and friendship. These discussions frequently draw from Stoic and Epicurean philosophies, examining the implications of freedom, material desires, and the importance of logic and reason in making moral choices. The podcast also explores human nature aspects, looking at the consequences of human desires and the role of self-restraint.
Another focus of the series is the philosophical discourse on friendship and its complexities, including reciprocity and the nature of true friendship. It also discusses philosophical perspectives on the practice of virtue and the necessity of external goods for achieving happiness. Throughout the episodes, the podcast reflects on the relevance of ancient philosophical debates to modern ethical dilemmas. It seeks to offer listeners a deeper understanding of how ancient philosophies can inform present-day attitudes towards life and personal development. Whether examining happiness, fate, or the role of philosophy in navigating life's challenges, the podcast continuously aims to bridge the gap between age-old wisdom and contemporary concerns.
