Twitter: @ThereforeFan • @drg95
Site: ithinkthereforeifan.com/about-us
72 episodes
2018 to 2023
Average episode: 47 minutes
Open in Apple Podcasts • RSS
Categories: Interview-Style • Popular Culture • Two Hosts
Podcaster's summary: This podcast explores philosophical themes in television, movies, video games, and books.
| Episodes |
| 2023-Mar-06 • 47 minutes The Last Part of This Title Was Written by ChatGPT: Beyond Human—Exploring the Intersection of AI and Animal Intelligence In this final episode of Season Nine we discuss sentience, technology, and environmental ethics. We also put enough food for thought on the table to stave off the singularity for at least an additional three weeks. |
| 2023-Feb-17 • 47 minutes What’s It All About, Burt? In this episode we tackle that most famous of all philosophical questions: What is the meaning of life? Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3. |
| 2023-Jan-22 • 34 minutes Wednesday’s Child has Nowhere to Hyde! In this episode we discuss some of the fun metaphysical topics that arise from the Addams Family offshoot, Wednesday. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution... |
| 2022-Nov-03 • 41 minutes A Hero Ain’t Nothing but a Sandwich (or Possibly a Four-Dimensional Space-Time Worm)! In this episode we discuss some of the fun metaphysical and ethical topics that arise in superhero stories. We may also fight a little crime, save the planet, and keep our (personal) identities hidden from an unsuspecting public. |
| 2022-Oct-24 • 44 minutes “This Story is Gonna Be Sensational(ized)!” In this episode we discuss ethical and aesthetic topics related to the ways in which True Crime programming presents stories about serial killers. "Attack of the Mole Men" and “Exhilarate” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech. |
| 2022-Sep-29 • 66 minutes Hey Ho, Let’s Phi In this episode we host a round table discussion with Patrick Anderson, Gwen Grewal, George Dunn, Timothy Kwiatek, Tiffany Montoya, Bailie Peterson, Jesse Prinz, and Marty Sulek as they discuss their chapters in Richard’s latest book, |
| 2022-Sep-19 • 46 minutes Once (or Twice) Upon a Time in Russia! In this episode we take a look at the clever temporal happenings in the Netflix series Russian Doll. "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons. |
| 2022-Aug-31 • 47 minutes Moon Knight, Feels Right! In this first episode of season 9 we take a look at the variety of philosophical themes in Marvel’s Moon Knight, get people caught up on what we've been viewing since our last episode, and enjoy some funky music. |
| 2022-Jan-19 • 49 minutes The End is (Not) Near! In this final episode of season 8 we take a philosophical look at immortality as it appears in pop culture. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3. |
| 2021-Dec-17 • 41 minutes It’s A Wonderful Life in Some (not all that) Close Possible World! In this episode, we take a philosophical look at holiday movies. It’s that wonderful time of year when we celebrate all the good things in life by imagining how great things would be if magic were real, we could have everything we wanted, |
| 2021-Nov-23 • 38 minutes True Crime and Punishment In this episode, we take a philosophical look at the whole true crime phenomenon (podcasts, radio programs, television shows, etc.). Time permitting, we might even investigate a few philosophical crimes, such as the Kripke/ Marcus affair, Wittgenstein’s poker, that time my friend from grad school told a bunch of people that a famous philosopher plagiarized his work, the hit job Bertrand Russell did on all of philosophy in his A History of Western Philosophy, that sham of a trial involving Socrates, and the ... |
| 2021-Oct-30 • 42 minutes Something Wicked My Way Comes! In our annual Halloween episode (sometimes there are more than one!) we talk about a staple of the modern horror genre: the evil things one does following one around forever. On the face of it this seems like a good thing (although perhaps not so much for the one being followed). Upon closer inspection, it’s not so clear. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Ca... |
| 2021-Oct-13 The Calamari Ring of Gyges In this episode we discuss a variety of philosophical topics related to the Netflix series Squid Game. Along the way we complain about rich people and offer some interesting rankings and comparisons. "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Cat and Mouse https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2021-Sep-30 Old MacDonald Told a Joke In this episode we mourn the passing of comedian Norm MacDonald as we discuss the philosophy of comedy. Plato and Camus walk into a bar... Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Plucky Comedy https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2021-Sep-14 Am I Losing Me? In this episode we discuss philosophical issues at the intersection of personal identity and death. As Billy Joel is want to say “Don’t go changing.”The papers we allude to in the episode can be found in Exploring the Philosophy of Death and Dying edited by Michael Cholbi and Travis Timmerman. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple... |
