Twitter: @IAI_TV
Site: iai.tv/iai-podcast
416 episodes
2016 to present
Average episode: 36 minutes
Open in Apple Podcasts • RSS
Categories: Interview-Style • Panel-Style
Podcaster's summary: Philosophy for our Times is a free philosophy podcast bringing you the latest talks and debates from the world’s leading thinkers. We host weekly episodes on today’s biggest ideas in news, society, culture, politics, science and arts. Subscribe today to never miss an episode.
| Episodes |
| 2024-Apr-17 • 16 minutes Embracing solidarity in our secular age | Interview with Rowan Williams Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams discusses his professional and theological journey and reflects on what he's learned along the way, from climate activism to inter-faith leadership. |
| 2024-Apr-09 • 37 minutes On humans and animals | Peter Singer, Mary Midgley Two of the most influential thinkers of our time, Peter Singer, Australian philosopher, Princeton professor and author of Animal Liberation, and the late Mary Midgley, described by the Guardian as "UK's foremost scourge of scientific pretention" go head to head on the future of bio-ethics. Roger Bolton hosts. |
| 2024-Apr-02 • 60 minutes Does energy really exist? | Priyamvada Natarajan, Avshalom Elitzur, and Bernard Carr on the enigma of energy Leading physicists Priyamvada Natarajan, Avshalom Elitzur, and Bernard Carr question the existence of 'energy' as a concept in physics and muse on the mysticism science can bring to. |
| 2024-Mar-26 • 16 minutes Why we should question everything | Michael Della Rocca on radical philosophy Philosopher Michael Della Rocca challenges conventional philosophy's reliance on common sense, interpreting the world instead as a unified whole. |
| 2024-Mar-19 • 52 minutes The enlightenment and its alternatives | John Mearsheimer, Steven Pinker Two of the most influential thinkers of our time, John Mearsheimer, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, and Steven Pinker, Professor of Psychology at Harvard University debate the Enlightenment and its alternative. Sophie Scott-Brown hosts. |
| 2024-Mar-12 • 27 minutes Mind-body dualism and being transgender | Sophie Grace Chappell Philosopher Sophie Grace Chappell reflects on being transgender in the light of persistent philosophical questions, from Plato to John Stuart Mill. |
| 2024-Mar-05 • 44 minutes Dostoevsky vs Nietzsche | Kathleen Higgins, Janne Teller, Oliver Ready Kathleen Higgins is a leading continental philosopher at the University of Texas, Austin. Her research interests are broad and include the philosophy of aesthetics, emotions and music. Oliver Ready is a celebrated translator and literary scholar. His translation of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment has received critical acclaim. Janne Teller is a critically acclaimed writer whose novels include Odin's Island, and Come, an existential novel about ethics in art and modern life. Niki Seth-Smith hosts. |
| 2024-Feb-27 • 31 minutes The God desire| David Baddiel David Baddiel and Chine McDonald discuss what humanity's deep-seated longing for God's existence may mean, and why it is okay. |
| 2024-Feb-21 • 48 minutes Why we seek spirituality | John Vervaeke, Sophie-Grace Chappell, Michael Shermer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.... |
| 2024-Feb-13 • 55 minutes The economics of almost everything | Daniel Markovits, Martin Wolf, Madeleine Pennington Chief Economics Commentator for the FT Martin Wolf, Yale Law professor Daniel Markovits and Head of Research at Theos, Madeleine Pennington, debate whether the 21st century will prove to be unique. Hilary Lawson hosts. |
| 2024-Feb-06 • 31 minutes In conversation with Slavoj Žižek: Life and philosophy Slavoj Žižek discusses the various components of his philosophy in conversation with novelist Joanna Kavenna. |
| 2024-Jan-30 • 19 minutes Psychology of AI | Isabel Millar Ground breaking philosopher and psychoanalytic theorist Dr Isabel Millar discusses her work in challenging assumptions around AI by deploying the tools of psychoanalysis to the study of AI. |
| 2024-Jan-23 • 32 minutes On the nature of reality | Iain McGilchrist and Rowan Williams Rowan Williams and Iain McGilchrist discuss the layered and inter-connected nature of reality from their perspectives. |
| 2024-Jan-16 • 23 minutes Narcissism and self-love | Simon Blackburn Simon Blackburn on the dangers of self-love. |
| 2024-Jan-09 • 55 minutes The end of good and evil | Slavoj Žižek, Maria Balaska, Rowan Williams, Richard Wrangham Anthropologist and Harvard University Professor Richard Wrangham, renowened philosopher and cultural critic Slavoj Žižek, University of Hertfordshire professor Maria Balaska and the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams join Myriam François to discuss the nature of good and evil. |
| 2024-Jan-02 • 42 minutes The limits of knowledge | Rupert Sheldrake, Suchitra Sebastian, Tommy Curry Rupert Sheldrake, Suchitra Sebastian, and Tommy Curry challenge our views about knowledge. |
| 2023-Dec-26 • 19 minutes Can we make sense of the cosmos? | Iain McGilchrist and Hilary Lawson in conversation Iain McGilchrist gives Hilary Lawson an exclusive interview on the nature of truth and the cosmos, and the danger of delusional thinking. |
| 2023-Dec-19 • 51 minutes Why is language no guide to reality? | Nolen Gertz, Betty Sue Flowers, Joscha Bach Nolen Gertz, Betty Sue Flowers, and Joscha Bach debate language and reality. |
| 2023-Dec-12 • 39 minutes On the edges of knowledge | Michael Shermer vs Rupert Sheldrake Radical scientist, Rupert Sheldrake, and world-leading sceptic, Michael Shermer, go head-to-head on where the edges of knowledge lie. |
| 2023-Dec-05 • 47 minutes Necessity and lies | Rebecca Roache, Simon Baron-Cohen, Hilary Lawson Rebecca Roache, Simon Baron-Cohen, and Hilary Lawson join Samira Shackle to scrutinize honesty and deception. |
| 2023-Nov-28 • 46 minutes Taking leave of reason | Joanna Kavenna, Rory Sutherland, Rebecca Roache Joanna Kavenna, Rory Sutherland and Rebecca Roache debate whether we need reason as much as we think we do in an increasingly chaotic modern age. Bahar Gholipour hosts. |
| 2023-Nov-21 • 31 minutes The quest for freedom | Katarina Schwarz Katarina Schwarz discusses the reality of modern-day slavery. |
| 2023-Nov-14 • 54 minutes Ancient traits in a modern world | Sunetra Gupta, Anders Sandberg, Subrena Smith Sunetra Gupta, Anders Sandberg and Subrena Smith debate whether or not our neurobiology inadequate to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Güneş Taylor hosts. |
| 2023-Nov-07 • 27 minutes Free will is not an illusion | Denis Noble Denis Noble cracks the free will debackle. |
| 2023-Oct-31 • 57 minutes Me, my world and I | Barry Smith, Hannah Critchlow, Gary Lachman Barry Smith, Hannah Critchlow and Gary Lachman talk subjectivity and collective experience. |
| 2023-Oct-24 • 36 minutes Cities of the future | Lucelia Rodrigues Lucelia Rodrigues discusses the prospects of a sustainably built future. |
| 2023-Oct-17 • 45 minutes Anonymity: the dream and the nightmare | Stephen Kinsella, Victoria Baines, Hugh Tomlinson Stephen Kinsella, Victoria Baines and Hugh Tomlinson debate internet anonymity. |
| 2023-Oct-10 • 45 minutes The new renaissance | Sophie Scott-Brown, David Aaronovitch, John Ellis John Ellis, Sophie Scott-Brown and David Aaronovitch debate if the systems in place to breed and form knowledge are more inhibiting than beneficial. |
| 2023-Oct-03 • 46 minutes The ignorance of experts |Julian Baggini, Ellen Clarke, Ben Burgis Julian Baggini, Ellen Clarke, and Ben Burgis debate whether our mistrust in science if justified. |
| 2023-Sep-25 • 47 minutes Beyond the boundary | Lisa Miller, Nick Lane, Paul Bickley In a secular age dominated by scientific understanding, philosophers Lisa Miller, Nick Lane, and Paul Bickley explore the profound mysteries of life and death, delving into questions surrounding consciousness and the potentiality of an afterlife. |
| 2023-Sep-19 • 28 minutes How I changed my mind about truth | Simon Blackburn Simon Blackburn delves into the heart of objective morality, challenging metaphysics and shedding light on the philosophical intricacies of truth. |
| 2023-Sep-18 • 42 minutes The good, the bad and the ignored | Peter Singer, Julian Baggini, Sophie Scott-Brown Peter Singer, Julian Baggini and Sophie Scott-Brown debate if inaction is equally as bad as, or worse than, action. |
| 2023-Sep-05 • 41 minutes Getting everything, losing everything | Anders Sandberg, Massimo Pigliucci, Mazviita Chirimuuta Anders Sandberg, Massimo Pigliucci, Mazviita Chirimuuta debate promises and perils of our potential digital future. |
| 2023-Aug-29 • 37 minutes How philosophy got lost | Slavoj Zizek Slavoj Žižek provides a Hegelian insight into historical and current political crises. |
| 2023-Aug-22 • 22 minutes How to find and make sense of happiness | Paul Dolan Paul Dolan believes that attention significantly impacts happiness and suggests making life choices based on what will occupy our daily focus afterward. |
| 2023-Aug-15 • 48 minutes Truth, delusion, and psychedelic reality | Eileen Hall, Julian Baggini, James Rucker Experts discuss the intersection of psychedelics, reality, and the human psyche. |
| 2023-Aug-08 • 49 minutes The seduction of thought | Miranda Keeling, Steve Taylor, Andy West Is thought a distraction from reality?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesFrom... the birth of reason to Descartes' "I think, therefore I am"; Western culture has placed thought at the centre of what it is to be human. We spend much of our time planning the future, reflecting on the past, puzzling about what to do, and talking about it with others. But might this be a mistake? Should culture, as Nietzsche proposes, 'free itself from the seduction of words and t... |
| 2023-Aug-01 • 43 minutes A world by any other name | Arif Ahmed, Ruth Kempson, Hilary Lawson Questioning the significance and solvability of language's role in shaping our understanding of the world. |
| 2023-Jul-25 • 24 minutes Material girls - philosophies of gender | Kathleen Stock Philosopher Kathleen Stock shares her perspective on the current gender identity discourse. |
| 2023-Jul-18 • 44 minutes Being ourselves and being with others | Janne Teller, Stefan Priebe, Sophie Ward Exploring the complexities of independence vs. community in modern society. |
| 2023-Jul-11 • 29 minutes Head to Head: Philosophy vs Science | Marika Taylor, Julian Baggini In a dynamic head-to-head, physicist Marika Taylor and philosopher Julian Baggini explore the intertwined histories and futures of philosophy and science. |
| 2023-Jul-04 • 44 minutes The new 10 commandments | Massimo Pigliucci, Simon Baron-Cohen, Sophie Grace Chapel Leading thinkers debate the shifting nature of moral codes, questioning whether life can truly be condensed into a rulebook, amidst the backdrop of religion, social media norms, and evolving societal structures. |
| 2023-Jun-27 • 19 minutes The making of reality | Hilary Lawson Join us as philosopher Hilary Lawson unveils 'Closure', a theory exploring the intriguing concept of an open, elusive world that transcends our linguistic and cognitive boundaries. |
| 2023-Jun-20 • 50 minutes Do our lives tell a story? | Sophie Fiennes, David Hare, Janne Teller Janne Teller, David Hare and Sophie Fiennes discuss the end. |
| 2023-Jun-13 • 29 minutes A tale of truth | Simon Blackburn Exploring the elusive nature of truth: Challenging conventional theories including pragmatism, and unveiling the redundancy of the concept |
| 2023-Jun-06 • 44 minutes The happiness delusion | Aaron Bastani, Paul Dolan, Joanna Kavenna Aaron Bastani, Paul Dolan and Joanna Kavenna debate "happiness" - whatever that is. |
| 2023-May-30 • 42 minutes The key to consciousness | Donald Hoffman, Hannah Critchlow, Sam Coleman Is materialism a fundamental mistake?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... relationship between the individual human subject and the world was once the central focus of Western philosophy. Modern neuroscience has instead tended to assume that the world is purely material and physical, and the problem of consciousness a question of how to generate thought from matter. Yet, we are no closer to solving the deep puzzle of consciousness and many argue that the American... |
| 2023-May-23 • 51 minutes Can experiments settle the free will debate? | Julian Baggini, Peter Godfrey-Smith, Sarah Garfinkel Julian Baggini, Peter Godfrey-Smith and Sarah Garfinkel attempt to settle the free will debate once and for all. |
| 2023-May-16 • 49 minutes Love and other drugs | Rupert Sheldrake, Anders Sandberg, Ella Whelan Rupert Sheldrake, Anders Sandberg, Ella Whelan discuss how modern chemistry can unlock feelings of love |
| 2023-May-09 • 55 minutes The good and the evil│Tommy Curry, Massimo Pigliucci, Joanna Kavenna Can we make ultimate moral judgements?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a couple of millenia in the West we have judged people and their actions by the standards of good and evil. But, from Mother Theresa to Winston Churchill the notion that an individual is simply good is hard to sustain. Almost all claim to be good. Even the Nazis believed they were on a moral crusade against the evils of corruption and deceit, managing to enlist the Catholic church in suppo... |
| 2023-May-02 • 28 minutes How to be a sceptic | Massimo Pigliucci Massimo Pigliucci on scepticism as a philosophy of life. |
| 2023-Apr-24 • 51 minutes Consciousness in the machine | Donald Hoffman, Bernardo Kastrup, Susan Schneider Donald Hoffman, Bernardo Kastrup, Susan Schneider debate the possibility of conscious AI. Hosted by Curt Jaimungal. |
| 2023-Apr-18 • 27 minutes Finding transcendence in a secular world | Rupert Sheldrake Rupert Sheldrake discusses earthly ways to undergo spiritual experiences. |
| 2023-Apr-11 • 48 minutes Does emotion rule over reason? | Tommy Curry, Güneş Taylor, Julian Baggini Tommy Curry, Güneş Taylor, and Julian Baggini on passion and reason. Barry Smith hosts. |
| 2023-Apr-04 • 48 minutes Do we need technological progress? | Kenneth Cukier, Nolen Gertz, Caitjan Gainty Kenneth Cukier, Nolen Gertz and Caintjan Gainty debate if we need technology to progress. |
| 2023-Mar-28 • 37 minutes The one true story | Janne Teller, Barry C. Smith, Silvia Jonas Janne Teller, Barry C. Smith, Silvia Jonas debate the question of whether philosophy can be devoid of motives or social goals. |
| 2023-Mar-21 • 26 minutes Breaking through the consciousness stalemate | Philip Goff Distinguished philosopher and panpsychist Philip Goff argues for a new approach to understanding consciousness. |
| 2023-Mar-14 • 49 minutes Is our search for an objective morality misguided? | Slavoj Žižek, Joanna Kavenna, Simon Blackburn Slavoj Žižek, Joanna Kavenna and Simon Blackburn grapple with morality. |
| 2023-Mar-07 • 31 minutes The world after reality | Hilary Lawson Hilary Lawson proposes a non-realist metaphysics. |
| 2023-Mar-01 • 24 minutes The AI hoax | Mazviita Chirimuuta Mazviita Chirimuuta argues that the connection between intelligence and life is stronger than previously believed. |
| 2023-Feb-21 • 46 minutes Is analytic philosophy's fixation on language holding us back? | Barry Smith, Maria Balaska, Hilary Lawson Barry Smith, Maria Balaska and Hilary Lawson debate the current state of analytic philosophy. |
| 2023-Feb-14 • 48 minutes Can art uncover the essence of the world? | Janne Teller, Isy Suttie, Paul Muldoon, James Tartaglia Janne Teller, Isy Suttie, Paul Muldoon, James Tartaglia debate whether art should be the primary means of understanding reality. |
| 2023-Feb-07 • 50 minutes Catching Sight of Our Self | Iain McGilchrist, Betty Sue Flowers, Anil Ananthaswamy, and Bence Nanay Pioneer of modern understanding of ancient myths Betty Sue Flowers, Award winning journalist Anil Ananthaswamy, renowned psychiatrist Ian McGilchrist and Professor of Philosophy Bence Nanay are joined by our host, Professor of Religion and Science Mary Jane Rubenstein to ask if we can ever truly know ourselves. |
| 2023-Jan-31 • 41 minutes Should we free ourselves of objects and clutter? | Paul Dolan, Mary-Ann Ochota and Steve Taylor Paul Dolan, Mary-Ann Ochota and Steve Taylor debate whether we should rid ourselves of things or hold on to them. |
| 2023-Jan-24 • 45 minutes Is the biological self a delusion? | JohnJoe McFadden, Ane Ogbe, Peter Brodin Must we give up on our current ideas of the self and identity? Listen to find out!Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... laugh at the medieval view that disease is due to an imbalance in the four humours. Instead we see infectious illness as an attack by something external. But this can't be the whole story. After all, not everyone got Covid or suffered from it equally.There are mounting challenges to the standard attack-defence account of disease. Critics argue It... |
| 2023-Jan-17 • 33 minutes Should we care for ants | Peter Godfrey-Smith Peter Godfrey-Smith pushes us to reconsider our moral limits. |
| 2023-Jan-11 • 42 minutes Kafka vs Camus | Emma Sulkowicz, Andrea Elliott, Paul Muldoon Emma Sulkowicz, Andrea Elliott and Paul Muldoon debate the individual and society. |
| 2023-Jan-03 • 24 minutes How to use philosophy for a better life | Rebecca Roache What is philosophy and how can it help us lead more meaningful lives? Join philosopher Rebecca Roache as she discusses the tools that philosophy can equip us with to create better lives and more enlightended societies. |
| 2022-Dec-27 • 34 minutes Where sceptics fail | with Alex O'Connor An interview with CosmisSkeptic about scepticism, philosophy, religion, and more. |
| 2022-Dec-20 • 45 minutes Did hunter-gatherers have a better life? | Mark Williams, Peter Lilley, Natalie Bennett Mark Williams, Peter Lilley, and Natalie Bennett discuss the benefits and the trap of civilisation. |
| 2022-Dec-13 • 53 minutes Will science crack the mystery of consciousness? | Bernardo Kastrup, Patricia Churchland, Carlo Rovelli Bernardo Kastrup, Patricia Churchland and Carlo Rovelli lock horns from radically different sides of the consciousness debate. |
| 2022-Dec-06 • 11 minutes Writing the self | Meg Rosoff Meg Rosoff sits down with us to give insight into her writing philosophy. |
| 2022-Nov-29 • 43 minutes The search for certainty | Simon Blackburn, Hilary Lawson, Ruth Chang Simon Blackburn, Hilary Lawson and Ruth Chang discuss if certainty can ever truly be found. |
| 2022-Nov-22 • 13 minutes The quest for reason | Alister McGrath Alister McGrath discusses the intersection between science, religion and certainty. |
| 2022-Nov-15 • 45 minutes The trauma of the everyday | Joanna Kavenna, Ian Parker, Sarah Garfinkel, Mark Salter Joanna Kavenna, Ian Parker and Sarah Garfinkel explore modern trauma and what we can do about it. Mark Salter hosts. |
| 2022-Nov-08 • 51 minutes The knowledge delusion | Santiago Zabala, Corine Besson, Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad Santiago Zabala, Corine Besson and Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad debate the idea of certainty. |
| 2022-Nov-01 • 44 minutes Postmodernism in the dock | Julian Baggini, Mina Salami, Hilary Lawson and Julie Bindel Juilan Baggini, Mina Salami, Hilary Lawson and Julie Bindel debate over the authority of so-called objective truth. |
| 2022-Oct-25 • 44 minutes Is moral responsibility an illusion? | Galen Strawson, Massimo Pigliucci, Sarah Garfinkel Galen Strawson, Massimo Pigliucci and Sarah Garfinkel debate innocence and guilt. |
