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TrueSciPhi

 

Podcast Profile: Philosophize This!

podcast imageTwitter: @iamstephenwest
Site: philosophizethis.org
199 episodes
2013 to present
Average episode: 29 minutes
Open in Apple PodcastsRSS

Categories: Monologue (Non-Course)

Podcaster's summary: Beginner friendly if listened to in order! For anyone interested in an educational podcast about philosophy where you don't need to be a graduate-level philosopher to understand it. In chronological order, the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in are broken down and explained.

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List Updated: 2024-Apr-24 06:08 UTC. Episodes: 199. Feedback: @TrueSciPhi.

Episodes
2024-Apr-15 • 48 minutes
Episode #199 ... A conservative communist's take on global capitalism and desire. (Zizek, Marx, Lacan)
Today we talk about the distinction between left and right. Lacan's thoughts on desire. How Capitalism captures desire and identity. I would prefer not to. Moderately conservative communism. Hope you enjoy it! :) | | Sponsors: | Exclusive NordVPN Deal: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! | Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS | | Get more: | Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ | Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis | | ...
2024-Mar-24 • 41 minutes
Episode #198 ... The truth is in the process. - Zizek pt. 3 (ideology, dialectics)
Today we go into a deeper explanation of ideology and dialectics. Liberal democratic capitalism is featured as a special guest. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://www.NordVPN.com/philothis Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS LMNT:... https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/philo Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...
2024-Mar-10 • 42 minutes
Episode #197 ... New Atheists and cosmic purpose without God - (Zizek, Goff, Nagel)
As we regularly do on this program-- we engage in a metamodernist steelmanning of different philosophical positions. Hopefully the process brings people some joy. Today we go from ideology, to New Atheism vs Creationism, to Aristotle, to Thomas Nagel, to Phillip Goff's new book called Why? The Purpose of the Universe. Sponsors: Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS EXCLUSIVE... NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/philothis Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Thank you so mu...
2024-Feb-24 • 38 minutes
Episode #196 ... The improbable Slavoj Zizek - Part 1
Today we give an introduction to the thinking of Slavoj Zizek-- at least as much as is possible in ~35 mins. The goal is for this to be a primer for the rest of the series. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Sponsors: AG1: https://www.DrinkAg1.com/philo Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS LMNT:... https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/philo Website:... https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https:/...
2024-Feb-10 • 34 minutes
Episode #195 ... Could Anarcho-Capitalism be the solution to our problems? - Anarchism pt. 4 (Rothbard, Friedman, Malice)
Today we talk more about anarchism. Sponsors: Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Factor:... http://www.FactorMeals.com/pt50 Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2024-Jan-27 • 36 minutes
Episode #194 ... Do we really need the police? - Anarchism pt. 3 - (Gelderloos, Security)
Today we answer some questions about the potential security risks of an anarchist society. Sponsors: https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/ph... you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2024-Jan-09 • 36 minutes
Episode #193 ...The chief export of the western world is trash. - Anarchism pt. 2 (Bookchin, Social Ecology)
Today we talk about some of the work of Murray Bookchin. We talk about anarchism as a historical trend in human thought that keeps recurring. Then we talk about the superficiality of typical approaches to being environmentally conscious. We talk about Futurism and the hope of colonizing other planets. We talk about Artificial Intelligence and why people sometimes don't feel like celebrating its arrival. Sponsors: Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS NordVPN:... https://www.NordVPN.com/philothi...
2023-Dec-28 • 33 minutes
Episode #192 ... Should we overthrow the government tomorrow? - Anarchism pt. 1 (Chomsky, Malatesta)
Today we talk about some common misconceptions about Anarchism, the weaknesses of traditional government structures, a possible alternative way of cooperating and whether or not the government is the hierarchy we should be focusing on. Sponsors: NordVPN - https://www.NordVPN.com/PHILOTHIS Rocket Money - https://www.RocketMoney.com/PT GiveWell - https://www.GiveWell.org (mention Philosophize This! at checkout) Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philoso...
2023-Dec-05 • 29 minutes
Episode #191 ... The modern day concentration camp and the failure of human rights. (Giorgio Agamben)
Today we talk about the philosophy of Giorgio Agamben. Human rights, a political tactic to dehumanize groups that has been growing in popularity, governments declaring states of emergency and how the concept of potential may in fact be a unifying force. https://www.philosophizethis.org
2023-Nov-27 • 32 minutes
Episode #190 ... Are emotions a waste of time? - Neo-Stoicism (Martha Nussbaum)
Today we talk about the lessons found in the ancient Greek play titled Hecuba. We talk about the great Stoic ethicists Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. We talk about Martha Nussbaum and her work looking to infuse classical Stoic ideas with all that we've learned in the sciences over thousands of years. We talk about compassion. Shame and guilt. Her capabilities approach. It's a whole lot of fun for the whole family. :)
2023-Oct-03 • 31 minutes
Episode #189 ... Everything that connects us is slowly disappearing. - Byung Chul Han pt. 2
Today we talk about the disappearance of rituals, truth, community, communication, public spaces and talk about the importance sometimes of being an idiot. Hope you love it! :) Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize... This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram:... https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok:... https://www.tikt...
2023-Sep-07 • 33 minutes
Episode #188 ... Achievement Society and the rise of narcissism, depression and anxiety - Byung-Chul Han
Today we talk about positive power, neoliberalism, narcissism as a reaction to modern life, how technology makes isolation easier, and some tactics to find peace in the digital panopticon. Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram:... https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok:... https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook:... https://www.facebo...
2023-Aug-31 • 37 minutes
Episode #187 ... How much freedom would you trade for security? (Foucault, Hobbes, Mill, Agamben)
On today's episode we talk about the upsides of a surveillance state. The ongoing social dilemma of freedom vs security. The value of privacy. States of exception. And Deleuze's Postscript on Societies of Control. Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize... This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram:... https://www.instagram.com/philosophizeth...
2023-Aug-24 • 37 minutes
Episode #186 ... Are we heading for a digital prison? - Panopticon (Foucault, Bentham, Cave)
Today we talk about Jeremy Bentham's concept of the Panopticon. Michel Foucault's comparison to society in 1975. The historical role of intelligence as a justification for dominance. The anatomy of free will, and how a digital world may systematically limit our free will without us knowing it. Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize... This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://...