| 2021-Aug-26 • 47 minutes Hell is Other Rich People In this first episode of Season 8 we take a look at some of the more noteworthy philosophical themes found in a couple of recent television limited series: The White Lotus and Nine Perfect Strangers. This episode promises to be so intense that you will need two spa days and an afternoon on a yacht to recover. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz ht... |
| 2021-Jun-28 • 51 minutes To Boldly Go Where No Franchise Has Gone Before In this episode we do a season wrap-up where we reflect on the past year’s events and look at some philosophical models of what the future might look like. We are also coming “live” from the 2021 meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the fourth installment of a multi-episode series). We talk to David LoConto about some of his favorite points of intersection between philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) the latest installment in the Star Trek franchise—Discovery, which was... |
| 2021-Jun-14 • 43 minutes From the PCA: Oh To Be Virtually Influential! In this episode we are coming “live” from the 2021 meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the third installment of a multi-episode series). We talk to a couple of prominent scholars, Gwendolyn Dolske and Randy Jensen, about some of their favorite points of intersection between philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) social media, the good life, and living in a virtual world. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under ... |
| 2021-May-29 • 40 minutes From the PCA: The Pumpkin King’s Gambit! In this episode we are coming “live” from the 2021 meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the second installment of a multi-episode series). We talk to a couple of prominent scholars, Jason Murphy and Siobhain Lash, about some of their favorite points of intersection between philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) the Queen’s Gambit and the Nightmare Before Christmas. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creativ... |
| 2021-May-14 • 37 minutes From the PCA: Plagues, Video Games, and Spaghetti in the Bathtub! In this episode we are coming “live” from the 2021 meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the first installment of a multi-episode series). We talk to a couple of prominent scholars, Ed Cameron and Jennifer McMahon, about some of their favorite points of intersection between philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) the films of Harmony Korine, Sartre’s No Exit, Camus’s The Plague, and the online game Among Us. Just doing our part to keep things light and positive. Musi... |
| 2021-Apr-23 • 43 minutes For Hume the Bell Tolls! In this episode we talk about David Hume’s thoughts on miracles and beliefs as they apply to that ugliest of pop culture phenomenon: the conspiracy theory. Along the way we visit a couple of underground pizza parlors, talk with some lizard people, and dare Bill Gates to just try tracking our whereabouts. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https:/... |
| 2021-Apr-09 • 43 minutes A Selfie is Worth about 25 Words In this episode we talk about challenges to living an authentic life in light of some recent trends on social media. We address the timeless question: can someone truly be in bad faith if they are like really photogenic? Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Up Your Street https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2021-Mar-25 • 48 minutes Canceled Like Socrates In this (our 50th!) episode we talk about cancel culture as a pop culture phenomenon. We look a bit at the history of cancel culture and discuss the ethics of it. In the end we unwisely refrain from canceling ourselves. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Slow Dissolve https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2021-Mar-11 • 42 minutes (Wanda)Visions of Theseus In this episode we talk about the myriad of philosophical issues raised in the MCU limited television series WandaVision. Along the way we discuss a number of really fun topics such as regret, life’s really devastating choices, death, existential dread, and the ship of Theseus. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-pla... |
| 2020-Dec-04 • 36 minutes Birds, Moon Landings, and Other Things that Are Not Real In this episode we talk about the philosophical aspects of conspiracy theories, especially as they are found in pop culture. Along the way we fake a moon landing, rig an election or two, and try, but fail, to make birds real again. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Maelstrom https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2020-Nov-20 • 40 minutes Who Ya Gonna Call? In this episode we talk to philosopher Jamie Watson about his new book, Expertise. Along the way we talk about the portrayal of experts in pop culture, and re-establish that philosophers are the ultimate authorities on everything (see: Plato, philosopher kings). Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Project Plan https:/... |