| 2022-Oct-18 • 47 minutes Are we predisposed to catastrophise? | Elise Valmorbida, Meg Rosoff and Nick Zangwill Is it bad if we are?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the evening news to the latest films and novels - we are attracted to crises and the trials and tribulations of life. The pandemic brought stories of human suffering, whether from illness, isolation or joblessness, which we readily consumed. But the healthiness of this fascination with misery is questionable, potentially leaving us with a distorted picture of the state of affairs and low expectations for ou... |
| 2022-Oct-11 • 52 minutes Did consciousness evolve? | Donald Hoffman, Iain McGilchrist, Eva Jablonka and Michelle Montague Donald Hoffman, Iain McGilchrist, Eva Jablonka and Michelle Montague debate the origins of consciousness. |
| 2022-Oct-04 • 46 minutes If it doesn't kill you | Susie Orbach, Anders Sandberg, and Havl Carel Susie Orbach, Anders Sandberg, and Havl Carel discuss the purpose of suffering in the world. |
| 2022-Sep-27 • 44 minutes Where language fails us | Kehinde Andrews, John McWhorter and Laurie Ann Paul Kehinde Andrews, John McWhorter and Laurie Ann Paul discuss if language is capable of communicating lived experience. |
| 2022-Sep-20 • 45 minutes Is science objective? | Rupert Sheldrake, Peter Atkins, Steve Fuller, Angela Saini Rupert Sheldrake, Peter Atkins, Steve Fuller and Angela Saini discuss the flaws and potentials of scientific research. |
| 2022-Sep-13 • 29 minutes Monsters of pantheism| Mary-Jane Rubenstein Mary-Jane Rubenstein discusses pantheism and the beauty of a world with monsters. |
| 2022-Sep-06 • 45 minutes Are facts trustworthy? |Simon Blackburn, Sophie Grace Chappell and Anandi Hattiangadi Simon Blackburn, Sophie Grace Chappell and Anandi Hattiangadi discuss the authority and validity of fact in today's society. |
| 2022-Aug-30 • 45 minutes A world of illusions | James Ladyman, Peter Atkins, Joanna Kavenna Is science trapped in a philosophical fantasy from which it needs to escape? |
| 2022-Aug-24 • 46 minutes The post-natural world of tomorrow | Yuval Noah Harari, Slavoj Žižek World-famous intellectual Yuval Noah Harari and firebrand philosopher Slavoj Žižek debate whether nature is friend or foe. |
| 2022-Aug-16 • 26 minutes Choosing virtual reality | David Chalmers David Chalmers discusses the potentials and validity of virtual reality. |
| 2022-Aug-09 • 20 minutes Public policies in pursuit of happiness | Paul Dolan Paul Dolan discusses the role of public policy in people's happiness. |
| 2022-Aug-03 • 43 minutes Is nature the new god? | Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, Tim Palmer and Melanie Challenger Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, Tim Palmer and Melanie Challenger debate whether society should have a human-centric approach to life, or put nature above all else. |
| 2022-Jul-26 • 20 minutes Our delusions about reality | Iain McGilchrist A fascinating interview with Iain McGilchrist. |
| 2022-Jul-19 • 42 minutes Is rationality a delusion? | Sophie Archer, Timothy Williamson and Nina Power Sophie Archer, Timothy Williamson and Nina Power discuss if rationality is a valid perspective, or if living in an emotional world is more beneficial to society. |
| 2022-Jul-12 • 19 minutes Human justice and machine intelligence | Joanna Bryson In a studio interview, Joanna Bryson discusses intelligence in animals, humans and machines. |
| 2022-Jul-05 • 44 minutes Lies we tell about religion | Slavoj Zizek, Rupert Sheldrake, Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen Slavoj Zizek, Rupert Sheldrake and Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen reveal the truth behind science and religion. |
| 2022-Jun-28 • 32 minutes Are we right about atheism? | Julian Baggini Julian Baggini revisits atheism. |
| 2022-Jun-21 • 45 minutes Does ultimate truth exist? | Rupert Sheldrake, Güneş Taylor, Peter Atkins, Hilary Lawson Are scientific metaphors a real description of reality? |
| 2022-Jun-14 • 16 minutes Demons of materialism | James Tartaglia In this interview James Tartaglia lays out the case for nihilism and and uncloaks some unexpected demons of materialism. |
| 2022-Jun-07 • 50 minutes The puzzle of artistic greatness | Minna Salami, Stanley Fish, Meg Rosoff, Janne Teller Minna Salami, Stanley Fish, Meg Rosoff and Janne Teller discuss whether we can still measure artistic greatness. |
| 2022-May-31 • 29 minutes Philosophy's psychedelic renaissance |Rupert Sheldrake, Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes Scientist Rupert Sheldrake and philosopher Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes explore the interplay between psychedelics and philosophy. |
| 2022-May-24 • 34 minutes Computing the mind | Kenneth Cukier, Joanna Bryson, Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes Kenneth Cukier, Joanna Bryson and Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes debate whether the brain is really a computer. |
| 2022-May-17 • 45 minutes When science meets philosophy | Philip Goff, Julian Baggini, Peter Atkins, Güneş Taylor Julian Baggini, Philip Goff, Peter Atkins and Güneş Taylor discuss whether science has rendered philosophy redundant. |
| 2022-May-10 • 19 minutes The truth about philosophy of science| Sabine Hossenfelder Sabine Hossenfelder discusses whether science needs philosophy. |
| 2022-May-03 • 43 minutes What does data really tell us? | Donald Hoffman, Tim Maudlin, Lisa Randall Is our obsession with data healthy or dangerous? Our specialists discuss.Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... to the science' was the call from politicians and the public alike throughout the pandemic. As if science has a single definitive view, and the data one interpretation. Yet science is full of competing and sometimes contradictory views particularly at the edge of current understanding. And increasingly scientists see themselves as operating with models of... |
| 2022-Apr-26 • 25 minutes Everyday philosophy, Extraordinary life | Timothy Williamson Timothy Williamson discusses how philosophy occupies the everyday. |
| 2022-Apr-19 • 45 minutes Was Richard Dawkins wrong about memes? | Massimo Pigliucci, Hilary Lawson, Joanna Bryson Massimo Pigliucci, Hilary Lawson and Joanna Bryson debate whether memetics should go. |
| 2022-Apr-12 • 27 minutes Asking the ultimate questions about reality | Robert Lawrence Kuhn Robert Lawrence Kuhn asks the ultimate questions about our existence. |
| 2022-Apr-05 • 28 minutes Dreams of a transhumanist future | Luke Robert Mason Luke Robert Mason glimpses into the possibilities of our technologically enhanced future. |
| 2022-Mar-29 • 45 minutes Art beyond the sublime | Rupert Sheldrake, Minna Salami, Olivia Fane, Joanna Kavenna Rupert Sheldrake, Minna Salami, Olivia Fane and Joanna Kavenna discuss how real the transcendent is and whether contemporary culture is still able to access the sublime. |
| 2022-Mar-22 • 42 minutes Has philosophy lost its stories? | Galen Strawson, Patricia Churchland, Hilary Lawson Galen Strawson, Patricia Churchland and Hilary Lawson scrutinise the grand stories philosophy tells itself. |
| 2022-Mar-15 • 26 minutes Panpsychism vs physics | Philip Goff Philosopher of consciousness Philip Goff defends panpsychism against physics. |
| 2022-Mar-08 • 25 minutes A guide to parenting in the digital age | Melanie Challenger Melanie Challenger probes at some of the moral dilemmas today's "technological parents" face. |
| 2022-Mar-01 • 39 minutes The power of ritual in the modern world | Noel Carroll, Hannah Dawson, Linda Woodhead Noel Carroll, Hannah Dawson and Linda Woodhead discuss whether keeping up with old traditions can still benefit us in our every day life. |
| 2022-Feb-22 • 16 minutes The truth about consciousness | Anil Seth Anil Seth unveils some of the mystery surrounding consciousness. |
| 2022-Feb-15 • 37 minutes The dangers of morality | Rebecca Roache, Matthew Taylor and Hilary Lawson Rebecca Roache, Matthew Taylor and Hilary Lawson discuss whether our belief in morality is a dangerous fantasy. |
| 2022-Feb-08 • 23 minutes Free will, the self and other illusions | Galen Strawson Galen Strawson unmasks free will as a necessary illusion. |
| 2022-Feb-01 • 44 minutes Was Nietzsche right about meaning? | Rupert Sheldrake, James Tartaglia, Maria Balaska Rupert Sheldrake, James Tartaglia and Maria Balaska lock horns over the meaning of life. |
| 2022-Jan-25 • 23 minutes Machines that feel? | Fotini Markopoulou Fotini Markopoulou discusses AI, emotions and the tech evolution. |
| 2022-Jan-18 • 43 minutes All the things we cannot say | Ray Tallis, Hilary Lawson, Joanna Kavenna Ray Tallis, Hilary Lawson and Joanna Kavenna lock horns over metaphysics. |
| 2022-Jan-11 • 32 minutes The mechanics of other minds | Philip Ball Philip Ball explores the mechanics of the different minds that might exist in the universe. |
| 2022-Jan-04 • 38 minutes The paradox of moral codes | David Friedman, Timothy Williamson and Maria Baghramian David Friedman, Timothy Williamson and Maria Baghramian dig into the true nature of morality. |
| 2021-Dec-21 • 47 minutes More than a theory | Sabine Hossenfelder, Bjørn Ekeberg, Sam Henry Sabine Hossenfelder, Bjørn Ekeberg and Sam Henry discuss whether it's time to reconsider our perception of the universe. |
| 2021-Dec-14 • 32 minutes Beyond truth | Hilary Lawson Hilary Lawson advocates for embracing a radical alternative to reality. |
| 2021-Dec-07 • 18 minutes How to navigate the hidden gems of philosophy | Maria Balaska In this interview Maria Balaska discusses astonishment, language, the wisdom of children and more. |
| 2021-Nov-30 • 18 minutes A radical plan to save education | Michael Hrebeniak, Isabelle McNeill Cambridge academics Michael Hrebeniak and Isabelle McNeill lay out their vision of how to revolutionise education. |
| 2021-Nov-23 • 25 minutes Are we hallucinating ourselves? | Anil Seth Anil Seth puts forward a radical new theory of consciousness and the self. |
| 2021-Nov-16 • 26 minutes The big ideas we choose to believe in | Dallas Campbell Dallas Campbell shares his insight as an "outsider" in the world of science. |
| 2021-Nov-09 • 45 minutes Does language make us uniquely human? | Ray Tallis, Joanna Kavenna and Jennifer Ackerman Ray Tallis, Joanna Kavenna and Jennifer Ackerman debate the uniqueness of human language. |
| 2021-Nov-02 • 45 minutes Are we moral hypocrites? | Julian Baggini, David Chandler, Ece Temelkuran Julian Baggini, David Chandler and Ece Temelkuran debate whether strict moral codes always lead to immoral acts. |
| 2021-Oct-26 • 44 minutes Playing with fire | Beverly Taylor, Ella Whelan and Lawrence Phillips Beverly Taylor, Ella Whelan and Lawrence Phillips debate safety and risk in the context of a pandemic. |
| 2021-Oct-19 • 45 minutes Was Max Planck right about consciousness? | Patricia Churchland, Brian Greene, Amanda Gefter and Laura Mersini-Houghton Patricia Churchland, Brian Greene, Laura Mersini-Houghton and Amanda Gefter discuss whether Max Planck was right in asserting that "matter is derivative from consciousness." |
| 2021-Oct-12 • 26 minutes Islands and the Anthropocene | David Chandler David Chandler discusses what islands can teach us about modernity. |
| 2021-Oct-05 • 49 minutes The story of reality | Sophie Fiennes, Betty Sue Flowers, Noel Carroll Sophie Fiennes, Betty Sue Flowers and Noel Carroll debate whether narratives should reflect or escape reality. |
| 2021-Sep-28 • 16 minutes What it means to be human | Raymond Tallis Raymond Tallis discusses the uniqueness of humanity. |
| 2021-Sep-14 • 44 minutes The case for virtuous virtue signalling | Kwame Anthony Appiah, Crystal Fleming, David Goodhart Kwame Anthony Appiah, Crystal Fleming and David Goodhart probe the moral maze of public morality. |
| 2021-Sep-07 • 48 minutes Consciousness Beyond Time | Laura Mersini-Houghton, Paul Davies, Craig Callender, Hilary Lawson Laura Mersini-Houghton, Paul Davies, Hilary Lawson and Craig Callender lock horns over the arrows of time. |
| 2021-Aug-31 • 28 minutes Can wireheading cause real pleasure | Anders Sandberg Anders Sandberg examines the pursuit of pleasure through wireheading. |
| 2021-Aug-24 • 46 minutes Why do we want to be good? | Ece Temelkuran, Alison Milbank, Peter Sjöstedt-H Ece Temelkuran, Alison Milbank Peter Sjöstedt-H debate the existence of a secular morality. |
| 2021-Aug-17 • 31 minutes How the universe learns | Rupert Sheldrake Rupert Sheldrake explains how nature has it's own memory through his theory of Morphic Resonance. |
| 2021-Aug-10 • 47 minutes Necessary lies | Michael Shermer, Hilary Lawson & Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen Are all views essentially perspectival? |
| 2021-Aug-03 • 13 minutes Philosophy for emergencies | Santiago Zabala Philosopher Santiago Zabala speaks about the danger of living in an age that is virtually absent of emergencies. |
| 2021-Jul-27 • 37 minutes The infidelity of beliefs | Graham Harman, Hilary Lawson, Anandi Hattiangadi Graham Harman, Hilary Lawson and Anandi Hattiangadi discuss the difference between opinion and truth. |
| 2021-Jul-20 • 43 minutes How dangerous are your beliefs? | George Ellis, Carlo Rovelli, Philip Goff and Shami Chakrabarti George Ellis, Carlo Rovelli, Philip Goff and Shami Chakrabarti discuss whether faith undermines knowledge. |
| 2021-Jul-13 • 47 minutes Leadership, hypocrisy and power | Joseph J. Ellis, Chris Hirst & Natalie Bennett Joseph J. Ellis, Chris Hirst & Natalie Bennett discuss leadership and the dangers of absolute power. |
| 2021-Jul-06 • 25 minutes The neuroscience of consciousness | Patricia Churchland Patricia Churchland takes us on a neurophilosopher's journey into the brain. |
| 2021-Jun-29 • 36 minutes The world beyond what we see | Hilary Lawson, Hannah Dawson and Matthew D'Ancona Philosopher Hilary Lawson, historian Hannah Dawson, and columnist Matthew D’Ancona debate post-truth. |
| 2021-Jun-22 • 47 minutes Humans and other animals | Ray Tallis, Melanie Challenger, Jamie Blackett and Kay Peggs Ray Tallis, Melanie Challenger, Jamie Blackett and Kay Peggs debate the hypocrisy of the way we treat animals. |
| 2021-Jun-15 • 17 minutes The philosophy of who we are | Kwame Anthony Appiah NYU Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah discusses his work on moral philosophy, identity and race. |
| 2021-Jun-08 • 28 minutes Spirituality for the non-religious | Rupert Sheldrake Rupert Sheldrake asks why so many non-religious people drawn to spiritual journeys and holy places. |
| 2021-Jun-01 • 21 minutes A Philosopher's Guide to Being Happy | David Pearce In this interview, David Pearce explores the possibilities of biomedically engineering a world of intelligent bliss. |
| 2021-May-25 • 41 minutes Do we really experience reality? | Graham Harman, Donald Hoffman & Mazviita Chirimuuta Graham Harman, Mazviita Chirimuuta and Donald Hoffman debate whether we can see the truth about reality. |
| 2021-May-18 • 33 minutes The Logical Labyrinth of Expertise | Anandi Hattiangadi Professor of Philosophy at Stockholm University Anandi Hattiangadi investigates the logical labyrinth of expertise. |
| 2021-May-11 • 27 minutes The Skeptic’s Case for Free Speech | Michael Shermer Founder of The Skeptics Society Michael Shermer puts forward his case for the importance of free speech. |
| 2021-May-04 • 41 minutes Reaching for Truth | David Aaronovitch, Asa Wikforss, Santiago Zabala Journalist David Aaronovitch, philosopher of the mind Åsa Wikforss and philosophy professor Santiago Zabala ask whether telling the truth still matters at all. |
| 2021-Apr-27 • 31 minutes Psychedelics and the Birth of Philosophy | Brian Muraresku New York Times bestseller Brian Muraresku uncovers the importance of psychedelic experiences to Ancient Greek and early Christian culture. |
| 2021-Apr-20 • 41 minutes The Future of Mind Control | Rupert Sheldrake, Susan Schneider, Natasha Vita-More Author of The Science Delusion Rupert Sheldrake, chairman of Humanity+ Natasha Vita-More and philosopher of mind and AI specialist Susan Schneider debate the potential of mind-computer interface technology. |
| 2021-Apr-16 • 47 minutes Beyond Us: Bonus Review Series hosts Bernardo Kastrup and Fred Matser reflect on the series as a whole, and draw together some new conclusions. |
| 2021-Apr-13 • 46 minutes Emotion Vs Reason | Dan Ariely, Paul Bloom, Patty Kostkova Dan Ariely, Paul Bloom and Patty Kostkova ask whether the best strategy for survival is emotion or reason. |
| 2021-Apr-06 • 32 minutes Becoming A Philosopher | Daniel Dennett World-renowned philosopher Daniel Dennett discusses the origins of his biggest ideas. |
| 2021-Mar-30 • 47 minutes Reshaping The Self | Dan Zahavi, Lisa Bortolotti, Anders Sandberg Philosophers Dan Zahavi, Lisa Bortolotti and Anders Sandberg discuss the location and features of the self. |
| 2021-Mar-26 • 45 minutes Beyond Us: Growth with Mo Gawdat Series hosts Bernardo Kastrup and Fred Matser discuss the fascinating topic of growth with renowned former Chief Business Officer for Google X, entrepreneur and the author of the book Solve for Happy, Mo Gawdat. |
| 2021-Mar-23 • 46 minutes Are we looking at life wrong? | Daniel Dennett, Sara Walker, Nick Lane Philosopher Daniel Dennett, astrobiologist Sara Walker and biochemist Nick Lane ask which came first, the chicken or the egg? |
| 2021-Mar-16 • 18 minutes How do we know who to trust? | Maria Baghramian Professor of American Philosophy Maria Baghramian asks why we trust some experts but not others? |
| 2021-Mar-09 • 35 minutes How to Save Conscious Life on Earth | Susan Schneider Philosopher and cognitive scientist Susan Schneider delves into the future of AI-human relations. |
| 2021-Mar-05 • 41 minutes Beyond Us: Language with Jennifer Hornsby Series hosts Bernardo Kastrup and Fred Matser discuss the fascinating topic of language with renowned British philosopher of language, Jennifer Hornsby. |
| 2021-Mar-02 • 59 minutes Experiencing The World | Annaka Harris, Hilary Lawson, Reza Negarestani, Bernardo Kastrup Annaka Harris, Hilary Lawson, Reza Negarestani and Bernardo Kastrup debate the relationship between experience and reality. |
| 2021-Feb-23 • 31 minutes Compassion and Community | Dan Zahavi Oxford Professor of Philosophy Dan Zahavi asks whether society really needs empathy. |
| 2021-Feb-16 • 34 minutes How To Traverse Time | Peter Sjöstedt-H Philosopher of the mind Dr Peter Sjöstedt-H explores the relationship between time, experience and psychedelics. |
| 2021-Feb-12 • 40 minutes Beyond Us: Competition with Donald Hoffman Series hosts Bernardo Kastrup and Fred Matser discuss the fascinating topic of competition with the American evolutionary psychologist, Donald Hoffman. |
| 2021-Feb-09 • 24 minutes Everything We Cannot Know | Henry Gee Evolutionary biologist Henry Gee dares us to consider everything we cannot know. |
| 2021-Feb-02 • 57 minutes The Rise and Fall of Ideologies | Rory Stewart, Grace Blakeley, Michael Sandel Former Conservative MP Rory Stewart, economist Grace Blakeley, and Harvard political philosopher Michael Sandel discuss the return to idealist politics. |
| 2021-Jan-26 • 30 minutes Overcoming Individualism | Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad Professor of Comparative Religion and Philosophy Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad explores attitudes towards the self across the world. |
| 2021-Jan-22 • 35 minutes Beyond Us: Knowledge with Rebecca Goldstein Series hosts Bernardo Kastrup and Fred Matser discuss the fascinating topic of knowledge with Canadian philosopher and champion of the enlightenment project, Rebecca Goldstein. |
| 2021-Jan-19 • 23 minutes Building the Future, Remembering the Past | Peter Tatchell Renowned LGBT+ activist Peter Tatchell who outlines a direction to move forward without forgetting our past. |