2023-Aug-10 • 39 minutes
Episode #185 ... Should we prepare for an AI revolution?
Today we talk about the revolutionary potential of generative AI. For better or worse. Support the podcast by checking out our sponsors: Better Help - https://www.betterhelp.com/PHILTHIS LMNT - https://www.drinkLMNT.com/PHILO Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.insta...
2023-Aug-02 • 35 minutes
Episode #184 ... Is Artificial Intelligence really an existential risk?
Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow ... Thank you for making the show possible. 🙂
2023-Jul-22 • 30 minutes
Episode #183 ... Is ChatGPT really intelligent?
Today we discuss ideas from John Searle and Noam Chomsky and consider several questions surrounding machine intelligence. Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast...
2023-Jul-02 • 28 minutes
Episode #182 ... What if free will is an illusion?
Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow ... Thank you for making the show possible. 🙂
2023-Jun-23 • 25 minutes
Episode #181 ... What if consciousness is an illusion?
Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow ... Thank you for making the show possible. 🙂
2023-May-24 • 35 minutes
Episode #180 ... What if everything is consciousness? - Phillip Goff on Panpsychism
Today we talk about one theory of consciousness known as Panpsychism. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis
2023-Apr-24 • 36 minutes
Episode #179 ... Why is consciousness something worth talking about?
Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow ... Thank you for making the show possible. 🙂
2023-Apr-05 • 37 minutes
Episode #178 ... Susan Sontag - How Much Is Your View Of Everything Affected By Metaphors?
Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow ... Thank you for making the show possible. 🙂
2023-Mar-22 • 33 minutes
Episode #177 ... Susan Sontag - Do you speak the language of pictures and videos?
Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis ... Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips ... Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast ... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow ... Thank you for making the show possible. 🙂 RSS: http://www.philosophizethis.l...
2023-Mar-01 • 33 minutes
Episode #176 ... Susan Sontag - Do you criticize yourself the way you criticize a movie?
Today we talk about the essay titled Against Interpretation by Susan Sontag. :) www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast ... www.twitter.com/iamstephenwest
2023-Feb-02 • 28 minutes
Episode #175 ... Simone Weil - Vessels of God
Today we continue talking about the work of Simone Weil. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis www.instagram.com/philosophizethisshow www.twitter.com/iamstephenwest
2023-Feb-02 • 31 minutes
Episode #174 ... Simone Weil - The Mathematician
Today we continue talking about the work of the brilliant Simone Weil. Hope you love it. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis www.instagram.com/philosophizethisshow www.twitter.com/iamstephenwest
2023-Jan-10 • 31 minutes
Episode #173 ... Simone Weil - The Need for Roots
Today we continue talking about Simone Weil. Hope you love it. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis
2022-Nov-21 • 38 minutes
Episode #172 ... Simone Weil - Attention
Today we begin some general discussions in the direction of the thought of Simone Weil and tell some stories from her life.
2022-Nov-01 • 41 minutes
Episode #171 ... Guy Debord - The Society of the Spectacle
Today we talk about a famous call to action by the philosopher Guy Debord.
2022-Sep-23 • 39 minutes
Episode #170 ... Albert Camus - The Fall
Today we explore some of the themes discussed in The Fall by Albert Camus. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Aug-20 • 29 minutes
Episode #169 ... Bruno Latour - We Have Never Been Modern
Today we cover thought provoking pieces of an early work by a great philosopher named Bruno Latour. Hope you love it. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Jul-13 • 42 minutes
Episode #168 ... Introduction to an Ethics of Care
Today we begin discussing an Ethics of Care. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Jun-25 • 26 minutes
Episode #167 ... Jose Ortega - Revolt of the Masses
Today we continue talking about the work of Ortega. This time about his book Revolt of the Masses. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Jun-01 • 30 minutes
Episode #166 ... Jose Ortega - Circumstance
Today we begin talking about the work of Jose Ortega Y Gasset. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Apr-30 • 28 minutes
Episode #165 ... Ralph Waldo Emerson - Nature and Other Things
Today we continue our discussion of Emerson. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Apr-22 • 33 minutes
Episode #164 ... Ralph Waldo Emerson - Self Reliance
Today we talk about Emerson and his essay about self reliance. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Mar-02 • 30 minutes
Episode #163 ... The Creation of Meaning - Escape From Evil
Today we continue talking about the work of Ernest Becker. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Jan-25 • 26 minutes
Episode #162 ... The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death
Today we begin talking about the work of Ernest Becker. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Jan-15 • 32 minutes
Episode #161 ... Karl Popper - The Open Society and Its Enemies
Today we talk about a famous book from the work of Karl Popper. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2022-Jan-05 • 36 minutes
Episode #160 ... The Creation of Meaning - Kierkegaard - Silence, Obedience and Joy
Today we discuss the work of Soren Kierkegaard. His famous work The Lily of the Field and The Bird of The Air. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Nov-10 • 29 minutes
Episode #159 ... The Creation of Meaning - Nietzsche - Amor Fati
Today we continue our discussion on the creation of meaning. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Oct-05 • 31 minutes
Episode #158 ... The Creation of Meaning - Nietzsche - The Ascetic Ideal
Today we look at the creation of meaning through the work of Nietzsche. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Sep-01 • 25 minutes
Episode #157 ... The Creation of Meaning - Beauvoir
Today we talk about the creation of meaning. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Aug-10 • 29 minutes
Episode #156 ... Emil Cioran part 2 - Failure and Suicide
Today we continue talking about Cioran. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Jul-08 • 23 minutes
Episode #155 ... Emil Cioran - Absurdity and Nothingness
Today we begin our discussion on Emil Cioran. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Jun-22 • 21 minutes
Episode #154 ... Pragmatism and Truth
Today we discuss Pragmatism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Apr-01 • 24 minutes
Episode #153 ... The Frankfurt School - Walter Benjamin pt. 2 - Distraction
Today we continue talking about Walter Benjamin. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Mar-19 • 24 minutes
Episode #152 ... The Frankfurt School - Walter Benjamin pt. 1
Today we begin discussing the work of Walter Benjamin. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Feb-06 • 26 minutes
Episode #151 ... The Frankfurt School - Erich Fromm on Freedom
Today we continue our discussion of the work of Erich Fromm. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Jan-31 • 22 minutes
Episode #150 ... The Frankfurt School - Erich Fromm on Love
Today we discuss Erich Fromm and his work The Art of Loving. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2021-Jan-05 • 26 minutes
Episode #149 ... On Media pt. 2 - Marshall McLuhan
Today we discuss the work of Marshall McLuhan. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Dec-14 • 25 minutes
Episode #148 ... On Media pt. 1 - Manufacturing Consent
Today we discuss the 1988 work of Chomsky and Herman entitled Manufacturing Consent. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Nov-10 • 23 minutes