| 2020-Nov-06 • 45 minutes The Doctor (of Philosophy) is In! In this episode we talk to philosopher Ian Olasov about his Ask a Philosopher project and book. We discuss all things public philosophy, and Ian shares some terrific stories. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Feelin’ Good https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2020-Oct-22 • 62 minutes A Vote for Philosophy is a Vote for The Good Life In this episode we interview philosopher and political candidate Randy Auxier. We discuss elections as pop culture as well as elections in pop culture. As a bonus we save democracy, while establishing the rule of philosopher kings, by voting early and voting often. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Big Day Out https... |
| 2020-Oct-08 • 46 minutes It’s Good to Be the (Philosophical) King In this episode we resume our tradition of devoting at least one episode each October to philosophical themes in horror. This year’s Halloween episode discusses philosophical themes in the works of Stephen King. Tune in to see if we take a Shining Stand on anything of just leave IT at that. Music in the Episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-plan... |
| 2020-Sep-24 • 47 minutes Invasion of the Body Swappers In this episode we talk with philosopher Nathan Nobis about personal identity thought experiments. Along the way we split a few brains, swap a few minds, and transport a few bodies to Mars. You can find some of the resources we discuss in this week’s episode here: https://www.nathannobis.com/2020/09/personal-identity.html... and here: https://1000wordphilosophy.com/ Music... in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Li... |
| 2020-Sep-14 • 55 minutes Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose In this episode we talk about topics related to the great free will debate as it makes its way into pop culture. Along the way, fail to make any choices, and eventually reject the Principle of Alternate Podcasts. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Cobwebbed https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2020-Aug-27 • 58 minutes A Virus Walked into a Schoolhouse… In this episode we discuss COVID-19, changes in education, and the educators in pop culture (shout out to those who get the Mr. Dixon reference). This is the only thing left in the universe that isn’t coming by way of a Zoom meeting. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Evolving Plans https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2020-Apr-23 • 36 minutes A Plague in All Our Houses In this final episode of Season 5 we discuss the coronavirus as pop culture. Along the way we discuss ethics, the environment, existentialism, and stoicism. Mostly, we just chastise those who fail to practice social distancing. Music in this episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Deadlock https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2020-Apr-09 • 33 minutes Lyra, a Spyglass, and Bears, Oh My! In this episode we discuss a variety of philosophical themes in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Along the way we sort out all the pertinent philosophical questions pertaining to God, souls, possible worlds, epistemology, the afterlife, and, just for the heck of it, time travel (even though it is not part of the story). Music in this episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/lic... |
| 2020-Mar-26 • 42 minutes Tractatus Feline-Exoticus In this episode we discuss a number of interesting philosophical topics raised by the Netflix documentary Tiger King. While the discussion is fresh, topical, and lively, the highpoint of the episode is the segment in which Rachel gives herself a mullet. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Low Down Dir... |
| 2020-Mar-13 • 60 minutes Cheating Death! In this episode we discuss the great (and recently departed) Max Von Sydow. In particular we take a close look at the many existential themes in The Seventh Seal. Along the way we provide some strategy tips for winning at chess, such as don’t tell the grim reaper that you are planning on using a secret knight/bishop combination. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/lic... |
| 2020-Feb-28 • 41 minutes Dude, I Think We Might Be in a Cave In this episode we ask some important contemporary philosophers about their favorite philosophical thought experiments as they appear in pop culture. We interview Mark Doorley, Alan Tomhave, and Devon Belcher. Along the way we sort out most of the main problems in philosophy, hijack a trolley, dismantle (and reassemble) some ships, and enter an experience machine. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 L... |
| 2020-Feb-13 • 39 minutes All My Friends are Dead, but I’m a Real Boy! In this episode we discuss the series finale of The Good Place. This episode is particularly spoiler-heavy, so download now, but don’t listen until you are caught up (unless you don’t mind spoilers, in which case you deserve to end up in the medium place at best). "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Goodbye Rain https://www.purp... |
| 2020-Jan-31 • 54 minutes And The Phil-Oscar Goes To… In this episode we discuss the most philosophical movies of 2019. It’s the philosophical Academy Awards! We interview some young philosophers (Joe Brownlow, Ella Clemens, Kimm Lindquist, Kramer McCausland, and Noah Wilcock) on their favorite philosophical movies of all-time. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/... Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-p... |