| 2021-Jan-15 • 1 minutes Philosophy for our Times Presents: 'Beyond Us' Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... for Our Times is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Beyond Us, an all-new podcast series by the IAI, exploring four concepts that define the modern world: knowledge, competition, language and growth.In each episode, humanitarian Fred Matser and philosopher Bernardo Kastrup are joined by a leading thinker with a unique take on one of these fascinating topics. Episode one, released next Friday, will be all about kno... |
| 2021-Jan-12 • 14 minutes How To Spot An Emergency | Santiago Zabala Author and philosopher Santiago Zabala explores the relationship between freedom, postmodernism and emergencies. |
| 2021-Jan-05 • 30 minutes Ditching Selfish Ideologies | John Milbank Theologian John Milbank shares his vision for the future of happiness and the end of neo-liberalism. |
| 2020-Dec-29 • 50 minutes Words and the World | Paul Muldoon, Jennifer Hornsby, Hilary Lawson, Rebecca Roache Paul Muldoon, Rebecca Roache, Hilary Lawson and Jennifer Hornsby discuss the limits of language and philosophy |
| 2020-Dec-22 • 33 minutes The Tyranny of Meritocracy | Michael Sandel Harvard political philosopher Michael Sandel explains the dangers of sorting people by merit |
| 2020-Dec-15 • 31 minutes Overwhelmed By Choice | Renata Salecl Philosopher and sociologist Renata Salecl discusses what happens when we have too much choice. |
| 2020-Dec-10 • 44 minutes Surviving and Thriving On Curiosity | Garrick Jones Author Garrick Jones explores the role that curiosity can play in improving our lives |
| 2020-Dec-08 • 49 minutes Morality Before Metaphysics | Simon Blackburn, Raymond Tallis, Joanna Kavenna Simon Blackburn, Raymond Tallis and Joanna Kavenna ask whether putting morality first is a good idea when proposing theories |
| 2020-Nov-24 • 42 minutes Reality Uncovered | John Ellis, Sabine Hossenfelder, Jim Baggott John Ellis, Sabine Hossenfelder and Jim Baggott discuss the future of particle physics. |
| 2020-Nov-17 • 45 minutes Animal Rights and Human Wrongs | Peter Singer, Christopher Belshaw, Mary-Ann Sieghart, Peter Egan Peter Singer, Christopher Belshaw, Mary-Ann Sieghart and Peter Egan discuss the future of animal rights. |
| 2020-Nov-10 • 60 minutes Do We Really Want To Save The World? | Vince Cable, Aaron Bastani, Emma Slade, John Zerzan Vince Cable, Aaron Bastani, Emma Slade and John Zerzan discusses political engagement and inaction. |
| 2020-Nov-03 • 46 minutes Rational Animals | Steven Pinker, Daniel Kahneman, Shami Chakrabarti Steven Pinker, Daniel Kahneman and Shami Chakrabarti discuss risk, rationality and coronavirus. |
| 2020-Oct-27 • 46 minutes Free Will Worth Wanting |Daniel Dennett, Helen Steward, Patrick Haggard Daniel Dennett, Patrick Haggard and Helen Steward deliberate over the existence of free will. |
| 2020-Oct-20 • 31 minutes Why Choice is Not an Illusion | Raymond Tallis Cultural critic and philosopher Raymond Tallis unpicks the arguments against the existence of free will. |
| 2020-Oct-13 • 49 minutes Materialism Deconstructed| Bernardo Kastrup, Nancy Cartwright, Peter Atkins Is the world only made of material, physical stuff? |
| 2020-Oct-06 • 16 minutes The Maths of Life | Silvia Jonas Philosopher Silvia Jonas explores the philosophy of ineffability and the philosophy of mathematics. |
| 2020-Sep-29 • 43 minutes What do we really know? | Renata Salecl, Philip Goff & Simon Blackburn Renata Salecl, Philip Goff and Simon Blackburn debate the functions and limitations of supposedly objective truth. |
| 2020-Sep-22 • 17 minutes Martyrdom and Sacrifice |Terry Eagleton Terry Eagleton breaks down the meaning behind sacrifice, martyrdom and atheism. |
| 2020-Sep-15 • 26 minutes A Philosopher’s Duty? | Julian Baggini Julian Baggini discusses the everyday applications of philosophy |
| 2020-Sep-08 • 51 minutes Understanding Consciousness | Bernardo Kastrup, Susan Blackmore, Tim Crane Tim Crane, Susan Blackmore and Bernardo Kastrup debate popular and alternative theories of consciousness. |
| 2020-Sep-01 • 30 minutes The Ancient Indian Roots of Consciousness | Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad delves into ancient Indian systems of thought,. |
| 2020-Aug-25 • 17 minutes A World of Illusions | Jan Westerhoff Oxford professor of Buddhist philosophy Jan Westerhoff breaks down illusions and dreams. |
| 2020-Aug-18 • 32 minutes Panpsychism to the rescue | Philip Goff Philip Goff asks whether panpsychism can solve philosophy's core problems. |
| 2020-Aug-11 • 37 minutes Power and Philosophy: East vs West |Julian Baggini, Jamie Whyte, Vivienne Shue Is the sun setting on Western ideas as well as Western economies? |
| 2020-Aug-04 • 24 minutes Truth and Scientific Progress | Nancy Cartwright Philosopher of Science Nancy Cartwright discusses the role of authority within science. |
| 2020-Jul-28 • 18 minutes Humanity's Distant Future | Anders Sandberg Fellow at Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute Anders Sandberg investigates the road we must take to reach the mind-boggling possibilities and of a transhuman future. |
| 2020-Jul-21 • 39 minutes Epiphanies, Experiences, and Ethics | Sophie-Grace Chappell Sophie Grace Chappell argues her case against systematic thought and for epiphanies as moments of truth. |
| 2020-Jul-14 • 15 minutes Science and Spiritual Practices | Rupert Sheldrake Panpsychist Rupert Sheldrake explores the science behind everyday spiritual practices. |
| 2020-Jul-07 • 38 minutes The Importance of Identity and Belonging | Homi Bhabha, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, David Miller Post-colonial theorist Homi Bhabha, activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied and political theorist David Miller debate tribal division. |
| 2020-Jun-30 • 42 minutes Reality and Evolution | Donald Hoffman Cognitive psychologist Donald Hoffman breaks down the nature of reality |
| 2020-Jun-23 • 26 minutes Doing Wrong To Do Right | Stephen de Wijze Political philosopher Stephen de Wijze explores what happens when doing wrong is right |
| 2020-Jun-16 • 43 minutes Morality and Humanity | Simone Schnall, Joel Robbins, Rae Langton Psychologist Simone Schnall, philosopher Rae Langton and anthropologist Joel Robbins discuss morality relativity. |
| 2020-Jun-09 • 52 minutes Unpacking The Ethics of Covid-19 |Susan Neiman, Peter Hitchens, Patricia Churchland Susan Neiman, Peter Hitchens and Patricia Churchland debate the big moral issues of the pandemic. |
| 2020-Jun-02 • 41 minutes The Margins of Language | Stanley Fish, Genia Schönbaumsfeld, Hilary Lawson Stanley Fish, Genia Schönbaumsfeld and Hilary Lawson explore the limits of language. |
| 2020-May-26 • 41 minutes How to Make the Right Decision | Jason McKenzie Alexander Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... science has shown that all of us suffer from biases that distort our reality, impair our judgement and lead us to bad decisions. Here author J. McKenzie Alexander guides a workshop session that talks through the findings of contemporary decision theory and what's really involved when we make a choice.Head of Philosophy at the London School of Economics, Jason McKenzie Alexander is an expert in evolutionary game theory and... |
| 2020-May-19 • 12 minutes Knowledge Resistance | Åsa Wikforss Asa Wikforss helps us explore the importance of facts in our post truth world. |
| 2020-May-12 • 28 minutes Mysteries of the Mind | Markus Gabriel Why is consciousness so perplexing to so many? |
| 2020-May-05 • 37 minutes In Search of Freedom | Paul Broks, Julian Baggini, Hannah Dawson, Hilary Lawson Do we choose to follow the rules? |
| 2020-Apr-28 • 16 minutes How To Overcome Wilful Blindness | Margaret Heffernan CEO and author Margaret Heffernan explores ethical problems and turning a blind eye |
| 2020-Apr-21 • 41 minutes Philosophy Vs Authority | Noam Chomsky, Deirdre McCloskey, Mark Lilla Noam Chomsky joins Mark Lilla and Deirdre McCloskey to discuss freedom, state power and authority. |
| 2020-Apr-14 • 16 minutes The Value of Ethics | Bart Streumer Professor of Philosophy Bart Streumer discusses ethics, metaethics and issues surrounding morality. |
| 2020-Apr-08 • 45 minutes Can we distinguish truth from lies? | Sacha Golob, Steve Fuller, Åsa Wikforss, Peter Pomerantsev Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... seemed that we had all got used to the idea that rather than a single definitive truth there are a multiplicity of competing and alternative perspectives. Now with the rise of 'fake news' and the publicising of blatant lies, we want to reassert the importance of accuracy and truth. Author of Post Truth Steve Fuller, theoretical philosopher Åsa Wikforss, continental philosopher Sacha Golob, and former Moscow journalist and auth... |
| 2020-Mar-31 • 50 minutes New Gods | Myriam François, Peter Atkins, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... our churches have emptied our belief in progress, science and reason has also begun to falter, and we find ourselves in a new space in which all beliefs are challenged, and perspectives jostle in a relative world. Might religion, in the form of shared rituals and values, once again have a role to play?To discuss the role of religion we are joined by three leading thinkers: acclaimed chemist Peter Atkins, writer and broadcaster... |
| 2020-Mar-24 • 44 minutes The World That Disappeared | Peter Atkins, James Ladyman, Joanna Kavenna Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... who has ever stepped on a Lego brick could doubt the reality of physical objects. Yet from Heraclitus to George Berkeley, many philosophers claimed to have disproven the existence of things. Could the world truly be made up of fields and processes, rather than physical stuff? Are the everyday objects that surround us an illusion? To help us discuss the existence of things we are joined by three leading thinkers: chemist Peter ... |
| 2020-Mar-17 • 23 minutes The Mind and the World | Raymond Tallis Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the mind just a part of the world? Or is the world all in the mind? Neither, argues physician, philosopher and poet Raymond Tallis as he puts forward his take on how we make sense of experience.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N... |
| 2020-Mar-10 • 43 minutes The Myth of the Self | Julian Baggini, Angie Hobbs, John Milbank Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is said that Mother Theresa allowed many to die unnecessarily and glorified suffering. While Stalin was a loving son to his parents, and Hitler - a vegetarian who adored his dog. Are we wrong to assume that there is a single self behind our actions? Are people not good or bad but only individual actions? Should we accept that we are inconsistent and unpredictable? Or is consistency and integrity the cornerstone of what it is t... |
| 2020-Mar-03 • 27 minutes Why Philosophy Won't Go Away | Rebecca Goldstein Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... science killed philosophy as Hawking famously claimed? What would Plato make of the debates between psychoanalysts and tiger mums, atheists and the religious, or search engines like Google? In this episode of Philosophy for Our Times, philosopher Rebecca Goldstein returns to philosophy's roots and makes her case for why humanity can't thrive without it.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, ... |
| 2020-Feb-25 • 21 minutes Philosophy Vs Quantum Theory | Tim Maudlin Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... of science Tim Maudlin discusses interpretations of quantum mechanics, explaining the pilot wave theory and objective collapse theory, and considers what we stand to learn from quantum theory about the nature of our universe. Tim Maudlin, author of Philosophy of Physics, is an American philosopher of science responsible for influential works on metaphysical foundations of physics and logic.There are thousands of big ideas to d... |
| 2020-Feb-18 • 43 minutes Is Morality Rooted In Culture? | Joel Robbins Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... remote groups in Papua New Guinea to Pentecostal Christians, what can values and desires around the world tell us about the nature of morality? Cambridge anthropologist Joel Robbins tours the globe in search of the good. Joel Robbins is the Sigrid Rausing Professor of Social Anthropology at Cambridge University and author of Becoming Sinners. He specialises in the anthropology of religion and anthropological theory.There are t... |
| 2020-Feb-11 • 21 minutes How To Do Philosophy and Why | Timothy Williamson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... millennia, humans have looked to philosophy to help them understand the world, but why is it then that so many people find philosophy confusing? Is the confusion perhaps part of the solution? Philosopher of logic Timothy Williamson outlines how philosophy can help us think more clearly, such as Alan Turing's use of logic to invent the computer, how the principles of logic can be understood as the laws of reality, and the impor... |
| 2020-Feb-05 • 39 minutes Tribal Truths and New Wisdom | Paul Mason, Hilary Lawson, Ella McPherson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... populist demagogues to liberal elites, Fox News to the BBC, the warring tribes of our troubled world agree on few ideals and still fewer facts. Yet they all share the belief that they are right. Are we all suffering from the illusion that we can uncover the truth? Should we embrace a world of competing facts while still seeking a progressive and stable society? Or do we need new grand narratives to help us escape a dangerous, ... |
| 2020-Jan-28 • 27 minutes How Maths Changed Philosophy | Silvia Jonas Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... does mathematics have to do with the nature of human thought? How does it change how philosophers think of reality? Philosopher and author of 'Ineffability and its Metaphysics', Silvia Jonas explains how mathematics has come to shape our politics, ethics and our very idea of what the world is.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: h... |
| 2020-Jan-21 • 48 minutes Philosophers vs Post-Truth | Homi Bhabha, Rebecca Goldstein, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a post-truth world, tribal agreement seems to have replaced reason and evidence. But is a world where our truths are tribal sustainable? Don't we need a shared framework of thought to prevent fragmentation and confrontation? Can we rely on evidence and reason whilst abandoning absolute truth, or do we need reality after all? Philosopher and novelist Rebecca Goldstein, post-colonial theorist Homi Bhabha and post-postmodern meta... |
| 2020-Jan-14 • 29 minutes A Philosophy of Fashion | Shahidha Bari Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... all get dressed. But how often do we pause to think about the place of clothes in our lives? Can a philosophy of living be wrapped up in a winter coat? Can we see a suit not just as an object, but as an idea? Philosopher, broadcaster, and author of 'Dressed: The Secret Life of Clothes', Shahidha Bari, unveils the hidden power of what we wear.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses... |
| 2020-Jan-07 • 42 minutes How to be a Stoic | Massimo Pigliucci Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... all want to lead a good life. But that goal seems always elusive. What can we learn from the ancient Stoics? Hear philosopher of science and author of How to be a Stoic Massimo Pigliucci explain how the philosophy that inspired the great emperor Marcus Aurelius can help us focus on what really matters, and confront the challenges of modern life.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and cour... |
| 2019-Dec-31 • 39 minutes Is Sexuality a Vehicle For Power? | Minna Salami, Rowan Pelling, Julia Long Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Cleopatra to Beyoncé, women have used sexuality to increase their power and influence. But many feminists warn that it is undermining to be seen as a sex object, and some in the #MeToo movement propose culture should banish such behaviour. In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Minna Salami, Rowan Pelling, and Julia Long debate whether sexuality is a vehicle for power or for subservience.There are thousands of big ideas ... |
| 2019-Dec-24 • 36 minutes The Problem with Paradoxes | Slavoj Žižek, Sophie Allen, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... we assumed that reason and rationality would gradually uncover the truth. But from quantum mechanics to set theory, paradox it seems is found at the heart of our most revered theories and at the cornerstones of our thought. Are these paradoxes evidence that our theories are wrong and is it essential that they are overcome? In this episode of Philosophy for Our Times, Slavoj Žižek, Sophie Allen, and Hilary Lawson debate whether... |
| 2019-Dec-17 • 42 minutes The End of the West | Linda Yueh, Rana Mitter, David Aaronovitch Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Britain was the dominant power, then the US. Now, with the largest economy in the world by purchasing power, it seems China's turn has come. Should we accept, even welcome, the passing of the West? Or is there a response that would enable the West to retain significance, if not the dominance it once had? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Linda Yueh, Rana Mitter, and David Aaronovitch explore whether it is the end of... |
| 2019-Dec-10 • 36 minutes The Dark and the Digital | Nigel Inkster, Ella Whelan, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Janne Teller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... anonymity of the internet has enabled an epidemic of abuse. Was Hobbes right after all, and humankind are at core wicked and requiring constraint? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, former director at MI6 Nigel Inkster, assistant editor at Spiked Ella Whelan, renowned journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, and novelist Janne Teller ask should we abolish online anonymity to create a better world?There are thousands of big i... |
| 2019-Dec-03 • 35 minutes The Future of Thought | Julian Baggini, Vivienne Shue, Jamie Whyte Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... now doubt that China will soon eclipse the US to become the world's largest economy. Is the sun setting on Western ideas as well as Western economies? In this episode of Philosophy for our Time, philosopher Julian Baggini, politician and academic Jamie Whyte, and Professor of Contemporary China Studies at Oxford University, Vivienne Shue, discuss the future of Western and Chinese thought.There are thousands of big ideas to dis... |
| 2019-Nov-26 • 35 minutes In Search of Freedom | Julian Baggini, Paul Broks, Hilary Lawson, Hannah Dawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... by our genes, manipulated by technology and the cultural zeitgeist, there seems little space left for individual freedom. Should we conclude that the very idea of freedom was a mistake? Or is this a madness that threatens our personal lives and the culture on which the West was built? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Julian Baggini, Paul Broks, Hilary Lawson and Hannah Dawson go in search of freedom.There are thous... |
| 2019-Nov-19 • 44 minutes Tribal Identity and Tribal Conflict | David Blunkett, Dawn Butler, Phillip Blond Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... politics has become ever more influential. Does our desire to belong to one tribe or another make conflict with others inevitable? Could we do away with tribal allegiances and see ourselves as part of the same human family? Or are group identities based on class, race, sexuality or nationality the only effective vehicles for political change? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, David Blunkett, Dawn Butler and Phillip ... |