Episode #147 ... Being and Becoming
Today we discuss the ancient philosophical debate of being and becoming. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Oct-20 • 25 minutes
Episode #146 ... Bergson on Laughter pt. 2 - Vitalism
Today we continue our discussion on the work of Henri Bergson. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Sep-19 • 24 minutes
Episode #145 ... Bergson on Laughter pt. 1 - History
Today we begin our discussion on the work of Bergson. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Jun-29 • 24 minutes
Episode #144 ... Max Weber - Iron Cage
Today we discuss some of the work of Max Weber in preparation for an upcoming series. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Apr-30 • 25 minutes
Episode #143 ... Jürgen Habermas pt. 1 - The Public Sphere
Today we begin our discussion of the work of Jürgen Habermas. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Apr-15 • 29 minutes
Episode #142 ... Richard Rorty
Today we begin our discussion of the work of Richard Rorty. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Mar-28 • 23 minutes
Episode #141 ... Isaiah Berlin pt. 2 - Pluralism and Culture
Today we continue talking about the work of Isaiah Berlin. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Mar-11 • 23 minutes
Episode #140 ... Isaiah Berlin pt. 1 - Pluralism
Today we begin discussing the work of Isaiah Berlin. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Feb-12 • 23 minutes
Episode #139 ... Friedrich Von Hayek - The Road to Serfdom
Today we begin our discussion of the work of Friedrich Hayek. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2020-Jan-21 • 23 minutes
Episode #138 ... Robert Nozick - The Minimal State
Today we begin our discussion of the work of Robert Nozick. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Dec-30 • 27 minutes
Episode #137 ... John Rawls - A Theory of Justice
Today we discuss the work of John Rawls. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Oct-31 • 29 minutes
Episode #136 ... Hannah Arendt - The Banality of Evil
Today we discuss the work of Hannah Arendt. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Oct-08 • 26 minutes
Episode 135 ... Leo Strauss - Ancients vs. Moderns
Today we talk about the work of Leo Strauss. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Aug-07 • 26 minutes
Episode #134 ... Consequences of Reason
Today we talk about the growing dissatisfaction with Enlightenment Reason during the early 20th century. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Jul-01 • 22 minutes
Episode #133 ... Carl Schmitt on Liberalism pt. 2
Today we continue our discussion of the work of Carl Schmitt. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Jul-01 • 23 minutes
Episode #132 ... Carl Schmitt on Liberalism pt. 1
Today we begin our discussion on the work of Carl Schmitt. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-May-22 • 25 minutes
Episode #131 ... Gramsci - Cultural Hegemony
Today we discuss the work of Antonio Gramsci. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Apr-30 • 22 minutes
Episode #130 ... Dewey and Lippman on Democracy
Today we talk about a famous debate from the early 20th century. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Mar-16 • 22 minutes
Episode #129 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 5 - Difference
Today we continue our discussion on the work of Deleuze. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Mar-16 • 22 minutes
Episode #128 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 4 - Flows
Today we continue our discussion on the work of Deleuze. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2019-Feb-07 • 29 minutes
Episode #127 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 3 - Anti-Oedipus
Today we continue our discussion on the work of Gilles Deleuze. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Dec-22 • 23 minutes
Episode #126 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 2 - Immanence
Today we continue our discussion on the work of Deleuze. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Dec-08 • 22 minutes
Episode #125 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 1 - What is Philosophy?
Today we begin our discussion on Gilles Deleuze with a special thanks to Felix Guatarri. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Oct-25 • 30 minutes
Episode #124 ... Simulacra and Simulation
Today we begin our discussion of Jean Baudrillard's book Simulacra and Simulation. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Sep-24 • 21 minutes
Episode #123 ... Michel Foucault pt. 3 - Power
Today we talk about the work of Michel Foucault. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Sep-24 • 22 minutes
Episode #122 ... Michel Foucault pt. 2 - The Order of Things
Today we talk about the work of Michel Foucault. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Aug-15 • 34 minutes
Episode #121 ... Michel Foucault pt. 1
Today we begin talking about the work of Michel Foucault. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Jul-27 • 26 minutes
Episode #120 ... Logical Positivism
Today we talk about Logical Positivism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Jun-25 • 20 minutes
Episode #119 ... Derrida and Words
Today we begin our discussion on the work of Jacques Derrida. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-May-21 • 23 minutes
Episode #118 ... A Basic Look At Postmodernism
Today we begin a lengthy conversation on the critiques of Postmodernism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Mar-18 • 27 minutes
Episode #117 ... Structuralism and Mythology pt. 2
Today we continue to talk about the projects of Structuralism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Mar-18 • 28 minutes
Episode #116 ... Structuralism and Mythology pt. 1
Today we begin talking about the initial projects of Structuralism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2018-Jan-28 • 32 minutes
Episode #115 ... Structuralism and Context
Today we talk about the origins of Structuralism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Dec-23 • 38 minutes
Episode #114 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 7 - The Great Refusal
Today we talk about Herbert Marcuse's concepts of The Great Refusal and The New Sensibility. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Dec-02 • 23 minutes
Episode #113 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 6 - Art As A Tool For Liberation
Today we talk about the revolutionary potential of Art through the eyes of Herbert Marcuse. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Nov-06 • 30 minutes
Episode #112 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 5 - Civilization
Today we continue our discussion of Marcuse's work Eros and Civilization. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Oct-20 • 25 minutes
Episode #111 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 4 - Eros
Today we talk about Freud's views on civilization and the first half of Marcuse's response to them. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Sep-07 • 28 minutes
Episode #110 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 3 - The Culture Industry
Today we talk about an important chapter from The Dialectic of Enlightenment entitled The Culture Industry. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Aug-26 • 26 minutes
Episode #109 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 2 - The Enlightenment
Today we talk about the Frankfurt School critique of enlightenment style thinking and Herbert Marcuse's book One Dimensional Man. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Aug-17 • 30 minutes
Episode #108 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 1 - Introduction
Today we talk about The Frankfurt School. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Jul-29 • 26 minutes
Episode #107 ... Simone De Beauvoir pt .3 - Responsibility
