Description (podcaster-provided):
Exploring various aspects of modern and ancient metaphysics as they relate to the hypothesis that powers (or dispositions) are the sole elementary building block in ontology.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Metaphysics • Ancient and modern philosophy • Powers and dispositions • Aristotle's works • Emergence and causation • Stoicism • Relation and modality • Medical philosophy in antiquity • Collective agency • OntologyThe podcast "Power Structuralism in Ancient Ontologies" delves into the interplay between ancient and modern metaphysical concepts, emphasizing the centrality of powers—or dispositions—as fundamental building blocks of reality. Across its episodes, the podcast explores a variety of philosophical themes and issues, weaving through topics such as the nature of causation, emergence, and the metaphysics of relations. The episodes frequently revisit the ideas of influential philosophers like Aristotle and Marcus Aurelius, examining their thoughts on subjects like dynamics, happiness, and moral development.
A significant thread throughout the podcast is the investigation into how ancient philosophies intersect with modern scientific perspectives. This includes discussions on the role of powers in physics and their relevance to contemporary views on modality and causation. The podcast also addresses epistemological concerns, such as the nature of metaphysical knowledge and the problems of singular thought and perception. Another recurring focus is the examination of collective agency and the complex relations between individuals and the larger systems they inhabit, whether social or cosmic.
Several episodes are dedicated to specific ancient philosophical traditions, including the works of Empedocles and Daoist philosophy, examining their insights on change, health, and the dynamics of powers. The discussions probe the philosophical implications of these traditions for understanding processes, material qualities, and the structures underlying reality.
Overall, the podcast invites listeners to consider how power structuralism might offer a unifying framework for addressing age-old metaphysical questions while engaging with ongoing philosophical debates. The content spans a wide array of philosophical inquiries, making it relevant to those interested in delving deeply into both ancient and current metaphysical thought.