| 2019-Nov-12 • 36 minutes The Rise and Fall of Sex | Daphna Joel, Barry Barnes, Stuart Ritchie Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... most of us are critical of gender stereotypes, few deny the existence of two discrete biological sexes. Yet biology itself shows dozens of combinations of human sex chromosomes. Could biological sex itself then be an illusion, constructed from human categories? Or is this a futile attempt to deny the reality of two biological sexes? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Head of Psychobiology at Tel Aviv University Daphn... |
| 2019-Nov-05 • 45 minutes The Mystery of Life | Nick Lane, Monica Grady, Ralph Cordey Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... we explore the planets of the solar system and look out at those beyond, researchers hope they will find evidence of life. But would it be like life on earth? Or is the wish to find other life forms a science fiction fantasy that serves Hollywood well but has little to do with reality? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Biochemist and author of The Vital Question Nick Lane, Head of Future Missions at Airbus Ralph Cor... |
| 2019-Oct-29 • 39 minutes A Mad World | Richard Bentall, Ann John, Lucy Johnstone Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... ever growing number of people are being treated for mental illness. Some blame the modern world, yet critics warn that psychiatrists and big pharma have an interest in describing normal human behaviour as an illness or disorder. Might we do better to give up the notion that mental distress implies illness? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, author of Madness Explained Richard Bentall, clinical psychologist Lucy Johns... |
| 2019-Oct-22 • 39 minutes The New Moralism | Matthew Taylor, Rebecca Roache, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... would argue that for at least a century we have been moving away from the moral certainties of traditional Christianity. Yet now a new form of moral certainty is reappearing, with much of our culture seemingly gripped by a focus on virtue and a tightly policed sense of right and wrong. Should we welcome this return to virtue and embrace a new moralism that will purge society of its newly found sins? In this episode of Philosop... |
| 2019-Oct-15 • 35 minutes Into the Unknown | Martin Rees, Tony Milligan, Elizabeth Seward Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... years ago we landed on the moon, and imagined that in 2001 we would be travelling vast distances through space. But the fantasy died, and we went nowhere. Now a new age of space exploration is underway - this one driven by companies, billionaires, and new players like China and India. Is it an essential trait of being human to reach out into the unknown? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Astronomer Royal Martin Rees... |
| 2019-Oct-08 • 46 minutes Modern Crises and Ancient Gods | David King, Sister Jayanti, Natalie Bennett Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... much of human history, nature was our god. Yet now science and technology, which once we used to tame nature, are increasingly seen as plundering the planet and wrecking the climate. Were the ancients right, and nature the source of all things and that which we should guard most closely? Or should we instead renew our belief in progress and human ingenuity to solve our current problems? In this episode of Philosophy for our Ti... |
| 2019-Oct-01 • 36 minutes Masters of the Universe | Natalie Kofler, Steve Fuller, Angela Saini Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... since the discovery of DNA, we have fanstasised about creating new species of animals, or even 'improved' humans. But it is only in the last few years that a new gene editing technology, CRISPR, has made this a reality. Many claim it is already unstoppable, that we will always demand solutions to diseases if they are possible. Is CRISPR the key to improving health and defeating ageing? In this episode of Philosophy for our Tim... |
| 2019-Sep-24 • 37 minutes The Right To Offend | David Aaronovitch, Joanna Williams, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... we seek to eradicate offence? Last year Ireland voted to get rid of its blasphemy laws, and most applauded the new right to offend the Catholic Church. Yet to avoid giving offence, student campuses are introducing no-platforming and safe spaces. Should we seek to eradicate offence to create a more tolerant and equal society? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, David Aaronovitch and Joanna William... |
| 2019-Sep-17 • 38 minutes The Prejudice of Facts | Barry Barnes, Joanna Kavenna, John Ellis Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a world obsessed with Trump, alternative facts have not had a great press. But it is a century and more since Nietzsche claimed 'there are no facts, only interpretations' - and fifty years since Thomas Kuhn argued that facts were theory dependent. Is an insistence on 'the facts' the dogmatic prejudice of believers in their particular truth? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Barry Barnes, Joanna Kavenna and John Elli... |
| 2019-Sep-10 • 46 minutes The Reality Illusion | Donald Hoffman, Maria Baghramian, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is believing, yet cognitive scientists seem to have uncovered these views as incorrect. Evolution led us to perceive what is best for survival and it turns out this has little to do with what we call 'reality'. Is reality then a creative construct that helps us to live but doesn't reflect the world? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, cognitive psychologist and author Donald Hoffman, philosopher Maria Baghramian and p... |
| 2019-Sep-03 • 41 minutes Evolution After Darwin | Massimo Pigliucci, Zanna Clay, Tim Lewens Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... brutal mechanism of natural selection gave rise to all life on our planet. Or so the Darwinian story goes. But from mice to great whales, it now appears that animals inherit socially acquired characteristics. Is the theory of natural selection a Victorian relic, about to be replaced by a new science of cultural evolution? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, philosopher of science Massimo Pigliucci, psychologist and pr... |
| 2019-Aug-29 • 23 minutes Bonus Episode: In Conversation with Saul Kripke and Timothy Williamson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Saul Kripke and Timothy Williamson discuss why language has come to dominate their field, why logic matters, and what the future for the Anglo-American tradition looks like.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and... |
| 2019-Aug-27 • 43 minutes The Necessity of Morality | Justin Smith, Jason Alexander McKenzie, Barry C. Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... philosophers have concluded that morality is a subjective human invention. Should we then simply encourage and argue for acts we support and do without morality altogether? Or is the authority of morality the tenuous thread that holds society together? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Justin Smith, Jason Alexander McKenzie and Barry C. Smith question the necessity of morality.There are thousands of big ideas to dis... |
| 2019-Aug-20 • 35 minutes What's It All For? | Helen Lederer, Julian Baggini, Susan Neiman, Janne Teller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... admire achievers, from James Watt to Mandela, Marie Curie to Emmeline Pankhurst. Yet many spend their lives waiting for weekends and holidays. And does not play, both as sex, drugs and rock and roll, and as creative and physical endeavour provide us with the most memorable events in life? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Helen Lederer, Julian Baggini and Susan Neiman debate what it's all for.There are thousands of ... |
| 2019-Aug-13 • 40 minutes The Meaning of the Multiverse | Cumrun Vafa, Mary-Jane Rubenstein, John Ellis Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... of other universes has become fashionable amongst physicists and string theory alike. Should we recognise ours as the only universe and give up on others as fantasy science? Or is slipping through a worm hole into another universe a credible reality rather than a Hollywood fairytale? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Cumrun Vafa, Mary-Jane Rubenstein and John Ellis go in search for the meaning of the multiverse.Ther... |
| 2019-Aug-06 • 42 minutes Lost in Language | Saul Kripke, Hilary Lawson, Paul Boghossian, Silvia Jonas Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is widely seen as the critical tool which has set our species apart. We assume that it is successful because our words are able to describe reality. Yet from Wittgenstein to Derrida, no satisfactory theory has been able to support this intuition. Might the problem be not with our theory of language, but with the very idea of reality? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Saul Kripke, Paul Boghossian and Silvia Jonas get... |
| 2019-Jul-30 • 37 minutes The Problem with Love | Mark Salter, Helen-Ann Hartley, Phillip Blond Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... conquers all' is a motto central to our culture and its Christian heritage. Yet Buddhists think love an obstacle to enlightenment. Nietzsche went further and called love barbaric ‘for it is practised at the expense of all others’. Is love for all an illusion? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, consultant psychiatrist Mark Salter, Anglican Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley and Political Philosopher Phillip Blond debate the dar... |
| 2019-Jul-23 • 44 minutes Are You An Illusion? | Julian Baggini, Joanna Kavenna, Jan Westerhoff, Silvia Jonas Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... self is an illusion, our passions a by-product of the brain. Or so neuroscientists and philosophers would have us believe. Is dismissing the self a mistake driven by the desire to uphold a purely material universe? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, author of A Field Guide to Reality Joanna Kavenna, Oxford University metaphysician Jan Westerhoff, philosopher Silvia Jonas and author of The Ego Trick Julian Baggini set... |
| 2019-Jul-16 • 46 minutes The End Of All Things | John Dupré, Subir Sarkar, Nancy Cartwright Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... tend to think of physical, material things as the ultimate stuff of the universe. Yet contemporary physics has largely abandoned physical things in favour of energy and fields. Should we give up on our conviction that physical stuff is the bedrock of the world, or is such talk ivory tower nonsense? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, John Dupré, Subir Sarkar, and Nancy Cartwright debate the materialist view of the uni... |
| 2019-Jul-09 • 36 minutes The Fascination With Evil | Terry Eagleton, Susan Neiman, Stephen de Wijze Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... may condemn tyrants and abhor serial killers, but we are obsessed with evil and violence. Are we fascinated by evil, violent characters because they make life more exciting? Or because they express our real nature? Should we look to end this morbid obsession, or accept it as a feature of humanity? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, cultural critic Terry Eagleton, author of Evil in Modern Thought Susan Neiman and phil... |
| 2019-Jul-02 • 39 minutes The Right Way to Think | Paul Boghossian, Mary Jane Rubenstein, Alister McGrath Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... was traditionally seen as the Enlightenment’s great legacy and the origin of our success. Yet reason is increasingly derided as just the rhetorical bluster of the educated elite, typically powerful and male. Is rationality just the prejudiced claim of those who are sure they are right? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Professor of Religion at Wesleyan Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Silver Professor of Philosophy at New York... |
| 2019-Jun-25 • 40 minutes The Prejudice of Philosophy | Chakravarthi Ram Prasad, Nivi Manchanda, Timothy Williamson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... see the search for universal truths about the world as the noble aim of philosophy. Yet our universities largely dismiss non-Western philosophy, and critics argue that British students are taught a narrow analytic approach. Are great ideas independent of time, place and tradition? Do African conceptions of the self or Chinese Mohist logic offer equally valid insights? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Timothy Willia... |
| 2019-Jun-18 • 42 minutes The Illusion of Now | Julian Barbour, Tim Maudlin, Emily Thomas Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... and future are worlds we can never inhabit. We live of necessity in the present. But physicists and philosophers with very different outlooks, from Einstein to Derrida, claim that the present is an illusion. Are we deluded by experience into imagining the present is real? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Philosopher of science Tim Maudlin joins author of The End of Time Julian Barbour and philosopher and historian ... |
| 2019-Jun-11 • 38 minutes Is Oppression The Key To Creativity? | Lowkey, Joanna Kavenna, Andrew Motion Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is often seen as the vital oxygen of creativity. Yet Shakespeare worked within a framework of censorship, Don Quixote was written from prison and Leonardo argued that at 'lives on constraint and dies of freedom'. Can oppression help produce masterpieces or do the free always write the greatest poetry? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, Novelist and Author Joanna Kavenna and hip hop... |
| 2019-Jun-04 • 40 minutes The Dark Side of the Universe | Erik Verlinde, Catherine Heymans, Sabine Hossenfelder Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... to current theories, Dark Energy and Dark Matter make up 95% of all the stuff in the universe. Yet we still have no direct evidence for them. Might we need to rethink our account of the universe entirely? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, String theorist Erik Verlinde, astrophysicist Catherine Heymans and physicist and writer Sabine Hossenfelder propose radical solutions to the mystery of the dark universe. In assoc... |
| 2019-May-29 • 42 minutes The Morality of the Left and Right | Peter Hitchens, Sophie Walker, Chris Bryant Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... left has traditionally seen itself as progressive, with history and morality on its side. But is history on anyone's side? And as for morality, don't all politicians think they're in the right? Should the left then give up its claim to the moral high ground and argue for policies on pragmatic grounds alone? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Peter Hitchens, Sophie Walker and Chris Bryant debate the morality of the le... |
| 2019-May-20 • 47 minutes The Neuroscience of Consciousness | Raymond Tallis, Susana Martinez-Conde, Markus Gabriel Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... believe that our minds and consciousness are no more than matter and mechanism. But if they are right, is all meaning, purpose and feeling illusory? Or do the secrets of experience lie beyond neuroscience's grasp? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Raymond Tallis, Susana Martinez-Conde and Markus Gabriel explore the latest in the neuroscience of consciousness.In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit... |
| 2019-May-14 • 42 minutes What Is Beauty? From Plato to Kim Kardashian | Bence Nanay, Justine Kolata, Sam Roddick Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... beauty was about goodness and truth, now we think it means little more than models, products and outdated art. Have practical concerns and the economy of desire made beauty trivial and expendable? Is there a difference in the feeling of pleasure one gets from looking at a Magritte painting, or at Kim Kardashian's bum? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Philosopher Bence Nanay, activist Sam Roddick and Public Sphere S... |
| 2019-May-07 • 44 minutes Trump's Foreign Policy | George Galloway, Mark Leonard Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think Donald Trump a buffoon and a threat to world peace. But with IS weakened, and signs of progress in North Korea, perhaps his supporters can point to some initial successes. Could a belligerent approach to foreign policy make for a safer world? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, George Galloway and Mark Leonard debate the threat of Trump's foreign policy. In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit... |
| 2019-Apr-30 • 38 minutes Is Reality Necessary? | Chiara Marletto, Gerard t'Hooft, Christopher Timpson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think that lightning strikes, and waves crash, even if there is no one to see them. Yet according to quantum physics, the observer is critical to reality. Theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg even argued that, in contemporary physics 'objective reality has evaporated'. Is a world independent of the observer an illusion? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Nobel prize winning Gerard t'Hooft, constructor theorist Chi... |
| 2019-Apr-23 • 45 minutes The Lure of Evil | Christopher Hamilton, Patricia MacCormack, John Milbank Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Milton's Paradise Lost to bad boys and femmes fatales, we are seduced by the dark and dangerous. Why does the devil have all the best tunes? Have we sanitised the good and made it vacuous? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, moral philosopher Christopher Hamilton, theologian and Zizek collaborator John Milbank, and Professor of Continental Philosophy Patricia MacCormack look into our dark side. In association with the... |
| 2019-Apr-16 • 33 minutes The Cult of Mindfulness | Vishpani Blomfield, Linda Woodhead, Miguel Farias Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... yoga retreats to mindfulness, meditation is fashionable and now even prescribed by the UK's National Health Service. Yet in some cases it can lead to depression and even psychosis. Is it a mistake to think that self-exploration and being at one with ourselves are necessarily good things? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, The Buddha Pill author Miguel Farias, Buddhist teacher and broadcaster Vishvapani Blomfield, and... |
| 2019-Apr-09 • 50 minutes The Problem with Materialism | John Ellis, Susan Blackmore, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... idea that the world is made of physical stuff alone has been central to scientific progress. But our theories do not account for experience or thought. Might materialism be a profound mistake? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, CERN physicist John Ellis, Consciousness author Susan Blackmore and Closure theorist Hilary Lawson uncover the problem with materialism. In association with the New College of the Humanities. ... |
| 2019-Apr-02 • 43 minutes Should We Live Forever? | Patricia MacCormack, Anders Sandberg, Janne Teller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... gene therapy and fad diets to cryonically frozen corpses, many still hope to find a way to live forever. But Heidegger famously thought life's transience gave it meaning. So should science one day banish death's shadow? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Philosopher and author of 'Post-Human Ethics' Patricia MacCormack, Oxford transhumanist Anders Sandberg and author and novelist Janne Teller imagine a life without e... |