Today we talk about part three of Simone De Beauvoir's work The Ethics of Ambiguity. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Jul-19 • 24 minutes
Episode #106 ... Simone De Beauvoir pt. 2 - The Ethics of Ambiguity
Today we talk about the first half of The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone De Beauvoir. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Jul-09 • 26 minutes
Episode #105 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 6 - The Self
Today a cloudy, muddled brain weary from fighting off sickness talks about Sartre's view on the self. Thank you for your patience. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Jun-01 • 29 minutes
Episode #104 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 5 - Consciousness is Freedom
Today we talk about Sartre's view of consciousness and the notion of radical freedom. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-May-24 • 31 minutes
Episode #103 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 4 - The Quest For Certainty
Today we tell a story from the history of philosophy in an attempt to prepare us for understanding the Phenomenology of Sartre. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-May-12 • 31 minutes
Episode #102 ... Heidegger pt. 3 - Authenticity
Today we talk about Martin Heidegger and his concept of Authenticity. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Apr-30 • 26 minutes
Episode #101 ... Heidegger pt. 2 - Science and Technology
Today we discuss Martin Heidegger and his views on Modern Technology. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Apr-14 • 31 minutes
Episode #100 ... Heidegger pt. 1 - Phenomenology and Dasein
Today we begin our discussion of the philosophy of Martin Heidegger by looking at his roots in Phenomenology and his revolutionary concept of Dasein. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Mar-29 • 22 minutes
Episode #099 ... Schopenhauer pt. 2 - Ethics
Today we talk about the ethics of Arthur Schopenhauer. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Mar-14 • 23 minutes
Episode #098 ... Schopenhauer pt. 1 - Metaphysics and Love
Today we begin our discussion on Arthur Schopenhauer. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Mar-01 • 26 minutes
Episode #097 ... Wittgenstein ep. 1
Today we talk about Ludwig Wittgenstein. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2017-Jan-20 • 24 minutes
Episode #096 ... Is Ayn Rand A Philosopher?
Today we talk about Ayn Rand. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Dec-30 • 26 minutes
Episode #095 ... Are you living in a simulation?
Today we discuss the famous paper by Nick Bostrom about the probability that we are living in a simulation. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Nov-24 • 29 minutes
Episode #094 ... A Look at Suffering
Today we look at the concept of suffering from multiple different angles including the philosopher Fyodor Dostoyevsky and the movement in Transhumanism known as The Hedonistic Imperative. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/phi...
2016-Nov-06 • 27 minutes
Episode #093 ... Nietzsche pt. 4 - Love
Today we look at the concept of love from several different angles in an attempt to better understand our own thoughts on love. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Oct-04 • 29 minutes
Episode #092 ... Nietzsche pt. 3 - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
Today we talk about Nietzsche's famous work Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Sep-21 • 28 minutes
Episode #091 ... Nietzsche pt. 2 - The Will to Power
Today we talk about Nietzsche, the concept of the Will to Power and the dangers of predatory buffalos. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Aug-26 • 27 minutes
Episode #090 ... Nietzsche pt. 1 - God is dead and so is Captain Morgan
Today we begin our discussion on the work of Friedrich Nietzsche. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Aug-17 • 30 minutes
Episode #089 ... Simone De Beauvoir - The Second Sex
Today we discuss the revolutionary work of Simone De Beauvoir entitled: The Second Sex Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Jul-27 • 26 minutes
Episode #088 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 3 - The Great Debate
Today we talk about the great post WW2 debate between Sartre and Camus. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Jul-14 • 23 minutes
Episode #087 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 2
Today we talk about the philosopher Albert Camus. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Jun-29 • 23 minutes
Episode #086 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 1 - Freedom
Today's episode is the first installment of a series on the great Cold War era thinkers Sartre and Camus. Today we lay the foundations for the line of thinking known as existentialism and focus on Sartre's view of freedom. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebo...
2016-Jun-21 • 24 minutes
Episode #085 ... Peter Singer on Effective Altruism
Today we talk about the great Peter Singer, his views on the unique moral obligations that we face as members of modern society and how we might fulfill the obligations in the most effective manner. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.faceb...
2016-Jun-14 • 26 minutes
Episode #084 ... William James on Truth
Today we take a look at William James and his work on the concept of Truth. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Jun-04 • 25 minutes
Episode #083 ... Henry David Thoreau
Today we take a look at Henry David Thoreau's views on the individual, society and civil disobedience. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-May-26 • 25 minutes
Episode #082 ... Austrians and Marx
Today we talk about various classic critiques of Marx's economics made by the Austrian School of Economics. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-May-11 • 24 minutes
Episode #081 ... Capitalism vs. Communism
Today we talk about Karl Marx and his famous critiques of Capitalism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-May-03 • 28 minutes
Episode #80 ... Feuerbach on Religion
On this episode we talk about Ludwig Feuerbach and his (occasionally) controversial views on the origins of religion. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Mar-23 • 21 minutes
Episode #079 ... Kierkegaard on Anxiety
On this episode of the podcast we talk about Kierkegaard's views on anxiety. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Jan-27 • 23 minutes
Episode #078 ... Marx and Kierkegaard on Religion pt. 2
Today we talk about Soren Kierkegaard and his views on the function and value of religion. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2016-Jan-17 • 24 minutes
Episode #077 ... Marx and Kierkegaard on Religion pt. 1
Today we discuss Marx, his views on religion as a means of oppression, and his connection to Hegel's Dialectic. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Dec-31 • 24 minutes
Episode #076 ... Hegel's God
Today we talk about Hegel and a unique possibility of what God could be. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Dec-21 • 24 minutes
Episode #075 ... How To Win An Argument Pt. 2
Today we answer listener questions clarifying How To Win An Argument Pt. 1 and discuss several other common logical fallacies, how to spot them and how to deal with them. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Dec-17 • 27 minutes
Episode #074 ... Hegel Returns
Today we talk about an overview of Hegel and what is truly important about his work. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Dec-01 • 29 minutes
Episode #073 ... How To Win An Argument Pt. 1
Today we take a look at several common logical fallacies and how to spot them. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Nov-18 • 33 minutes
Episode #072 ... Insecurity
On this episode of the podcast we talk about insecurity. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Nov-01 • 29 minutes
Episode #071 ... Is Killing Animals For Food Morally Justifiable?