| 2020-Jan-15 • 59 minutes A Womb of One’s Own In this episode we discuss philosophical issues in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. We interview philosophers Charlene Elsby, Leigh Kolb, and Trip McCrossin, each of whom contributed a chapter to Rachel’s recent book The Handmaid’s Tale and Philosophy: A Womb of One’s Own. Time permitting will consider the topic, couture in Gilead: fashion crimes or ahead of its time. [Note: if you are worried about spoilers for The Testaments, we’ve purposely not discussed it this episode. You are safe to listen.... |
| 2019-Oct-30 • 41 minutes I’m Looking for the Monkey Who Shot my Paw This episode is the second of two in which we look at philosophy in horror films. This week are looking at contemporary horror films. In particular, we discuss the metaphysics of things that are haunted or cursed, slashers, and possessed gadgets. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/... Gothic Horror https://www.purple-planet.comFat Cartoon Jazz https:/... |
| 2019-Oct-22 • 51 minutes It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad (Scientist) World This episode is the first of two in which we look at philosophy in horror films. This week we are looking at classic horror films. In particular, we discuss philosophical issues raised by the mad scientist trope. We also reanimate a few bodies, swap their personalities through teleportation, and hypnotize a handful of mutants for good measure. . Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativ... |
| 2019-Oct-15 • 51 minutes Some People Call Me Maurice In this episode we take up the question of just what makes someone a villain. Does our conception of what constitutes a villain jibe with our commonsense intuitions about when people are morally responsible and when people should get a pass for otherwise bad behaviors? On a related note, we take a look at some of pop culture’s most infamous “evil” clowns. Music in this episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://c... |
| 2019-Oct-08 • 37 minutes From the SFPC: Aliens, Arrivals, Augmentations, and Alerts This is the second of two episodes where we interview folks who presented at the Science Fictions, Popular Cultures Conference. In this one we talk to Jerold J. Abrams and Elizabeth Cooke. Music in this Episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Electro... Zombieshttps://www.purple-planet.com Fat Cartoon Jazzhttps://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2019-Oct-01 • 44 minutes From the SFPC: Guerilla Science and Angry Fandoms This is the first of two episodes where we interview folks who presented at the Science Fictions, Popular Cultures Conference. In this one we talk to Tim Slater, Stephanie Slater, and Greg Littmann. Music in this episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/The... UFO Files https://www.purple-planet.com Fat Cartoon Jazzhttps://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2019-Sep-25 • 42 minutes A Guy Walks into a Tomb… In this episode we take on the questions of why death is bad, whether immortality would be good, and whether heaven would contain the Backstreet Boys. We also ask some students whether they would opt to know the time and circumstances of their deaths in advance, if they could. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Possessed... Dollhttps://www.purple-plane... |
| 2019-Sep-18 • 49 minutes Fantastic Friends and Where to Find Them In this episode we talk to Professor Jim Okapal (who suggested the title of this episode) about Aristotle, friendship, science fiction, and fantasy. In our discussion Jim elaborates on some of the ideas he developed in his essay “'In Search of ...' Friendship: What We Can Learn from Androids and Vulcans" (in The Ultimate Start Trek and Philosophy: The Search for Socrates edited by Kevin S. Decker and Jason T. Eberl). Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) ... |
| 2019-Sep-10 • 42 minutes Honey, the Computer Is Trying to Take over the World Again! ITTIF is back with season 4 (episodes released weekly). In this episode we discuss technological dystopias (along with some good old fashioned run of the mill quotidian dystopias). Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/In... Pursuithttps://www.purple-planet.comFat Cartoon Jazzhttps://www.purpleplanet.com |
| 2019-Jun-18 • 52 minutes Spoiler Alert! (It’s an Episode about the Philosophy of Spoilers) In this final episode of Season Three we discuss Richard's new book, which is on the philosophy of spoilers. After four episodes of interviews from the annual meeting of the Pop Culture Association, we are back to our regular format: we have a listener musing and discuss what we've been liking of late in Pop Culture (one astute viewer called this segment Siskel and Q*Bert). Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attri... |
| 2019-Jun-04 • 35 minutes From the PCA: What The Orville gets Right In this episode we are again coming “live” from the annual meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the final installment of a four-part series). We talk to some prominent scholars of philosophy and pop culture (David Kyle Johnson, Mike Berry, and Chris Ketcham) about some of their favorite intersections of philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) The Orville, consciousness, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty. We also make a really bad pun about Orville Wright in the title. Musi... |