| 2019-Mar-29 • 12 minutes The End of Humans | Interview with Patricia MacCormack Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... MacCormack is Professor of Continental Philosophy at Anglia Ruskin University, known for her work on Posthuman ethics. In this exclusive interview, Patricia explains why she thinks the world would be a better place without humans. In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more:&... |
| 2019-Mar-26 • 43 minutes The Future of Pornography | Brooke Magnanti, Finn Mackay, Rowan Pelling, Peter Tatchell Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... believe that porn's dark fantasies risk corrupting relationships and society. Has this arisen because pornography is largely created by men? Or is porn fundamentally incompatible with intimacy and a problem for all of us until its abolished? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, feminist thinker Finn Mackay, author of Belle de Jour: Diary of a London Call Girl Brooke Magnanti, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and ... |
| 2019-Mar-22 • 8 minutes The Sex Myth | Interview with Brooke Magnanti Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Magnanti is best known by her pen name Belle de Jour, from the blog behind Secret Diary of a Call Girl. In this exclusive interview, Brooke explains how we should free ourselves from the shackles surrounding sex from shame, to guilt and toxic femininity. In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to ... |
| 2019-Mar-19 • 37 minutes The New Enlightenment | Julian Baggini, Amie Thomasson, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... to know' was the radical rallying cry of the Enlightenment. But since then, philosophers from Nietzsche to Derrida have argued there are limits to knowledge so profound that truth is an impossible goal. Is the enlightenment dream over? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, A Short History of Truth author, Julian Baggini, post-realist philosopher Hilary Lawson and metaphysician Amie Thomasson go in search of a new enligh... |
| 2019-Mar-15 • 11 minutes Truth in a Post Truth World | Interview with Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Lawson is a post realist philosopher, known for his theory of Closure. In this exclusive interview, Hilary explains how we should understand truth in a post truth world and why we need Enlightenment thinking now more than ever. In association with the New College of the Humanities bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: ... |
| 2019-Mar-12 • 32 minutes Why is There Something Rather than Nothing? | Amie Thomasson, George Ellis, Rupert Sheldrake Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... fundamental problem of philosophy, argued Heidegger, is 'why is there something rather than nothing?'. Now, some scientists claim nothing doesn't exist and that even deepest space is full of virtual particles. Have we misunderstood the very idea of nothing? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Templeton prize winning cosmologist George Ellis, metaphysician Amie Thomasson and author of The Science Delusion Rupert Sheldr... |
| 2019-Mar-08 • 9 minutes The Secrets of Consciousness | Interview with Rupert Sheldrake Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Sheldrake is a renowned author and biologist, known for his research into parapsychology. In this exclusive interview, Rupert shares with us the secrets of consciousness, putting forward a panpsychist view of what it is to be conscious and debunking why materialism has failed. In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and cour... |
| 2019-Mar-05 • 43 minutes Leadership in the Age of Trump | Jess Phillips, Jon Barnes, Tania Branigan Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... are many who see Trump and Putin as a threat to world peace. But are they in power because we believe that strong leaders are good for us? Is it a mistake to imagine that leaders can solve all of our problems? Can we imagine a politics where we voted for policies rather than personalities? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, outspoken Labour MP Jess Phillips, Guardian journalist and China expert Tania Branigan and aut... |
| 2019-Mar-01 • 11 minutes The Digital Revolution | Interview with Jon Barnes Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Barnes is a guest lecturer at the world's top business schools, innovator and author. In this exclusive interview, Jon shares with us how technology is already being used to shape the way we vote, organise and think about politics. From Democracy Squared to Tech Monopolies, Jon's work has focused on the relationship between technology and democracy and here he shares why he thinks we should be optimistic about the digital revo... |
| 2019-Feb-26 • 33 minutes Thinking Across the World | Julian Baggini Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... have ideas across the world shaped the places from which they emerged? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, author and philosopher Julian Baggini explores global thinking and its varied influence on our cultures, our ideals and how we see ourselves. In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you ... |
| 2019-Feb-19 • 25 minutes What Is Justice? | Sarah Langford Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... our legal system ever keep its promise of justice? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, author of ‘In Your Defence’ Sarah Langford tells her story of a life in the courtroom, and shows us how our attitudes and actions can shape not only the outcome of a case, but the legal system itself. In association with the New College of the Humanities. bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos,... |
| 2019-Feb-12 • 34 minutes Do we Need Romance to be Happy? | Bella DePaulo, Anders Sandberg, Heidi Rice Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... medieval legends to Hollywood endings to the horoscope, we are led to believe that lifelong love means happiness. But a recent survey of 814 separate studies showed single people to be happier, more fulfilled and less stressed. Is it time to stop seeing romantic love as all-important? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, psychologist and author of Singled Out Bella DePaulo, Oxford transhumanist Anders Sandberg and roma... |
| 2019-Feb-05 • 37 minutes Truth, Science and the Universe | Peter Atkins, Sophia Roosth, Tim Lewens Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... once we made sense of the world using the idea of God, most of us now believe in a more scientific story, of an unfolding universe and evolution. Yet scientists increasingly see their theories as useful models rather than ultimate accounts. Is science then just another human description limited by language, culture and circumstance? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, author of Conjuring the Universe Peter Atkins, Har... |
| 2019-Jan-29 • 40 minutes The Morality of the Tribe | David Miller, Natalie Cargill, Peter Tatchell Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think everyone should be treated equally. Yet we also think we are right to care most about our family, our friends and our lovers, and 82% of charitable donations in the UK are given to the causes closest to home. Should we just accept that our ethics are in practice tribal? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, barrister and founder of Effective Giving UK Natalie Cargill, Oxford political theorist and author of On Nat... |
| 2019-Jan-22 • 36 minutes Fires of Progress | Steven Pinker, Tariq Ali, Elif Sarican Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think that social progress should be driven by ideas and persuasion not force. Yet from the French and Russian Revolutions to the Suffragettes, violent action has been instrumental to generating change. Is violence ever justified as a political strategy? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Enlightenment Now author Steven Pinker, filmmaker and author of The Clash of Fundamentalisms Tariq Ali and Kurdish Women's Movemen... |
| 2019-Jan-17 • 15 minutes Bonus Episode: The Struggle for Social Justice | Angela Eagle Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, so why do so many feel short-changed? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Labour MP and former minister Angela Eagle sees an urgent need to protect social cohesion and makes a case for radical economic reform. In association with the New College of the Humanities: www.nchlondon.ac.ukThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses wai... |
| 2019-Jan-15 • 39 minutes Big Bang Creation Myths | Sean Carroll, Roger Penrose, Laura Mersini-Houghton Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... big bang theory won out over the Steady State alternative 50 years ago because we discovered the universe was expanding. But now we know that the universe is in fact accelerating away from us. Might the whole big bang theory be mistaken? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, eminent mathematician Roger Penrose, CalTech physicist and author of From Eternity to Here Sean Carroll and multiverse cosmologist Laura Mersini-Ho... |
| 2019-Jan-08 • 41 minutes Innocence and Punishment | Ritula Shah, Emma Sulkowicz, David Aaronovitch, Sarah Langford Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... until proven guilty' is a core principle of democracy. Yet from the BBC's coverage of the Cliff Richard raid to the social media storms around MeToo, it seems we are increasingly happy to destroy reputations and careers before the proof is in. Can trial by media be more effective than the legal system? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Times columnist David Aaronovitch, performance artist dubbed as 'Mattress Girl' E... |
| 2019-Jan-02 • 28 minutes Reality in the Digital World | Laurence Scott Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... worlds were once human and solid, but now our lives are increasingly virtual. What place has reality in this fantasy world? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, ‘Picnic Comma Lightning’ author Laurence Scott explores the challenges of finding meaning amidst the digital noise. In association with the New College of the Humanities: bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, a... |
| 2018-Dec-18 • 37 minutes The Promise of Psychedelics | David Nutt, Amanda Feilding, Stephen Reid Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... being illegal, LSD has not had good press, associated with bad trips and psychological breakdown. But with a new craze for microdosing acid amongst Silicon Valley whizz kids and management gurus, and respected scientists claiming antidepressant benefits, might we have been too quick to ban psychedelics? In this episode of Philosophy for our Times, Pharmacologist and former Home Office drugs advisor David Nutt, drugs reformer a... |
| 2018-Dec-11 • 31 minutes Does Universal Morality Exist? | Stanley Fish, Myriam Francois, Phillip Collins Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... there a universal morality, and if not, are moral beliefs actually the cause of some of the greatest human suffering? To debate this issue, we have on our panel literary theorist Stanley Fish, writer, broadcaster and SOAS researcher Myriam Francois, and journalist and former speech-writer to Tony Blair Phillip Collins. In association with the New College of the Humanities: bit.ly/2FdPgLDThere are thousands of big ideas to disc... |
| 2018-Nov-27 • 32 minutes Minds, Madness And Medicine | Lucy Johnstone, David Nutt, David Healy Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... from heart disease have fallen by almost two thirds since the 1960s, yet outcomes for those with mental illness have not improved for decades. Is this because we have the wrong categories and the wrong diagnoses? Might neuroscience enable more precise descriptions and more effective treatment? Or is it a mistake to think that biological accounts of mental illness will ever provide the answers? Users and Abusers of Psychiatry a... |
| 2018-Nov-20 • 34 minutes Who We Are | Diane Abbott, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Kemi Badenoch, Richard Reeves Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... years ago, the US elected its first black president. Yet race-related hate crime has increased 216% in the last year. Are we wrong to suppose that racial prejudice will be overcome by equal opportunity? Should we dream of a world where race is not a basis for social identity? Or are social groupings inevitable and equality the only possible solution?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and... |
| 2018-Nov-13 • 25 minutes The Evolution of Suicide | Nicholas Humphreys Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is a terrible but commonplace event amongst all societies within the human race. But at what point in our evolution did suicide come into being, and for what purpose? Can suicide be explained, and if so, can we provide an answer to those who become so desperate? Neuropsychologist and author of A History of the Mind Nicholas Humphrey answers these questions.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articl... |
| 2018-Nov-06 • 36 minutes Tale of Love and Hate | Rowan Williams, Renata Salecl, Robert Rowland Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think love an indisputable force for good. Yet from Jihadi John to Anders Breivik, extremists often cite love of creed or country to justify atrocities. Might love of a person or group also be the origin of prejudice and hatred towards others? Are love and hatred forever entwined, as Freud suggested? Or can we imagine a society built on love but free from tribalism? Former Archbishop of Cantebury Rowan Williams, sociologist an... |
| 2018-Oct-30 • 46 minutes The Good, the Bad and the Artist | Stanley Fish, Emma Sulkowicz, Nell Stevens, John Harvey Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the wake of the Weinstein scandal, many called for a boycott of the films of Roman Polanski and Woody Allen. Yet 20th century literary critics encouraged us to look at the text alone, citing "the death of the author." Can and should we separate the artist from the art? Are the misdeeds of writers, thinkers and artists irrelevant to their work? Or should we excise the morally indefensible? Literary critic Stanley Fish, Carry Th... |
| 2018-Oct-23 • 33 minutes Could the Universal Basic Income work? | Guy Standing vs Deirdre McCloskey Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... dismissed as a utopian fantasy, universal income has now hit the mainstream. With new technologies, support from across the political spectrum, and advocates from Stephen Hawking to Mark Zuckerberg, it’s no surprise people have begun to take the idea seriously. In a combative head-to-head debate, author of Basic Income: And How We Can Make It Happen Guy Standing goes head to head with leading libertarian economist Deirdre McCl... |
| 2018-Oct-18 • 43 minutes Bonus Episode: Tribute to Mary Midgley Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... are paying tribute to philosopher Mary Midgley who passed away last week at the age of 99 by revisiting our episode 'Are you an illusion?' in which Midgley investigates the self with fellow philosopher Simon Blackburn and neuroscientist Colin Blakemore. (With special thanks to the In Parenthesis project for interview excerpts - http://www.womeninparenthesis.co.uk/)There... are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – vid... |
| 2018-Oct-17 • 25 minutes Mysteries of the multiverse | Catherine Heymans Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... we ever observe universes beyond our own? Astrophysicist Catherine Heymans reveals the latest innovations that might help map out the multiverse.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my... |
| 2018-Oct-15 • 9 minutes The AI Revolution | Nigel Shadbolt Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a world with artificial intelligence, how will we maintain control? Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Open Data Institute co-founder and researcher at Oxford University, examines how AI looks set to reshape our lives and society.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and... |
| 2018-Oct-03 • 43 minutes Reason And The Gods | Myriam Francois, Anthony Gottlieb, Linda Woodhead Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... in the Gods once filled lives with purpose and a vision of truth. Now many in the secular West dismiss the divine yet also rue the loss of meaning and belief. Is this because evidence and reason are not sufficient to make sense of the world? Is there something about the world that is deeply strange and justifies spirituality? Or is the worldwide flourishing of religion a temporary blip in human history? Sociologist of religion... |
| 2018-Oct-01 • 37 minutes The Secrets Of Consciousness | Philip Goff, Nicholas Humphrey, Susan Blackmore Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is one of the unresolved philosophical questions. There was hope that neuroscience might find some answers. But we still have no explanation for where brain activity ends and experience begins. Is it a mistake to think we can explain consciousness by examining the brain? Should we look elsewhere to our evolutionary roots perhaps? Or might neuroscience pull the cat from the bag after all? Psychologist and author of Seeing Mysel... |
| 2018-Sep-19 • 24 minutes Against Meritocracy | Kwame Anthony Appiah Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a meritocratic society provide a fair equality of opportunity? Can discrimination based on merit ever be justified, or should we aim to solve social inequality through equality of outcome? Kwame Anthony Appiah is a British Ghanaian philosopher at Columbia University and author of Cosmopolitanism and The Honor Code. There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore... |
| 2018-Sep-05 • 32 minutes The End of the Theory of Everything | John Ellis, Huw Price, Joanna Kavenna Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Hawking once predicted a theory of everything by 2000. However, after decades without one he began to doubt its existence. Have we failed because no one theory can make sense of reality? Must we "employ different theories in different situations" as Hawking suggested, or is there a final theory just waiting to be discovered?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you t... |
| 2018-Aug-28 • 33 minutes Beyond Men and Women | Finn Mackay, Angela Eagle, Patricia MacCormack Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... does is mean to socially construct a gendered identity, and why do some feminists insist on separating this from the sex we are assigned at birth? On the panel: activist Finn Mackay, Labour politician Angela Eagle and post-human philosopher, Patricia MacCormack.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... ... |
| 2018-Aug-21 • 35 minutes Generation Wars II | Diane Abbott, Anatole Kaletsky, Victor Adebowale, Joe Todd Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... refer to millennials as entitled avocado-eating lay-about’s who care more about their social media presence than engaging with and caring about the world. Millennials, on the other hand, soothe their sorrow at never being able to afford a mortgage (even if they didn’t eat avocados) by eating avocados. Who deserves sympathy and crucially, whom does the state support? The older generation or the younger? Our panel for Generation... |