Today we talk about whether killing animals for food is morally justifiable. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Oct-20 • 22 minutes
Episode #070 ... Off Moodiness
On this episode we talk about several outlooks on negative emotions. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Oct-12 • 30 minutes
Episode #069 ... An Appeal To Reason
Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Oct-06 • 22 minutes
Episode #068 ... On Moodiness
On this episode we talk about one angle of the complex subject known to us all as: moodiness. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Sep-21 • 22 minutes
Episode #067 ... What Hegel Was Saying!
We continue our unfortunately abridged discussion on Hegel from last episode. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Sep-14 • 19 minutes
Episode #066 ... Hegel pt. 1 - Introduction
Today we begin our discussion on the work of Hegel. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Sep-07 • 22 minutes
Episode #065 ... Mary Wollstonecraft
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft. First, we learn about the unexpected origin of The Royal Humane Society and how they assisted Mary Wollstonecraft. Next, we learn about the many ways Wollstonecraft challenged societal conventions and why she believed that women were essentially slaves to their husbands during her time. Finally, we consider the behavioral conditioning that is perpetuated by society even today and think about how we enact change when we’...
2015-Aug-19 • 20 minutes
Episode #064 ... Interpreting Interpretations
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Hermeneutics, or “the art of avoiding misunderstanding.” First, we meet Johnny--a disgruntled Philosophize This! listener who is bored and frustrated by episodes about philosophers who make unverifiable speculations about metaphysics. Next, we discuss the effects our individual biases have on the way we interpret the world around us, and how this changes the reality we experience. Finally, we examine why Hermeneutics is so important, how this relates to Kant’s meta...
2015-Jul-01 • 28 minutes
Episode #063 ... Kant pt. 8 - Limits of Knowledge
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Kant’s views on the limits of human knowledge. First, we ask ourselves why we seek knowledge at all and whether there will ever be an endpoint to our search for it. Next, we discuss our human experience of the world in contrast to the world as it actually exists and what limits this imposes on our ability to know. Finally, we learn why Kant believed in god, human souls, and free will, and the important distinction he made between two types of faith-based thinking. ...
2015-Jun-23 • 33 minutes
Episode #062 ... Kant pt. 7 - Suicide
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the morality of suicide. We begin by questioning our own biases and assumptions about suicide and where they come from. Next, we examine suicide from a Christian perspective by considering the arguments posed by St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of enlightenment thinkers Hume, Voltaire, and Kant and ultimately discover that suicide may not be as easy to categorize as many people think. All this and more on the latest episode of ...
2015-Jun-14 • 27 minutes
Episode #061 ... Kant pt. 6 - What is Enlightenment?
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Kant’s answer to the question “What is enlightenment?” We begin by recounting the story of how Kant came to answer this question in the first place and why this was an important question to consider at the time. Next, we examine why Kant believed that we impose immaturity on ourselves by outsourcing our thinking to others. Finally, we discuss why it takes courage to think for yourself and the importance of “daring to be wise." All this and more on the latest episod...
2015-Jun-01 • 30 minutes
Episode #060 ... Kant pt. 5 - The Sublime
On this episode of the podcast, we attempt to tackle the elusive concept of the sublime. We begin by clarifying everything the sublime is NOT, and then attempt to pin it down by considering a common motif that is has been associated with the sublime throughout history. Next, we discuss several anecdotes from people who have experienced the sublime and why one described it as “an agreeable kind of horror.” Finally, we discuss how the sublime relates to beauty and question some commonly made assumptions about...
2015-May-28 • 27 minutes
Episode #059 ... Kant pt. 4 - Categorical Trolley Cars
On this episode of the podcast, we analyze the infamous Trolley Car Problem and think about it in relation to Kant’s categorical imperative. First, we discuss the value of thought experiments and call into question the concept of “common sense”. Next, we look at the Trolley Car Problem from various perspectives and try to understand why we react to it in the ways we do. Finally, we discuss Kant’s categorical imperative and four other prerequisites he felt were necessary for arriving at moral principles. All...
2015-May-20 • 27 minutes
Episode #058 ... Kant pt. 3 - Deontology vs Consequentialism
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Kant, this time focusing on ethics. We begin with a thought experiment that calls into question whether or not lying is morally justifiable if it results in preserving human life. Next, we discuss the nature of morality and question the validity of the sources from which we typically derive these concepts. Finally, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of Deontology and Consequentialism and find out that there isn’t an easy answer when it comes...
2015-May-11 • 23 minutes
Episode #057 ... Kant pt. 2 - The Actual Introduction
On this episode of the podcast we continue our discussion of Kant, this time focusing on his contributions to the debate between rationalism and empiricism . We begin by reviewing the major points of contention between the rationalists and empiricists regarding how we arrive at knowledge. Next, we learn about Kant’s “eureka!” moment, which arose from his discovery of a major assumption made by empiricist David Hume. Finally, we find out why Kant believed that we can never truly know the external world as it...
2015-Apr-22 • 26 minutes
Episode #056 ... Kant pt. 1 - An Introduction to the Introduction
On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Immanuel Kant. We first examine the historical context Kant was born into and consider the challenges philosophy was faced with, thanks to David Hume. We also discuss the change in the way humans were beginning to look at the universe during Kant’s time. Finally, we hear what Kant has to say about whether or not we can know anything beyond “I think, therefore I am.” All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so much for...
2015-Apr-01 • 30 minutes
Episode #055 ... Interview on Hume with Massimo Pigliucci
On this episode of the podcast, Massimo Pigliucci calls in to help tie together some loose ends in our overview of David Hume. Massimo is a professor of philosophy at City University of New York. He is the author of the best sellers Philosophy of Pseudoscience and Answers For Aristotle, and is currently working on a book called How To Be A Stoic. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosop...
