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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 • Philosophy of mind • Ancient philosophy • Process ontology • Powers and dispositions • Causation • Aristotle and Stoicism • Moral development • Collective agency • Relations in metaphysicsThis podcast, titled "Power Structuralism in Ancient Ontologies," delves into a wide range of topics within both contemporary and ancient metaphysics, with a primary focus on the hypothesis that powers (or dispositions) constitute the fundamental elements of ontology. The episodes cover various philosophical themes by exploring the works and concepts of ancient thinkers, alongside modern interpretations and implications.
The podcast often discusses the concept of emergence, debating its "weak" and "strong" forms and their relevance to metaphysics and philosophy of mind. It examines process ontology versus substance ontology, arguing the essential nature of processes over static entities. The necessity of powers and their role in causation is scrutinized, with discussions defending the traditional views against recent criticisms.
The relationship between causation and counterfactuals, the interaction between processes, and the commingling of substance and process are frequent subjects. The nature and validity of dispositions or powers are also explored, alongside alternative views such as law-based accounts of modality in science.
Ancient philosophical frameworks are prominently featured, with episodes dedicated to Aristotle’s theories on dynamics, moral development, and the political philosophy of the city’s eudaimonia. Marcus Aurelius' Stoic meditations are discussed, questioning their orthodoxy and exploring their personal and ethical dimensions.
Empedoclean metaphysics is another recurrent theme, with explorations of his views on elemental change, cosmic cycles, and the divine nature of elements. Discussions on material object pluralism, the philosophical challenges concerning determinism, and the metaphysical nature of relations further exemplify the podcast's broad scholarly engagement.
Overall, this podcast offers a rich tapestry of philosophical inquiry, blending rigorous analysis of ancient philosophical texts with contemporary debates on metaphysics, modalities, and the science of causation. It aims to provide clarity and insight into the foundational questions of existence and the nature of reality, using both historical and modern lenses.