| 2018-Aug-14 • 29 minutes Technology, Relationships and Freedom | Chi Onwurah, Kate Russell, James Ladyman Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the price we pay for the buzz we get from likes online? Are tech companies forcing us to follow their every whim? Mining us for data they can profit from? Or do we have the power to harness technology for good? Making our lives easier and giving us more free time? Connecting us with people and enriching our lives? To debate this issue, we have on our panel Chi Onwurah, shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy, Science and Innov... |
| 2018-Aug-08 • 35 minutes Back from the end of time | Erik Verlinde, Huw Price, Alison Fernandez Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... it funny that a day at the office seems to drag by so slowly, and yet a day in the park is over in a flash? Is time, and the way it passes something that actually exists in the physical world? Or is it something that only humans perceive? In this debate Back from the End of Time, we’ve brought you a world leading Physicist Erik Verlinde, a world leading philosophers Huw Price, and Alison Fernandez to debate the nature of time.... |
| 2018-Jul-31 • 16 minutes Green Growth | Natalie Bennett Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... dogma of development has left a society divided and a planet endangered. Former UK Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett envisions a radical new future.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel... |
| 2018-Jul-24 • 37 minutes Out of the apocalypse | Sophie Fiennes, Patricia MacCormack, Robert Rowland Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... obsession with the apocalypse is everywhere from fiction stories to news headlines. Is the belief that the end is nigh rooted in the changing reality around us, or is it just a story that sells? On our panel to discuss this question is philosopher and author of Breakfast with Socrates Robert Rowland Smith, Professor of Continental Philosophy at Anglia Ruskin University Patricia MacCormack and Director of the Pervert's Guide to... |
| 2018-Jul-17 • 21 minutes The Tyranny of Evidence | Rupert Read Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a post-truth world, the evidence of experts is constantly being called into question. But is abandoning the expertise of learned folk a little extreme? Green Party politician and philosopher Rupert Read takes us through the tyranny of evidence.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at ... |
| 2018-Jul-10 • 39 minutes Russia, China and the New World Order | Rana Mitter, Stephen King, George Galloway Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... may be on the way to replacing the US as the world's dominant economic power, but with Russia also growing its reach, could the future be more dangerous still? Do we face an uncontainable multipolar world with many nations vying for power? Or should we applaud a break from US global dominance and look forward to a more equal future? Mary Ann Sieghart asks Oxford historian Rana Mitter, HSBC chief economist Stephen King and poli... |
| 2018-Jul-06 • 25 minutes Corruption and Climate Change | Piers Corbyn Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... science more sinister than an honest pursuit of the truth? Is there enough evidence to support man-made climate change? Usually, we associate climate change critics with the right but this time the counter-narrative comes from outspoken astrophysicist Piers Corbyn, who situates himself even further on the left than his brother, UK's Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, ar... |
| 2018-Jun-26 • 23 minutes The Fractured Mind | Bence Nanay Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... it better for us to resist temptations or avoid them altogether? Philosopher of perception and action Bence Nanay argues that our ability to say no is connected with the fragmentation of our minds.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privac... |
| 2018-Jun-19 • 31 minutes How to make the right decision | Bence Nanay, Naomi Goulder, Barry C. Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... quitting a job or relationship in the heat of an argument to taking on a new project in a flush of excitement, we think emotional decisions are often bad decisions. But might it be that emotion is the best guide to action and, as Hume thought, reason is and should be the slave of the passions? Or is this a quick route to chaos and conflict? Philosophers Bence Nanay, Naomi Goulder and Barry C. Smith debate what it means to be o... |
| 2018-Jun-15 • 26 minutes Bonus Episode: The Philosophy of Action Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... philosophy help us make real life decisions? Can actions speak louder than words? Our producer interviews philosophers Bence Nanay, Angie Hobbs, Christopher Hamilton, Barry Smith, Shahidha Bari, and performance artist Emma Sulkowicz about the power of ideas in their lives.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast... |
| 2018-Jun-12 • 10 minutes Bonus Episode: Q&A With David Nutt | LSD, Cannabis and Mental Health Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Philosophy Fest! A week of bonus content to celebrate our hundredth episode of Philosophy For Our Times. Today's bonus content is an audience Q&A with psychiatrist David Nutt, which followed on from his talk, The Science of Psychedelics. David fields questions on synthetic cannabis in prisons, whether LSD can make you a genius, and treating addiction with psychedelic drugs. We released the talk as episode 97 if you'd like ... |
| 2018-Jun-12 • 29 minutes The Science of Psychedelics | David Nutt Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... our attitude to drugs harming mental health patients? Imperial College psychiatrist and former UK government drugs adviser David Nutt argues for an evidence based revolution in drugs policy.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic... |
| 2018-Jun-11 • 9 minutes Bonus Episode: The Rojava Revolution | Elif Sarican Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... celebrate our 100th episode of Philosophy for Our Times, we're treating you to a week of bonus content. To kick off, here's an interview with Elif Sarican, a Kurdish rights activist, about the experiment in direct democracy currently taking place in Northern Syria.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers.... |
| 2018-Jun-07 • 39 minutes Elite Rule | Carne Ross, Yassmin Abdel Magied, Hugo Drochon Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... our abuse of 'elites' ignore their necessity, or should all elites be challenged and dissolved? Author of The Leaderless Revolution Carne Ross, Political Theorist at Cambridge Hugh Drochon, and activist Yassmin Abdel Magied put elites on trial.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at ... |
| 2018-May-15 • 34 minutes What is the Future of Art? | Don Paterson, Dylan Evans, Julian Stallabrass Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... of us intuitively believe that art, philosophy and culture, from the evolution of cinema to the rise of performance poetry, is trying to constantly progress towards something better. But is this a myth? In art and philosophy, is the best yet to come? Or, as Eliot said, 'is there only the fight to recover what has been lost and found and lost again'? Critic and author of Con Art Julian Spalding, TS Eliot prize-winning poet and ... |
| 2018-May-08 • 28 minutes What happens to our bodies after we die? | Brooke Magnati Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... happens to our bodies when we die? Forensic scientist and Belle de Jour blogger Brooke Magnanti anticipates life's strangest certainty.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.... ... |
| 2018-May-01 • 31 minutes After Evolution | Oliver Scott Curry, Daniel Everett, Janet Radcliffe Richards Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... 1859, Charles Darwin changed the course of history for ever by publishing On the Origin of Species. In 1872 he published ‘The expression of the emotions in man and animals.’ Which didn’t rock the boat quite so much, but it continues to be a source of controversy in our ongoing scientific debates on evolution, and specifically, how it relates to human psychology. Can evolution explain cultural and social differences? Or do we n... |
| 2018-Apr-26 • 33 minutes Bonus Episode | The Death Of God And The War On Terror | Terry Eagleton Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... critic of Richard Dawkins, and renowned Professor of English Literature Terry Eagleton launches himself heroically at the twin hornet’s nests of modern religious apathy & radicalism. Where should the unreligious look for answers? What has caused the recent growth in radicalism? Supported by Routledge - Associate Academic Partner of the IAI. There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and cour... |
| 2018-Apr-24 • 34 minutes The Weird and the Wonderful: Eileen Barker, Ariane Sherine, Phil Rickman Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Europe, belief in organised religion continues to decline as science advances. Yet strangely interest in everything from ley lines to solstice rituals is on the rise. Should we dismiss this as empty fantasy? Or is there in nature something essential to ourselves, beyond science and beyond monotheistic religion? Sociologist Eileen Barker, comedian and Dawkins collaborator Ariane Sherine, and fantasy novelist Phil Rickman find m... |
| 2018-Apr-17 • 24 minutes Is the sun conscious? | Rupert Sheldrake Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... consciousness stranger than we thought? The Science Delusion author Rupert Sheldrake strikes out against orthodoxy and asks: is the sun conscious?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m... |
| 2018-Apr-10 • 38 minutes Being Certain: Are convictions dangerous? | Julian Baggini, Andrew Bowie, Edwina Currie Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Galileo to Mandela, history is made by those with strong convictions. Yet as Nietzsche argued and Islamic State attest, those most convinced of their righteousness are often the most dangerous. Should politicians and the rest of us avoid convictions and see them as dangerous fantasies, or is conviction essential to leadership and action? Philosophers Julian Baggini and Andrew Bowie, and former Conservative politician Edwina Cu... |
| 2018-Apr-03 • 34 minutes Time's Arrow | Jim Al - Khalili, Raymond Tallis, Craig Bourne, Angie Hobbs Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... appears to be the ultimate form of progress: an unavoidable direction imposed on the universe. Some physicists claim this is an illusion. How should we make sense of time? As a dimension, a flow, a place, a process, a social construct, or something altogether more mysterious? Physician, poet and thinker Raymond Tallis, philosopher and broadcaster Angie Hobbs, theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili, and philosopher of time Craig ... |
| 2018-Mar-27 • 35 minutes Greater than Equal | Theodore Dalrymple, Sophie Walker, Helena Cronin Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... today’s debate Sophie Walker, leader of the Women’s Equality Party faces Helena Cronin, Darwinian philosopher and a strong believer in natural sex differences. Joined by Psychiatrist Theodore Dalrymple, they debate the pros, cons and possibilities of equality.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Pr... |
| 2018-Mar-22 • 30 minutes Bonus Episode: Hidden Desires, Secret Thoughts | Shahida Bari, Barry C Smith, Richard Bentall Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a century after Freud wrote the interpretation of dreams, how much of our unconscious minds have we uncovered? Writer, academic and critic Shahida Bari, Philosopher and Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Institute of Advanced Studies in London Barry C Smith and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool Richard Bentall debate the relevance of Freud's work today. Supported by Routledge - Associa... |
| 2018-Mar-20 • 25 minutes Science, Sex and Stereotypes | Helena Cronin Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... philosopher Helena Cronin breaks a 21st century taboo: Did men and women evolve differently?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.... |
| 2018-Mar-13 • 40 minutes Running The World Differently | Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Margaret Hodge, Ritula Shah Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... world where men and women shared power equally is thought desirable. Yet from Angela Merkel and Mrs Thatcher, to Marissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg, leading women often appear to behave similarly to men. Would a world run by women actually be fundamentally different? Orwell Award-winning journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Labour politician Margaret Hodge and BBC broadcaster Ritula Shah envisage a more equal world.There are thousa... |
| 2018-Mar-08 • 19 minutes Bonus Episode: The Philosophy Of Being A Woman | International Women's Day 2018 Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Producer at the IAI, Bridey Addison-Child, speaks to some of our female speakers from our HowTheLightGetsIn Festival to find out what being a woman means in today's society, and explore some of the philosophical issues raised when we talk about womanhood.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy... |
| 2018-Feb-27 • 26 minutes Do we need relationships? | Helen Croydon, Kit Opie, Susan Quilliam Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... this week’s episode, we’re looking at the science behind monogamous relationships and asking the question: have we, as a species, evolved beyond them? Screw the Fairytale author Helen Croydon, UCL anthropologist Kit Opie, and psychologist Susan Quilliam imagine new models for relationships.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: http... |
| 2018-Feb-22 • 24 minutes In Defense of Pornography | Peter Tatchell Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is perhaps, nothing more contentious in a romantic relationship, than our partner’s attitude to pornography. Here to break through this taboo is our speaker for today’s podcast - former MP and LGBT rights activist Peter Tatchell.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.c... |
| 2018-Feb-20 • 30 minutes Bonus Episode: The Story of I | John Cottingham, Richard Morgan, Mark Salter Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... rely on a narrative about who we are and what we are up to in order to make the everyday and the big decisions in our lives. But who is the I that writes the story of ourselves and how do we choose the narrative of our life? Are our choices more like reflexes and decisions an illusion? Or do we create both who we are and what we want to do? Philosopher and author of Western Philosophy John Cottingham, East End psychiatrist Mar... |
| 2018-Feb-13 • 33 minutes Changing the Love Narrative | Martha Fiennes, Chris Sherwood, Shahida Bari Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... love at first sight to falling head over heels, it seems love isn’t something we do but something that happens to us. Yet relationship experts say successful relationships are built on hard work. Can we construct the romantic narrative? Would power over love’s story improve the experience? Or is love a wild adventure best left untamed? Award-winning director and artist Martha Fiennes joins Relate CEO Chris Sherwood and Senior ... |
| 2018-Feb-06 • 25 minutes Love Is the Drug | Anders Sandberg Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... happy taking drugs to fight depression. But what about a pill for engineering romance? Oxford neuroscientist and Future of Humanity Institute fellow Anders Sandberg makes the case for chemically enhancing our love lives.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac... |
| 2018-Jan-30 • 34 minutes Is Science The Only Way To Truth? | Rosie Harper, Peter Atkins, Steve Fuller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... this podcast we’re going to be uncovering the unknown by pitting science against religion in the ultimate quest for truth. Theologian Rosie Harper, chemist Peter Atkins and philosopher Steve Fuller debate whether science is the only way to truth.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy a... |
| 2018-Jan-25 • 35 minutes How To Live In The Moment | Robert Eaglestone, Sam Roddick, Peter York Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... famously claimed 'the unexamined life is not worth living'. Yet from surfing to sex, playing an instrument to riding a bike, our most joyous moments are not when we are lost in thought but when we are lost in experience. Do we reflect too much and should we explore just 'being' more? Philosopher and author Robert Eaglestone, Coco de Mer founder Sam Roddick and author of Authenticity is a Con Peter York discuss.There are thousa... |
| 2018-Jan-23 • 21 minutes Newton's Fall | Erik Verlinde Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Theoretical Physics on the cusp of discovering a new theory of gravity? Theoretical physicist Erik Verlinde outlines how spacetime and gravity dissolve.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-... |
| 2018-Jan-16 • 34 minutes Knowing Others And Knowing Oneself | Robert Eaglestone, Anita Avramides, Nicholas Humphrey Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... you ever really know yourself? And if you can’t know yourself, how can you ever know the people around you, even those closest to you? Professor of Contemporary Literature Robert Eaglestone, theoretical psychologist and author of 'Soul Dust' Nicholas Humphrey and Oxford philosopher Anita Avramides investigate knowing ourselves and others.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses wai... |
| 2018-Jan-10 • 37 minutes Bonus Episode: In Search Of Safety | Finn Mackay, Brendan O'Neill, Chris Bryant Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... of a violent and lawless future are a commonplace, yet strangely crime has fallen 66% in the UK in the last two decades. Do we want to imagine the world is dangerous because our lives have become too safe? Or is the world scarier than the figures suggest? Former Anglican Priest Chris Bryant, feminist Finn Mackay and outspoken libertarian and editor of Spiked Online Brendan O'Neill examine risk. Supported by Routledge - Associa... |
| 2018-Jan-09 • 19 minutes What Is The Meaning Of Life? | Mark Rowlands Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... keep searching for life's meaning, but we still have no answer. Philosopher and author of 'Wolf' Mark Rowlands shows us where we might look.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info... |
| 2018-Jan-02 • 28 minutes Are Hospitals Bad For Us? | Diane Abbott, Natalie Bennett, David Healy, Mark Salter Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... third of all deaths are due to medical intervention and some argue that eradicating poverty, not pathogens, makes the biggest difference. Is it a fantasy to believe that medical technology can solve health? Should we spend more on social justice and less on hospital medicine? Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, psychiatrist Mark Salter, Labour politician Diane Abbott and author of Pharmaggedon David Healy get real about health... |