2015-Mar-27 • 30 minutes
Episode #054 ... Hume pt. 4 - Art
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Hume’s views on taste and find out whether or not all of our opinions about art are equally valid. First, we compare the poetry of Shakespeare and Shel Silverstein, the music of Beethoven and Skrillex, and throw in the profound prose of Spongebob Squarepants just for good measure. Next, we examine some of the biases that influence our ability to judge art, and Stephen correctly guesses your favorite song of all time by throwing a dart at the Top 40 chart from your ...
2015-Mar-16 • 24 minutes
Episode #053 ... David Hume pt. 3 - Custom
On this episode of the podcast we talk about David Hume's thoughts on the soul, the self and how "custom is the great guide of human life." All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.fa...
2015-Mar-05 • 29 minutes
Episode #052 ... David Hume pt. 2 - Design
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of David Hume. This time, we focus on Hume's response to the Teleological Argument, which goes a little something like this: “Look at how perfectly everything works! All of this must have been designed by God.” We also learn about Hume’s view on miracles, and find out how unimpressed he is that Bruce Willis was the sole survivor of that train accident. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so much for listening! Co...
2015-Feb-25 • 30 minutes
Episode #051 ... David Hume pt. 1
On this episode of the podcast, we talk about David Hume! First, we learn about Hume’s ‘is’ versus ‘ought’ distinction and how not being mindful of this pitfall can lead us down a dangerous path. Next, we discuss the limitations of science and learn what Hume thought should fill in the gaps it leaves (spoiler alert: it’s not religion). Finally, we discuss Hume’s thoughts on causality and ensure that you’ll never think about playing pool the same way again. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosop...
2015-Feb-07 • 26 minutes
Episode #050 ... Are You Left Or Right?
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the contrasting political philosophies of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine. First, we find out the origin of the terms “left” and “right” in relation to politics, and find out that the meanings of these terms are not as simple as they may first seem. Next, we discuss the opposing viewpoints of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine on how society should progress and implement change. Finally, we think about how their ideas relate to modern issues and consider whether or not th...
2015-Jan-27 • 29 minutes
Episode #049 ... Adam Smith pt. 2 - The Tip of the Iceberg of Wealth
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Adam Smith. First, we look at two towns with the same name on opposite sides of the US-Mexico border, and consider why their residents have such markedly different standards of living. Next, we ask ourselves what determines a nation’s wealth, which leads us to a discussion of Mercantilism and its various pitfalls. Finally, we learn about Adam Smith’s response to Mercantilism and how his ideas relate back to the two cities from the beginning of th...
2015-Jan-18 • 23 minutes
Episode #048 ... Adam Smith pt. 1 - Specialization
On this episode of the podcast we begin our discussion of Adam Smith. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2015-Jan-10 • 25 minutes
Episode #047 ... Rousseau pt. 3 - The General Will
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our desert island thought experiment, this time focusing on the general will of the people. First, we examine several interpretations of what "the general will of the people" actually means. Next, we take an in-depth look at Rousseau's interpretation, and discuss the difference between democratic and transcendental will. Finally, we explore the multitude of complications that arise when a government tries to enact the general will after it's (somewhat) agreed upon...
2015-Jan-02 • 29 minutes
Episode #046 ... Rousseau pt. 2 - Democracy, Aristocracy or Monarchy?
On this episode of the podcast, we continue last week's thought experiment about creating a society from scratch on a deserted island. First, we find out how building a society is similar to making cupcakes, in the sense that every ingredient contributes something important and interacts with the other ingredients in a unique way. Next, we discuss “human nature” and consider how our perception of it may be unfairly influenced by a small handful of people. Finally, we compare the three categories into which ...
2014-Dec-15 • 27 minutes
Episode #045 ... Rousseau Government pt. 1
On this episode of the podcast, we examine the origins of government and discuss several opinions on how to construct the best system. First, we imagine that we’re stranded on an island and are forced to devise a system to organize ourselves into a functional “society.” Next, we discuss Hobbes' and Rousseau’s viewpoints on the state of nature and how it relates to the formation of governments. Finally, we talk about the adverse affects civilization and government have on our happiness and why we should cons...
2014-Dec-02 • 36 minutes
Episode #044 ... Slavery
On this episode of the podcast, we revisit the topic of belief, this time focusing on the ramifications of the beliefs we hold. First, we ask ourselves why we should even attempt to arrive at truth if certainty is impossible, and examine this question in the context of how our beliefs affect others. Next, we introduce slavery as an example of the consequences that can come from false beliefs and learn why Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas argued in favor of it. Finally, we hear Jean Jacque Ro...
2014-Nov-21 • 28 minutes
Episode #043 ... Tolerance
On this episode of the podcast, we examine the true implications of tolerance and intolerance. First, we ask ourselves the inception-esque question of how tolerant we should be of intolerance, and find out that the answer may not be as simple as it seems. Next, we learn why intolerance was seen as a virtue during Voltaire’s time and discuss the paradox of tolerance. Finally, we consider the age-old question of the relative superiority of hot pockets and lean pockets, and think about the relationship between...
2014-Nov-12 • 28 minutes
Episode #042 ... Optimism
On this episode, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of optimism. First, we examine the various motivations for pessimism, and hear what Winston Churchill, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Marcus Aurelius have to say about optimism. Next, we think about the vastly different implications of optimism in our personal lives and optimism on a societal level. Finally, we find out why Voltaire thought it was preposterous to think that we’re living in the best of all possible worlds and why he said, "Optimism is the madn...
2014-Nov-04 • 36 minutes
Episode #041 ... Belief
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the many facets of belief. We start out by discussing two major complications that belief brings to the table. First, absolute certainty is impossible--even certainty about the fact that "certainty is impossible”. Second, we can convince ourselves to believe in literally anything we want (such as the belief that demonic possession is achieved through rustling curtains and slamming doors). Next, we talk about justified, true belief and the multitude of ways our beli...
2014-Oct-16 • 49 minutes
Episode #040 ... Superstition
On this episode of the podcast, we explore superstition in its various forms and examine the ways Berkeley and Voltaire tried to eliminate it in their work. First, we think about the superstitions we subscribe to in our everyday lives, whether it’s “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” or “the key to happiness is buying lots and lots of stuff.” Next, we learn why Berkeley wanted to throw out the notion that true reality lies behind the veil of perception and find out his answer to that cliché question abou...