| 2019-May-21 • 50 minutes From the PCA: The Purple Replicant of Cairo In this episode we are again coming “live” from the annual meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the third of a four-part series). We talk to some prominent scholars of philosophy and pop culture (Leigh Rich, Jim Okapal, Corey Horn, and Seth Walker) about some of their favorite intersections of philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) The Cairo Trilogy, how differing philosophical traditions find common ground in pop culture, public philosophy, and remix. We also make some p... |
| 2019-May-07 • 36 minutes From the PCA: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Good Place In this episode we are again coming “live” from the annual meeting of the Popular Culture Association (this is the second of a four-part series). We talk to some prominent scholars of philosophy and pop culture (Steve Benko, Andrew Pavelich, Gwendolyn Dolske, and Rebecca Shearer) about some of their favorite intersections of philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) The Good Place, the philosophy of comedy, and some of their upcoming projects. Music in this episode: “Attack of th... |
| 2019-Apr-23 • 50 minutes From the PCA: If Thou Gaze Long into a Black Mirror, the Black Mirror will also Gaze into Thee In this episode we are coming "live" from the annual meeting Popular Culture Association. We talk to some prominent scholars of philosophy and pop culture (Jason Eberle, George Dunn, and David Kyle Johnson) about some of their favorite intersections of philosophy and pop culture. We discuss (among other things) Battlestar Galactica, Westworld and Black Mirror, and some of their upcoming projects. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creativ... |
| 2019-Apr-09 • 52 minutes The More Ships Change the More They Stay the Same In this episode we talk about a number issues in personal identity, especially as they arise in pop culture. We talk to some young philosophers about whether they think we persist through time. Finally, we perform a few brain transplants just for kicks. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... UFO Fileshttps://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2019-Mar-26 • 47 minutes What Is It Like to Be a Groundhog? In this episode we discuss the philosophical implications of being stuck in a time loop, as in Groundhog Day. We talk to some budding philosophers about whether they would opt to enter a Groundhog Day scenario for the possibility of becoming more virtuous. We also wish a Happy Death Day to a Russian Doll. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... Kevin MacLeod (inco... |
| 2019-Mar-12 • 66 minutes Something Wicked This Way Comes! In this episode we discuss the celebrated problem of evil. It is the second episode in our two part series on arguments for and against the existence of God. We interview John Garcia, Shairylann Lisonbee, Trip McCrossin, and John Collins. The discussion is lively and informative. Eventually we all get smited. Music in this Episode:“Attack of the Mole Men” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ “Gregori... |
| 2019-Jan-22 • 67 minutes It’s Not Turtles All The Way Down! In this episode we talk to philosophers of religion about arguments for the existence of God. We interview Josh Rasmussen, Greg Spendlove, Chad Bogosian, and Rob Arp. The conversations were more fun than a church social. "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... Chant" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... |
| 2019-Jan-16 • 41 minutes When Good Things Happen from Bad People In this episode we discuss philosophical issues to works of art and philosophy produced by people who have engaged in extremely morally objectionable acts. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ "Secret... of Tiki Island" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/... |
| 2019-Jan-09 • 56 minutes Never Go in against a Philosopher When Death Is on the Line! In this episode we discuss a number of interesting philosophical issues raised in The Princess Bride. We interview four contributors to our book The Princess Bride and Philosophy: Jerry Piven, Jamie Watson, Laura Guidry-Grimes, and Don Fallis. We also storm the castle, defeat the Dread Pirate Roberts, and win a battle of wits. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/lic... |
| 2019-Jan-01 • 59 minutes Stop the Worlds, I Want to Get Off! In this episode we discuss the philosophical implications and underpinnings of the idea that there exists a multiverse. We interview some folks about their favorite instances of the multiverse in pop culture, and gush a lot about Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse! Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... the Maze" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Cre... |
| 2018-Dec-24 • 30 minutes The Jolly and the Good! In this episode we discuss the ethics and metaphysics of everyone's favorite delivery guy! We interview some folks about their own experiences with old St. Nick, and we make it crystal clear why we don't deserve lumps of coal in our stockings! Music in this episode: Christmas Fairy https://www.purple-planet.com ... Perky https://www.purple-planet.com ... Christmas Advertising https://www.purple-planet... |