| 2017-Dec-21 • 23 minutes The Swindle Of The New | Terry Eagleton Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... our topsy turvy post-modern world, we're held captive by the promise of the new. One of Britain's most influential cultural critics, Terry Eagleton, examines novelty's strange perils. Supported by Routledge - Associate Academic Partner of the IAI. To learn more, and for exclusive discounts and prizes visit: http://bit.ly/2huBNRxThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for y... |
| 2017-Dec-19 • 28 minutes Beware Bankers Bearing Gifts: Is Debt Good? | Anatole Kaletsky, Stephen King, Laura Bear Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... world is awash with debt. Economists argue it is essential to growth and that repayment is a legal and moral obligation. Yet from Payday lending to the debts of Greece and the Third World many see debt as unfair and unjust. Should we be less dependent on debt? Is it a trap that maintains wealth and poverty, or a gift that enables growth?Capitalism 4.0 author Anatole Kaletsky, Senior Economic Adviser at HSBC Stephen King and LS... |
| 2017-Dec-12 • 23 minutes Could Sex Robots Be Good For Us? | Kate Devlin Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... technological advancements in the world of computer science and robotics, sci-fi sex robots such as Ava from Ex Machina, and Joi from Blade Runner 2049, are coming closer and closer to becoming real. Would sex robots be a disaster for healthy sexual relationships? Or might they actually help us? In this episode, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths Kate Devlin explores the possibilities of sex robots.Th... |
| 2017-Dec-05 • 34 minutes The Fantasy Of Money | Nigel Dodd, Sarah Bird, Izabella Kaminska Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... was a time when gold money had real value. Yet now it floats free, a fantasy made real by our belief. Are there alternative fantasies that we could create to generate different and perhaps better realities? Or is there something special about the fantasy of money that makes it irreplaceable? Guardian columnist Stephen Hewlitt asks CEO of Timebanking UK Sarah Bird, reporter for the Financial Times Izabella Kaminska and The Soci... |
| 2017-Nov-28 • 25 minutes Understanding String Theory | James Ladyman Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... 40 years have passed since string theory was first developed: what questions have been answered? Philosopher James Ladyman examines one of our strangest endeavours."Challenging and provocative" TLSThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privac... |
| 2017-Nov-21 • 33 minutes Can lying ever be justified? | Helen Lederer, James Mahon, Mark Salter Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... of mass destruction, the NSA, and Watergate: many have felt cheated by the lies of the powerful. Yet we all twist the truth to keep people happy and deceive in order to protect. Is lying oddly essential? Should we accept lying as part of personal and public life? Or is there always more beauty in truth? New York philosopher and author of Lying for the Sake of Truth James Mahon, Absolutely Fabulous star Helen Lederer, and psych... |
| 2017-Nov-16 • 39 minutes Power, Status And Sexuality | Catherine Hakim, Doon Mackichan, Peter Tatchell Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... goal of feminism seemed simple: equal rights for both sexes. Yet tabloid controversy is raging now Beyonce, GaGa and Sandberg have claimed the label. Can female sexuality be a vehicle for female power? And is feminism recast as female power a desirable goal or a threat to the original ideals? Sociologist and author of Erotic Capital Catherine Hakim, Smack The Pony star Doon Mackichan, and activist Peter Tatchell confront sexua... |
| 2017-Nov-07 • 29 minutes Real Men | Julie Bindel, Diane Abbott, Rowan Pelling, Serena Kutchinsky Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a real man used to be about courage, grit, and determination. But in an age of increased empathy and softness the story is getting blurred. Is the 'real man' a fantasy we should be pleased to see relegated to history along with Marlboro ads, or are these qualities that women still want and society needs?Jamie Whyte chairs this debate between Labour MP Dianne Abott and radical feminist Julie Bindel, who both argue that male ste... |
| 2017-Oct-31 • 21 minutes Why Are Humans Monogamous? | Kit Opie Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... 3 percent of mammals are monogamous. The faithful few include beavers, wolves, bats, and, of course, humans. Why is monogamy so rare? And how did we come to practise it? UCL anthropologist Kit Opie takes you on journey back to the beginning of human relationships. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, artic... |
| 2017-Oct-24 • 25 minutes Diversity and Power | Sophie Walker Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... with the mainstream, Sophie Walker joined and now leads the Women's Equality Party. Here she asks: is radical thinking enough to change society? Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at http... |
| 2017-Oct-17 • 20 minutes The Good, The Bad And The Unknown | Gita Sahgal, David Owens, Sebastian Farquhar Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... all want a better world and most see morality as helping to choose the right actions. Yet we can't know for sure the outcome of any action. Is morality therefore curiously independent of outcomes? Does this leave it without foundation or function? Or do good and bad have no place in this world at all? Centre for Secular Space founder Gita Sahgal, philosopher and author of Causes and Coincidences David Owens, and director of th... |
| 2017-Oct-10 • 18 minutes Romancing Opiates | Theodore Dalrymple Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is the strange allure of opiate addiction? Author and former prison psychiatrist Theodore Dalrymple argues his personal take on the problems poppies pose. "A modern master" - GuardianMusic: Apache Force by Little Glass Men available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/po... |
| 2017-Oct-03 • 37 minutes Neuroscience vs. Philosophy | Margaret Boden, Steven Rose, Barry C. Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the existence of the self to the nature of free will, many philosophers have dedicated their lives to the problems of the mind. But now some neuroscientists claim to have settled these raging debates. Is it possible we have discovered a science to replace philosophy and we can finally make real progress? Cognitive scientist Margaret Boden, philosopher of mind and language Barry C. Smith and neurobiologist Steven Rose put neuro... |
| 2017-Sep-26 • 25 minutes A Philosophy of Confidence | Rowland Manthorpe Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... said that we "acquire a particular quality by acting a certain way" - he believed that you could fake it 'til you make it. But is this a reductive understanding of confidence? Are we right to desire confidence, or should we reimagine our understanding of it? WIRED editor and author Rowland Manthorpe examines our self-belief, from Nietzsche to now, and proposes a more collaborative definition of confidence. Music: Apache Force ... |
| 2017-Sep-19 • 21 minutes After Buddhism | Stephen Batchelor Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... could secular Buddhist philosophy bring to a dissatisfied West? Buddhist teacher and author Stephen Batchelor gives ancient wisdom a 21st century home. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men available under an Attribution Creative Commons License.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy... |
| 2017-Sep-12 • 27 minutes What we Cannot Know | Marcus du Sautoy Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... headlines of new discoveries about the universe continue, but are we approaching our limits? Mathematician and broadcaster Marcus du Sautoy explores. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at... |
| 2017-Sep-05 • 32 minutes Language and the World | Corine Besson, Nancy Cartwright, Hilary Lawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... effortlessly use language to describe the world. Yet the puzzle of how language achieves this has stumped philosophers for a century. Are we simply missing the right theory? Or is something more profound at stake if language does not in fact provide descriptions of the world at all. 2017 Lebowitz Prize-winning philosopher Nancy Cartwright, Closure theorist Hilary Lawson and Director of the Centre for Logic and Language Corine ... |
| 2017-Aug-29 • 43 minutes The Universe Code | Peter Atkins, Chiara Marletto, James Ladyman Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think information provides facts about the world around us. Yet some in quantum physics now claim that information is primary, more fundamental than matter. Could information provide the ultimate constituents of the world? Or is this a delusion borne from the specific and passing vocabulary of a digital age? Emeritus Oxford chemist Peter Atkins, quantum physics information pioneer Chiara Marletto and author of Everything Must ... |
| 2017-Aug-23 • 32 minutes Life On The Edge | Sebastian Farquhar Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... can we rethink society to halt existential crises as rapidly as the threats can occur? Director of the Centre for Effective Altruism Sebastian Farquhar outlines his solution.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art... |
| 2017-Aug-18 • 37 minutes Imagining Imaginations | Terry Eagleton, Paul Boghossian, Joanne Harris Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... writing to art, the intense to the light hearted, imagination transports us to untold fantasy worlds. Yet Picasso claimed "everything you can imagine is real". Should we dismiss this as the overblown claims of a celebrity artist, or might what we take to be reality actually be a product of the power of imagination?Literary critic Terry Eagleton, New york University philosopher Paul Boghossian and Chocolat author Joanne Harris ... |
| 2017-Aug-16 • 21 minutes Politics and the Patriarchy | Angela Eagle Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Westminster made progress to equality? Cameron told Shadow Secretary for Business Angela Eagle to “Calm down dear”; here she forecasts the future of sexism in politics. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men and Enter the World of Paradise by D SMILEZ available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find ou... |
| 2017-Aug-14 • 33 minutes Catching Sight of Ourselves | Christopher Hamilton, Adjoa Andoh, Daniel Miller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... flung destinations are often home to those seeking to 'find themselves'. Encouraged perhaps by Socrates’ maxim for an ethical life: 'know thyself'. But do any of us ever arrive? Is the self a real and stable enough 'thing' that it can be known? Or can we never catch sight of ourselves in the mirror? Anthropologist and author of Stuff Daniel Miller, actress and writer Adjoa Andoh, KCL philosopher Christopher Hamilton examine th... |
| 2017-Aug-11 • 18 minutes The Good Fight | Charlotte Leslie Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the threat of terror be fought with compassion? Conservative politician and Spectator's 'Backbencher of the year' Charlotte Leslie issues a rallying cry for the politics of love. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men and Enter the World of Paradise by D SMILEZ available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explor... |
| 2017-Aug-09 • 23 minutes The Vital Statistics | Helena Cronin Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... statistical and scientific ignorance undermining the fight against sexism? Darwinian philosopher Helena Cronin argues sex difference should be accepted not ignored. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men and Enter the World of Paradise by D SMILEZ available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out mo... |
| 2017-Aug-08 • 39 minutes The Shame Game | Robin Ince, John Milbank, Helen Croydon Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... shaming exposes and social media scandals of today can seem as backwards as the stocks or the pillory. Yet the fear of shame can bring the powerful to heel. What is our curious shame about shame? Might shaming be our best tool for change? Or should we always be fearful of the tyranny of the mob? Comedian Robin Ince, Sugar Daddy Diaries author Helen Croydon, and theologian and Zizek collaborator John Milbank uncover the strange... |
| 2017-Aug-04 • 31 minutes On Air with Annie Nightingale Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... first female to enter the Radio Hall of Fame, MBE recipient Annie Nightingale is the BBC's longest serving DJ. Join the "first lady of radio" as she discusses 50 years at the forefront of Britain's shifting music scene. Music: Apache Force by Little Glass Men available under an Attribution Creative Commons LicenseThere are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. ... |
| 2017-Aug-02 • 41 minutes Dreamland | Oliver Burkeman, Helen Lederer, Erwin James Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... your dreams and make the most of your life! So advocate headmasters, moralists and revolutionaries. Yet poet John Betjeman's principal regret was that he did not have more sex. Is life not about goals and ambition but about the moment of being? Or is making our dreams real the only way to fulfillment? Writer of The Guardian's This Column Will Change Your Life Oliver Burkeman, author of A Life Inside Erwin James, and Absolutely... |
| 2017-Jul-31 • 41 minutes A Goldilock's World | Chiara Marletto, Bernard Carr, Massimo Pigliucci Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... and Darwin taught us to be skeptical of feeling we were special. Yet from the size of the electron to the cosmological constant our universe is strangely fine-tuned for life. Is this a spectacularly fortuitous accident? Has the universe been tailored for us or do the theories just make it look that way? New York philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, M-Theorist and author of Universe or Multiverse? Bernard Carr, and Oxford constructor... |
| 2017-May-31 • 48 minutes Love Me Tinder| Christopher Hamilton, Steve Carter, Anders Sandberg Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... 10 billion matches, Tinder has made more connections than there are people. But neuroscience reveals that too much choice can increase expectations and reduce desire. Is choice actually a bad thing? Have dating apps democratised intimacy, or are they warping our relationships beyond repair? KCL philosopher Christopher Hamilton, eHarmony’s Chief Scientist Steve Carter, and Oxford neuroscientist Anders Sandberg tackle technology... |
| 2017-May-09 • 34 minutes Blind Data | Steve Carter Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is rarely seen as a romantic discipline. But 30% of couples now meet using online algorithms. Could big data be the key to making love last? And if so what makes for the perfect match? eHarmony's Chief Scientist Steve Carter unveils new research into the science of love and compatibility. (Supported by eHarmony)There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Fi... |
| 2017-Apr-25 • 26 minutes Space Hacks | Patricia Lewis Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... attacks on satellites would cause mass destruction within moments. Why are we ignoring the risks? Space security expert and Chatham House Research Director Patricia Lewis reveals the silent dangers in space.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor... |
| 2017-Apr-18 • 30 minutes After the Higgs Boson | John Ellis Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... 2013 we found the Higgs boson. Then, in early 2016, we found Gravitational Waves. Eminent CERN physicist John Ellis asks: what's next for 21st-century physics?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#... |
| 2017-Apr-13 • 39 minutes A Politics of Hope | Owen Jones Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... are the alternatives to injustice and uncertainty? Author of The Establishment Owen Jones makes the case for an end to despair and a new era of politics.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers... Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not... |
| 2017-Apr-06 • 41 minutes Gravity | Laura Mersini-Houghton, Erik Verlinde, Frank Wilczek Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... all think we know what gravity is. But where gravity comes from stumped Newton, and 300 years later we are no closer to an explanation. We don't even have a mathematical account of gravity that applies in all situations. Why is a force so central to the universe so elusive in its character?Theoretical physicist Laura Mersini Houghton, Nobel Prize-winner Frank Wilczek and string theorist Eric Verlinde examine the enigma of grav... |
| 2017-Mar-28 • 47 minutes Beyond Experience | Tara Shears, Hilary Lawson, Alison Milbank Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think we know what is real and what is not. Yet strangely we can't even agree what reality is made of - everyday things, particles and energy, or language and thought. Is reality essentially incomprehensible because it is beyond us? Or do we just need time and patience to uncover the truth? CERN physicist Tara Shears, author of Closure and post-postmodern metaphysician Hilary Lawson, and theologian Alison Milbank question real... |
| 2017-Mar-21 • 47 minutes The Emperor's New Genes | Dennis Noble, Anne Bowcock, Rupert Sheldrake Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... $3bn Human Genome project to uncover the genetic cause of disease was billed as ground breaking. Despite frequent positive newspaper headlines, critics argue we have uncovered almost nothing about disease. Will it eventually prove useful or are genes not the blueprint for life we had imagined?Author of The Science Delusion, Rupert Sheldrake, Imperial College geneticist Anne Bowcock, and author of The Music Of Life, Denis Noble... |
| 2017-Mar-14 • 33 minutes The Limits of Freedom | Claire Fox, Julian Le Grand, Theodore Dalrymple Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is a goal we all endorse. Yes as neuroscience shows and history suggests, we are less content when we have more choice. Is too much freedom paradoxically debilitating? Do we need constraints to thrive, and might our chains be key to our freedom? Or is this a dangerous conceit of the privileged and free? Psychiatrist Theodore Dalrymple, Blair's former Senior Policy Advisor Julian Le Grand and author of I Find That Offensive Cla... |
| 2017-Mar-07 • 47 minutes The Illusion of Sense | Hilary Lawson, Rupert Read, Ophelia Deroy Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... bats to beetles, animals sense the world differently in order to survive. Yet we think seeing and feeling tell us how things really are. Might our senses be radically limited? Are science and logic routes to escape our sensory limitations, or is feeling the rain on our skin the closest we get to truth? Cognitive neuroscientist Ophelia Deroy, philosopher and author of Philosophy for Life Rupert Read, and closure theorist Hilary... |
