Description (podcaster-provided):
Have you ever considered what being conscious actually means? By choosing to live in a particular state are you consenting to be subject to all its laws? For some there’s an assumption that philosophy might not be relevant to modern life but Dr. Nigel Warburton, senior lecturer in Philosophy at The Open University argues that many of us today are faced with philosophical questions such as these as we live our lives in the twenty first century. In this collection we ask academics to discuss these questions in addition to other important philosophical issues and concepts such as the morality of abortions and the reconciling a world with evil and a good God.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Consciousness • Morality and ethics • Personal identity • Faith and reason • Political obligation • Dualism • Thought experiments • Philosophical dilemmas • Abortion • Evil and GodThis podcast, titled "Exploring Philosophy - Audio," offers an engaging dive into the application of philosophical concepts to modern life by exploring a wide array of topics. Spearheaded by Dr. Nigel Warburton from The Open University, the podcast challenges the assumption that philosophy lacks relevance in the 21st century. It provokes listeners to consider fundamental questions about consciousness, personal identity, and the morality of abortion. The discussions are richly varied, delving into the essence of self-awareness and consciousness, and exploring complex issues such as the existence of evil in a world governed by an omnipotent and benevolent deity.
This podcast also tackles intriguing dilemmas around religious belief, questioning whether it is rooted in empirical evidence or blind faith. Listeners are invited to reflect on political obligations and the philosophy of law, questioning whether by living within a state, citizens implicitly consent to adhere to its laws or if moral reasoning can justify selective compliance.
Philosophical thought experiments are a recurring method, providing a platform for lively debate and illustrating philosophical dilemmas. The ideas of renowned philosopher René Descartes are also discussed, focusing on his concepts of doubt, knowledge, and dualism, which propose humans as comprised of separate mind and body substances.
Overall, "Exploring Philosophy - Audio" offers compelling examinations of significant philosophical inquiries and fosters a deeper understanding of how these ideas can be applied to everyday life, making it a thought-provoking series for those interested in philosophical reflections and ethical considerations.