2014-Oct-08 • 27 minutes
Episode #039 ... The Limits of Empiricism
On this episode of the podcast, we explore the idea of reality and how our senses prevent us from perceiving its true nature. First, we launch a smear campaign against human eyes and their limitations. Next, we discuss the difference between deductive reasoning (the kind you see on CSI) and inductive reasoning (the kind you see on Bill Nye the Science Guy). Finally, we touch on Locke’s theory of primary and secondary qualities and end with Berkeley's teaser for next week’s episode: “To be is to be perceived...
2014-Oct-02 • 26 minutes
Episode #038 ... Leibniz pt. 2 - The Best of All Possible Worlds
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Gottfried Leibniz. First, we delve more into the feud between Leibniz and Isaac Newton, which we briefly mentioned last week. Next, we ask ourselves why God sometimes allows Steve Buschemi to murder innocent hitchhikers and why this question is so crucial to Leibniz. Finally, we return to the issue of free will vs. determinism and wonder whether we’re ever actually free to decide what kind of cheese to buy. All this and more on the latest episode...
2014-Sep-23 • 32 minutes
Episode #037 ... Leibniz pt. 1 - A Million Points of Light
On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Gottfried Leibniz. First, we find out what important invention created a riff between Leibniz and Isaac Newton. Next, we learn about Leibniz’s theory of Monads (which are basically the atoms of the spirit world), and how they are programmed to ensure that we are living in the best of all possible worlds. Finally, we learn about Leibniz’s distinction between “necessary truths” and “truths of fact,” and how knowing the difference can save you a lot of...
2014-Sep-15 • 29 minutes
Episode #036 ... John Locke pt. 2 - The Blank Slate
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of John Locke. We first admire how brave Locke was to share his ideas during a time when dissent earned you the privilege of being drawn and quartered (literally… quartered). Next, we discuss Locke’s views on the Nature vs. Nurture debate and how they differed from those of the Continental Rationalists. Finally, we find out what kind of changes Locke would make if he were the Secretary of Education (e.g., more dancing and less required reading). All...
2014-Sep-09 • 30 minutes
Episode #035 ... John Locke pt. 1
On this episode of the podcast, we begin learning about John Locke. First, we ask ourselves whether or not we own our bodies and what other things we are entitled to simply by virtue of being born. Next, we consider whether its possible to develop a system of ethics by studying the world around us, just as we develop systems of science and mathematics. Finally, we discuss the three unalienable rights Locke believes humans have (they’ll sound a bit familiar!), and why he thinks its the government’s job to up...
2014-Sep-02 • 27 minutes
Episode #034 ... Spinoza pt. 2 - Force of Nature
On this episode of the podcast, we continue learning about Spinoza, this time focusing on his concept of God. We begin by asking ourselves whether or not Stephen’s English bulldog Charlie is part of God, and analyzing the implications of our answer. Next, we discuss the concept of “substance” and what Spinoza thought the only one true substance was (hint: it’s not water). Finally, we consider how Spinoza’s concept of God/Nature impacts his thoughts on free will and why he would say Stephen has no choice but...
2014-Aug-26 • 27 minutes
Episode #033 ... Spinoza pt. 1 - From Baruch to Benedicto
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Baruch De Spinoza. We find out why it was not only life-threatening to have an unpopular opinion during the time Spinoza lived, but also potentially very profitable. We also question whether religion is really to blame for the violent acts that are committed on its behalf, and find out why Spinoza was exiled from his community and forced to live a life of solitude. Finally, we read excerpts from Spinoza’s correspondence with his ex-friend Albert Burgh regarding...
2014-Aug-19 • 29 minutes
Episode #032 ... Blaise Pascal pt. 2 - +EV your way to success!!
On this episode of the podcast we continue our discussion of Blaise Pascal, this time focusing on his assertion that man is “the supreme paradox of creation.” First, we learn about Pascal’s early life and feel completely inadequate when we learn that he invented the calculator (yes, the calculator) at age 18. Next, we learn why Pascal believed it was impossible to arrive at scientific truth, and how this led him to develop the foundations of probability theory. Finally, we discuss "expected value" and how B...
2014-Aug-12 • 27 minutes
Episode #031 ... Pascal's Wager
On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Blaise Pascal by examining Pascal's Wager. We begin by hearkening back to last week's episode and imagine Pascal as Descartes' wingman in a door-to-door campaign to convince us to believe in God. Whereas Descartes tries to prove that God exists, Pascal simply argues that believing in God is the most logical choice (assuming you want to avoid eternal damnation). We then examine various arguments for and against Pascal's wager, including some submitte...
2014-Aug-05 • 24 minutes
Episode #030 ... Descartes pt. 3 - God Exists
On this episode of the podcast we conclude our three-part installment on Rene Descartes. First we discuss what the concept of God meant to Descartes. Then we discuss why the concept of God was crucial for his system to be received well. Finally we imagine how it would feel to be lambasted by the most annoying/brilliant Jehovah's Witness in the history of the world. All this and more on this episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: http...
2014-Jul-16 • 27 minutes
Episode #029 ... Descartes pt. 2 - See episode description
The audio file for this episode was lost years ago. There is a transcript available on the website: www.philosophizethis.org Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2014-Jul-09 • 27 minutes
Episode #028 ... Rene Descartes pt. 1 - Context
On this episode of the podcast, we begin learning about Rene Descartes. First, we find out why the entire human race can be compared to the loud, obnoxious guy at a party who thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. Next, we examine Descartes’ rigorous method of doubt and how it involves Morpheus from the Matrix and Sully from Monsters Inc. Finally, we think about how doubt can help us live better lives and why, when it comes to our beliefs, one bad apple really does spoil the barrel. All this and more on th...
2014-Jul-01 • 28 minutes
Episode #027 ... Thomas Hobbes pt. 2
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Thomas Hobbes. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2014-Jun-17 • 29 minutes
Episode #026 ... Thomas Hobbes pt. 1 - The Social Contract
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Thomas Hobbes. We first ask ourselves what it would be like to live in a society with no laws or government, much like the scenario depicted in The Purge. Next, we question whether or not humans are inherently selfish and how this affects the way we relate to each other. Finally, we find out why society needs a quarterback, so to speak, and why it’s important that we follow his playbook even when we don’t understand the plays. All this and more on the latest ep...