| 2017-Feb-28 • 46 minutes A Tribal World | Julie Bindel, Brendan O'Neill, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Simon Glendinning Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... see community and society as good. Yet communities are also fortresses of privilege and conformity, as migrants know only too well. Is the tribe, from the football team to the nation, to be feared and contained? Or is finding our place in a larger group the core of what it is to be human? Author of Exotic England Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, editor of Spiked Brendan O'Neill, journalist Julie Bindel and director of the Forum for Europ... |
| 2017-Feb-21 • 43 minutes Madness and Wisdom | Richard Bentall, Patricia Casey, Robert-Rowland Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is understood as the opposite of reason. Yet as Van Gogh and Nietzsche attest, madness can also be an inexplicable source of insight. Might madness be a strange form of wisdom rather than its diseased opposite? Or is this to make light of a condition that requires treatment? Author of Madness Explained Richard Bentall, psychiatrist Patricia Casey, and philosopher and author of Death Drive Robert-Rowland Smith dispute meaning a... |
| 2017-Feb-14 • 35 minutes Love Story | Helen Croydon, Naomi Goulder and Anders Sandberg Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... want "I love you" to mean forever. But neuroscientists claim three years into a relationship and romantic activity in the brain has ceased. Can love only be known in short doses? Should we accept romance as fleeting and abandon long term commitments, or can we outwit evolution and make love last? Screw the Fairytale author Helen Croydon joins Oxford transhumanist Anders Sandberg and Philosopher Naomi Goulder.There are tho... |
| 2017-Feb-07 • 48 minutes The Known, The Strange And The New | John Ellis, Robert Rowland-Smith, Janne Teller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Aristotle to Einstein humans have tried to make sense of the world. Yet despite huge advances a final explanation looks ever distant. What makes our lives and the world so puzzling and inexplicable? Is it the limitation of the human brain or is language not able to describe reality? Or is it too soon to give up on finding light in the darkness? Eminent CERN physicist John Ellis joins philosopher Robert Rowland-Smith ... |
| 2017-Jan-24 • 47 minutes Dreaming The Future | Natalie Bennett, Phillip Blond, Roger Scruton Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... all want a better world, and we seemingly make progress, with more technology and less prejudice. Yet ideals and utopias are strangely difficult to imagine, let alone achieve. Is it that we just lack imagination or are leaders inherently corrupt? Or is there something impossible in the very idea? Philosopher and author Roger Scruton, former Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett and MP and ResPublica Director Phillip Blond confron... |
| 2017-Jan-17 • 46 minutes Thinking Dangerously, Living Differently | Angie Hobbs, Adrian Moore, Mark Vernon Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... as therapy is an ancient idea. Endorsed by Wittgenstein and popularized by self-help books. But isn't philosophy about understanding even if the insights are uncomfortable? Can philosophy be a dynamic force changing how we think and what we can do? Or does it serve only as a guide to everyday life? Oxford philosopher Adrian Moore, former priest and author of Wellbeing Mark Vernon and Plato Scholar Angie Hobbs consider the purp... |
| 2017-Jan-10 • 46 minutes Sisters and Sisterhood | Myriam Francois, Margaret Heffernan, Kimberlé Crenshaw Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... women MPs, more women CEOs, women it would seem are on the move. Yet the gap between successful women and the rest is growing. Might feminism's success paradoxically harbour the end of the sisterhood as we swap one inequality for another? Or are female care workers and CEOs still on the same side? American civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw joins Wilful Blindness author Margaret Heffernan and outspoken journalist Myriam F... |
| 2017-Jan-03 • 29 minutes The Future of Human Enhancement | Anders Sandberg, Richard Morgan, Nicky Ashwell Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... babies and human enhancement were once confined to fiction. Now biotechnology allows designer genetics, and many already choose the sex of their children. Where will this technology lead the human race? Should we be nervous of the ability to enhance ourselves or embrace an exciting new future for humankind? Science fiction author Richard Morgan, founder of Humanity+ David Pearce, and bebionic hand user Nicky Ashwell debate the... |
| 2016-Dec-20 • 28 minutes Owning our Bodies | Anne Phillips, John Harris, Brooke Magnanti Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... we have rights and ownership of anything it is surely of our own body. Yet we cannot dispose of it as we please, intoxicants are outlawed, and selling our body for sexual pleasure or organ donation is restricted. Is our body strangely not our own after all? Should we insist on our rights and freedom or do we need to be protected from ourselves? During this panel Belle de Jour blogger Brooke Magnanti, bioethicist John Harr... |
| 2016-Dec-13 • 30 minutes When Time Stands Still | Lee Smolin, Michael Duff, Eleanor Knox Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... structure our lives on the flow of time. Yet physicists since Einstein have argued that all time, past, present and future, is like space provided in a single block. Is the flow of time an illusion? Are we deceived when we feel time passing, or is it time to strike the strangeness from our science? Author of Time Reborn Lee Smolin, live from Ontario, joins Imperial theoretical physicist Michael Duff and KCL metaphysician Elea... |
| 2016-Dec-06 • 52 minutes The Good, Bad, & Controversial | Naomi Goulder, Brendan O'Neill, Sameer Rahim, Sam Roddick Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... all want to do the right thing. But from suicide bombers to Catholic priests, we have never been able to agree on what the right thing is. Should we give up on morality and see it as a fiction designed to justify beliefs? Or, despite our disagreements, is it still the most important tool we have to measure human behaviour? Spiked Online Editor Brendan O'Neill joins NCH philosopher Naomi Goulder, journalist Sameer Rahim, and Co... |
| 2016-Nov-29 • 44 minutes Dancing With The Devil | Simon Baron-Cohen, Rebecca Roache, Peter Dews Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think we've grown out of the belief in evil. It's not in our genes and people don't get possessed. But across media and culture, from Star Wars to Isis, evil still holds us strangely captive. Why does the devil seem to have the best tunes? Is the battle between good and evil an essential part of being human after all? Cambridge psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen joins philosopher Rebecca Roache and The Idea of Evil author Peter De... |
| 2016-Nov-22 • 33 minutes Is objective news an illusion? | John Lloyd, Hilary Lawson, Jonathan Calvert Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... want news to accurately reflect the real world. But in an age when competing channels with different perspectives are instantly available should we recognise this goal as an illusion? Should we accept that journalists set the world's agenda with their own fictions and fantasies, or is there a framework of objectivity we should require and demand? Editor of The Sunday Times Insight Jonathan Calvert, founder of the Reuters Journ... |
| 2016-Nov-17 • 48 minutes Missing Evidence | Tara Shears, Rupert Sheldrake, Massimo Pigliucci Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think science is based on facts and evidence. But from gravity to dark matter, string theory to parallel universes, its theories are curiously bereft of hard evidence. Is evidence less important than we think and conjecture alone capable of leading to greater understanding? Or has science dangerously drifted into fantasy?New York philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, CERN physicist Tara Shears and author of The Science Delusion Ruper... |
| 2016-Nov-10 • 33 minutes How Men And Women Think | Gina Rippon, Simon Baron-Cohen, Helena Cronin Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... neuroscientists believe disorders of the mind will be solved when we understand the differences between the male and female brain. Yet is is frequently argued that men and women are not born but made. Are mental differences between the sexes real? Or is this just sexism dressed up as science? Cambridge psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen, Darwinian philosopher Helena Cronin and eminent neuroscientist Gina Rippon investigate.There a... |
| 2016-Nov-03 • 44 minutes March Of The Machines | Roger Penrose, Nigel Shadbolt, Warren Ellis Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... artificial intelligences are luckily confined to fiction. Yet leading scientists claim that intelligent machines are 'the most serious threat facing mankind'. Are they right or could a mind free from human prejudices create a better world? Or is all talk of artificial intelligence a deluded fantasy? Physicist Roger Penrose, computer scientist Nigel Shadbolt and novelist and digital age icon Warren Ellis consider the threat of... |
| 2016-Oct-27 • 51 minutes Love Incorporated | Catherine Hakim, Mark Salter, Richard Coles Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Romeo and Juliet showed, love is a wild and unpredictable force even when faced with reason and control. But we join online dating sites to increase our probability of finding it. Are emotions and intimacy rational choices that can be measured and explained, or is this the sort of reductionist thinking that love seeks to escape? Broadcaster and priest Richard Coles, Erotic Capital theorist Catherine Hakim and consultant psychi... |
| 2016-Oct-20 • 45 minutes The Dark Side of the Universe | Erik Verlinde, Michael Duff, Massimo Pigliucci Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... twenty years have passed since scientists first proposed a mysterious force, Dark Energy, pushing our universe apart. Yet there is no direct evidence for it or any idea what it might be. Might our theories of the universe be profoundly mistaken or is an explanation of Dark Energy around the corner? M-Theorist Michael Duff, Philosopher Massimo Pigliucci and String Theorist Erik Verlinde chase shadows in the cosmos.There are tho... |
| 2016-Oct-13 • 43 minutes Eternal Tales | Stanley Fish, Joanna Kavenna, Barry Smith Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... the world turns we think ideas, right or wrong, are eternal. Yet meaning changes over time and context. Should we conclude that, like the material world, ideas are transient and knowledge and morality passing stories? Or is the eternal in our grasp after all? New York Times columnist and author of The Trouble with Principle Stanley Fish, philosopher of language Barry C. Smith and award-winning novelist Joanna Kavenna seek out ... |
| 2016-Oct-06 • 39 minutes Everything We Know Is Wrong | Lawrence Krauss, Kenneth Cukier, Steve Fuller Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... a time of uncertainty and doubt, we often suppose that science alone can uncover the truth. Yet a recent paper found that 90% of scientific studies are not reproducible. Should we see science as a flawed method and look elsewhere for our truths, or is it the only direct line to reality we’ve got? Outspoken philosopher of science Steve Fuller, Economist Data Editor Kenneth Cukier and bestselling theoretical physicist and cosmol... |
| 2016-Sep-29 • 51 minutes The Crisis of the West | Gita Sahgal, Philip Collins, Kwasi Kwarteng Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... values have been extraordinarily successful. Yet now we seem on the back foot, unsure of ourselves and sometimes embarrassed at our own past. Beset with postmodern doubts, do we need to revive belief in the values and importance of our ideals? Or is the age of the West at an end? Eminent Indian activist Gita Sahgal, Tony Blair's former Chief Speechwriter Philip Collins, and Conservative politician and author of Ghosts of Empir... |
| 2016-Sep-22 • 47 minutes Doing Right And Feeling Good | Anders Sandberg, Simon Baron-Cohen, Peter Dews Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think empathising with others is the route to a better world. But studies show that empathy encourages us to help one named child over ten anonymous others. Is morality perhaps not about empathy at all? Does the moral way to act have more to do with thinking than feeling, or is empathy a vital force for good? Zero Degrees of Empathy author Simon Baron-Cohen, philosopher Peter Dews and Oxford Transhumanist Anders Sadnberg dispu... |
| 2016-Sep-15 • 49 minutes Playing Dice With The Universe | Chiara Marletto, Michael Duff, Peter Cameron Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... does not play dice with the universe' Einstein famously argued. Yet contemporary physics embeds just such dice playing at the core of its account. Is the universe really unknowable even to itself? Or as Einstein implied is this misguided and its secrets remain to be uncovered? Oxford Constructor theorist Chiara Marletto, mathematician Peter Cameron and string theorist Michael Duff untangle cause and effect.There are thousands ... |
| 2016-Sep-13 • 42 minutes The Dance Of Life | David Chalmers, Susana Martinez-Conde, Peter Hacker Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... life is made up of experiences. But what experience is remains a mystery. Heidegger thought it inexplicable and neuroscientists cannot find its location. Do we just need a better theory to uncover its secrets? Or is experience somehow both all that we have and yet not part of this world? Formulator of the hard problem of consciousness David Chalmers, Oxford philosopher Peter Hacker and New York neuroscientist Susana Martinez-C... |
| 2016-Sep-08 • 40 minutes Capitalism And Anarchy | Aaron Bastani, Stephen King, Deirdre McCloskey Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... take anarchism and the abandonment of organised government as a viable political goal. Yet in economics, capitalism is just such a leaderless anarchic system. Might a radically decentralised political system be more credible than we think? Or is centralised government necessary in politics if anything is to be achieved? Senior economic advisor at HSBC Stephen King, author of Bourgeois Dignity Deirdre McClosky a... |
| 2016-Sep-07 • 44 minutes Unnatural Laws | Nancy Cartwright, John Ellis, Rupert Sheldrake Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... Newton's laws to E=mc2, we think we have uncovered the secrets of the universe. But some claim these laws evolve and others point to their human and cultural origins. Might eternal natural laws be human hubris? Or is the mind of God in our grasp? CERN physicist and coiner of the term "Theory of Everything" John Ellis, author of The Science Delusion Rupert Sheldrake and American philosopher of physics Nancy Cartwright debate th... |
| 2016-Sep-07 • 42 minutes The People's Champion | Owen Jones, Michael Howard, Phillip Blond Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... believe democracy leads to a fairer world. Yet almost all governments claim to be democratic including China, Russia and Syria. And 50 years after the abolition of hanging, UK polls still show a majority in favour. Is democracy illusory and troublingly incoherent? Or is an ideal democracy yet to be fully realised? Author of The Establishment Owen Jones, ResPublica director and author of Radical Republic Phillip Blond, and form... |
| 2016-Sep-06 • 44 minutes Rethinking Capital | Paul Krugman, Stephen Dorrell, Alex Callinicos Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... China and Russia adopt their own variants, the reign of capitalism seems absolute. Yet there are many who wish for an alternative and some who claim a final crisis is in the making. Is there a radical alternative that we have not yet discovered? Or is the reality that capitalism is the only viable economic system? Former Secretary of State for Health Stephen Dorrell, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman and Marxist polit... |
| 2016-Sep-05 • 46 minutes Time, Space And Being | Michela Massimi, Julian Barbour, Huw Price Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... think space and time are the structure of the universe. Yet Einstein argued 'space and time are modes by which we think and not conditions in which we live'. And philosophers, Kant and Heidegger, saw space and time as the framework of thought not the world. Are space and time just a human fantasy? Physicist and author of The End of Time Julian Barbour, Cambridge metaphysician Huw Price and philosopher of science Michela Massi... |
| 2016-Sep-04 • 48 minutes The Word And The World | Paul Boghossian, Joanna Kavenna, Ray Monk Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... power of words is a wonder, and language perhaps our greatest skill. Yet the gap between the sound of a bell and its description is huge. Are the limits to language so profound that the big questions of science and philosophy are beyond us? Or can everything be said if we try hard enough? Director of the New York Institute of Philosophy Paul Boghossian, Wittgenstein biographer and philosopher Ray Monk, and award winning noveli... |
| 2016-Sep-03 • 41 minutes In Search Of The Self | Simon Blackburn, Mary Midgley, Colin Blakemore Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... is no self, no 'I', only a flickering illusion. So claim many neuroscientists and philosophers. Yet for the rest of us, the denial of the self feels like a bitter pill to swallow. Is the self a fantasy? Or is it essential to our being and consciousness? Cambridge and NCH philosopher Simon Blackburn, neuroscientist Colin Blakemore, philosopher and author of Are You an Illusion? Mary Midgley seek out the all seeing I. In associa... |
| 2016-Sep-02 • 48 minutes Mind, Myth And Madness | Richard Bentall, Simon Baron-Cohen, Dinesh Bhugra Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... schizophrenia to depression we assume our psychiatric diagnoses are real. But as the mental health epidemic turns global, the categories now seem like the cause. Is it time to abandon our biological account of mental illness? Or is it the best strategy we've got? Polly Toynbee interrogates Cambridge psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen, author of Madness Explained Richard Bentall and Professor of Mental Health at King's College Dine... |
| 2016-Sep-01 • 48 minutes Matter And Mind | Markus Gabriel, Ray Brassier, Eva Jablonka Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... has enabled us to explain how the brain affects the body. Yet there is no theory to explain how the matter of the brain creates thought and experience. Is consciousness inexplicable because it is not part of the material world? Or is it somehow physical after all and within our grasp? German philosopher Markus Gabriel, philosopher and author of Nihil Unbound Ray Brassier, and evolutionary biologist Eva Jablonka seek answers. P... |
| 2016-Aug-31 • 43 minutes After the End of Truth | John Searle, Hilary Lawson, Hannah Dawson Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyf... generation raised on Foucault and Derrida has learned to distrust claims to objective truth. Yet the mantra that 'there is no truth' is a paradox. Do we need a new conception of fantasy and reality to free us from the tyranny of truth makers and the paradoxes of postmodernists alike? American philosopher John Searle, post-postmodernist Hilary Lawson and Historian of Ideas at KCL Hannah Dawson untangle the truth. Watch the deba... |