| 2018-Dec-18 • 56 minutes I’ll Make You an Argument You Can’t Refute! In this episode we discuss the points of intersection between philosophy and gangster films (and gangster television!). We interview Dr. Dan Wack and answer the age old question: what would you rather have, a gun or a cannoli? Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... Roulette" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licen... |
| 2018-Dec-12 • 55 minutes A Couple of Strangers Push a Rock Up a Hill In this episode we discuss the absurd as it makes it way into pop culture. We interview Larry Udell, Amy Wicks, Gary Johnson, and Julie Sanders. Listen in to find out that Hell is other podcasts! Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod(incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licens... https://www.purple-planet.comStalking the PreyMusic https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2018-Dec-05 • 56 minutes The Guide to the Skeptic’s Universe In this episode we discuss philosophical skepticism as it makes it way into pop culture. We interview Otávio Bueno, John Collins, and James Beebe. Listen in to find out just when know means know! Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... UFO Files Music: https://www.purple-planet.com |
| 2018-Oct-30 • 65 minutes That Which Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Terrified! In this episode we discuss philosophical issues related to American Horror Story. We interview Cari Callis, Liz Rard, Charlene Elsby, Seth Walker, and Rachel Robison-Greene. We're bringing spooky back! Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... Horrors" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://crea... |
| 2018-Oct-23 • 44 minutes Please Don’t Lecter Me About Cannibalism! In this episode we discuss philosophical issues related to cannibalism. We interview Michelle DeVries, Dane Barnes, AJ Skubi, and Tre Waldrum. You'll want to enjoy this episode with some fava beans and a nice chianti. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... Horrors" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://... |
| 2018-Oct-16 • 52 minutes How Many Robots Does It Take To Screw Up An Amusement Park? In this episode we discuss philosophical issues related to Westworld. We interview Pat Croskery, Christopher Innes, Christopher Lay, Brian Stiltner, and Mia Wood, each of whom contributed chapters to the recently released Westworld and Philosophy (Open Court Publishers). We also do our small part in thwarting the impending Robot uprising. https://www.amazon.com... in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License ... |
| 2018-Oct-09 • 53 minutes If I Tell You I Love You Will You Let Me Eat Your Brains? In this episode we discuss philosophical issues related to the undead as they come up in pop culture: the badness of being undead, what does it mean to be undead, the ethics of being undead, and many others. We interview Wayne Yuen, Christine Otterstrom, Zachary Stickney, and Nick Berg. We totally up our spooky factor in this one, so listen with the lights on! Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License... |
| 2018-Oct-02 • 57 minutes Guess Who Got an A on Their Turing Test? In this episode we discuss the philosophical implications of AI as it appears in pop culture. We interview Dr. Pat Lin, Mike Frost, Michelle Savail de Tremont, and Jayrod Garrett. We tell you everything you need to know about the impending AI apocalypse, and share some lighthearted moments. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licen... Maze" Kevin MacLeod (incompete... |
| 2018-Sep-26 • 60 minutes What Is Big, and Purple, and Is a Pretty Good Snapper? In this episode we explore the ethical dimensions of Thanos's decision to destroy half of the living beings in the universe. We interview Tim Utley, Chelsi Barnard, Ken Altman, and Michael Funke to get their predictions on the follow up to Avengers: Infinity War. Finally, we do our part to stamp out global poverty. Did we succeed? That depends on you! Music In This Episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http... |
| 2018-Sep-19 • 54 minutes Take My Log, Please! In this episode we explore philosophical themes in David Lynch's Twin Peaks. We interview Leigh Kolb, Rob Luzecky, Veronica McMullen, and Peter Rose-Barry. We channel the wisdom of the owls, the log, the giant, and, of course, Agent Cooper. If you would like to read more philosophy about Twin Peaks, check out Twin Peaks and Philosophy! https://www.amazon.com/T... is the music we used in this episode: "Walking Along" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attrib... |
| 2018-Sep-11 • 41 minutes A Zombie, A Prisoner, and a Robot Enter into a Social Contract In this episode, we discuss social contract theory and how it is explored in The Walking Dead, Lost in Space, and Orange is the New Black. What would a state of nature--a state before civil society--look like? What would people be like in such a state? What would their motivations be? Would characters like Rick Grimes, Negan, and Dr. Smith naturally emerge? Our first episode just went under TEN THOUSAND DOWNLOADS! Let's keep it going! Here is the music we used in this episode: "Enter the Ma... |