2014-Jun-10 • 28 minutes
Episode #025 ... A Scientific Method For Your Life!
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Francis Bacon, a 16th century English philosopher. We first discuss what it meant to pursue knowledge during the time Francis Bacon lived and why he thought that scientific advancement should be society’s chief priority. Next, we examine Bacon’s “Four Idols of the Mind,” which were the biases he believed prevented humans from thinking scientifically. We touch on everything from germ theory to diet fads to healthcare reform to gender inequality, with some Flamin...
2014-Jun-04 • 27 minutes
Episode #024 ... Montaigne
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Michel de Montaigne. We first discuss how a case of 16th century road rage led to a near-death experience which ironically helped Montaigne overcome his fear of dying. Next, we learn why Montaigne valued personal experience above all other evidence, and how his philosophy drew from the four dominant schools of thought of the Hellenistic age. Finally, we find out why Montaigne thought that “to philosophize is to learn how to die,” and how he believed this idea c...
2014-May-20 • 25 minutes
Episode #023 ... Machiavelli
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss The Protestant Reformation and Machiavellianism. We begin by examining what it was like to live during the Renaissance under the rule of The Church and why the people of that time could have really benefited from Google Translate. Next, we dispel a common misconception about Machiavellianism by discussing the subjective nature of virtue. Finally, we find out why Machiavelli thought that rulers needed to act immorally at times in order to be successful. All this and...
2014-May-13 • 26 minutes
Episode #022 ... Blast off to the Renaissance!
On this episode of the podcast, we begin learning about the Renaissance. We first discuss the Black Death, a bacterial plague that wiped out 30-60% of the population of Europe. We examine how the population crisis caused by the Black Death led to an economic and political crisis that was ultimately the catalyst for a paradigm shift in philosophical thought. We also learn about the Humanist philosopher Erasmus, who, unlike the philosophers we’ve discussed on recent episodes, did not think that fusing faith a...
2014-May-05 • 26 minutes
Episode #021 ... One God - St. Thomas Aquinas
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about the Christian Aristotelean philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas. We begin by examining a song by The Postal Service which sets the stage for a discussion about how often humans mistake correlation with causation. Next, we learn about Aristotle’s conception of God as “The Unmoved Mover” and his thoughts on the nature of infinity. All of these ideas lead us to St. Thomas Aquinas’ quest to reconcile Aristotelianism and Christianity, which he approaches by arguing that t...
2014-Apr-24 • 34 minutes
Episode #020 ... Two Medieval Approaches To God
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the concept of God from a philosophical perspective. We first broaden our definition of God by recalling the multitude of ways that the philosophers we’ve already studied have approached the subject. Next, we examine St. Anselm’s famous “Ontological Argument” in proof of God’s existence, which is strangely reminiscent of a tongue twister Ron Burgundy might use to prepare for his evening newscast. Finally, we learn why Moses Maimonides would say that the first rule ...
2014-Apr-14 • 31 minutes
Episode #019 ... Three Islamic Truths
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the nature of truth and examine it through the lenses of three Islamic philosophers who each had a different approach to truth seeking. We first discuss Al Kindi and what he would have to say about modern day news organizations and their approach to reporting the “truth.” Then, we learn about Al Ghazali, who at one point became so skeptical about our ability to discover the truth, he actually made himself physically ill. Lastly, we take a look at Averroes who despe...
2014-Apr-04 • 26 minutes
Episode #018 ... Avicenna
On this episode of the podcast we learn about Avicenna, an Arabic philosopher who is most known for his “Flying Man” thought experiment. We discuss the mind-body connection (or lack thereof) and ask ourselves what becomes of an iPhone if you pulverize it in a blender. We also work in two Breaking Bad references, and apply Avicenna’s Flying Man argument to modern day ethical dilemmas relating to life support. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so much for listening! Coul...
2014-Mar-26 • 24 minutes
Episode #017 ... Boethius
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about the medieval neoplatonist philosopher Boethius. We find out how he came to be wrongly convicted of treason and subsequently sentenced to death, and how this led him to write a philosophical text that solved one of the oldest problems in philosophy. We manage to compare the main characters of Boethius’ book to Lady Liberty and Eeyore selling a rice cooker on QVC, and explain why Boethius believed that we’re all just contestants on a never-ending episode of Wheel...
2014-Feb-28 • 29 minutes
Episode #016 ... Saint Augustine
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss St. Augustine, a philosopher who is known for merging the ideas of Neoplatonism and Christianity. We learn how an unsuspecting child led St. Augustine to devote his life to Christianity through divine intervention, and find out why he thinks crying babies are sinners. We also discuss St. Augustine’s explanation of the concept of time and why he claims that the past and future don’t really exist. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank y...
2014-Feb-13 • 37 minutes
Episode #015 ... A Period of Transition - Plotinus
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Plotinus, a Neo-Platonist philosopher who lived in Rome during "the crisis of the third century.” We discuss the difference between religion and philosophy and question whether or not JK Rowling stole parts of Harry Potter’s backstory from Plotinus’ life. We also learn about Plotinus’ Hierarchy of Being and use the phrase “Polaroid picture” more times than Outkast does in their hit song “Hey Ya!”. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! T...
2014-Jan-18 • 44 minutes
Episode #014 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 5 - A Race To The Dark Ages
On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Middle Platonism and the Race to the Dark Ages. We learn how Philo of Alexandria reconciled Judaism with Plato's vision of God as a master craftsman, and find out how this relates to building an IKEA bookcase. We also discuss the important distinction Plutarch made between a flatterer and a friend, and why he would have absolutely hated Facebook. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this with...
2014-Jan-05 • 46 minutes
Episode #013 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 4 - Skepticism
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our study of the Hellenistic Age, this time focusing on Skepticism. We find out how Pyrrho used Skepticism to endure surgery without anesthesia, and learn why you can never really know if a pomegranate is a pomegranate. We also discover how winning the lottery could be the worst thing that ever happens to you, and compare Skepticism's key philosophers to their Smurf counterparts. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: h...
2013-Dec-20 • 49 minutes
Episode #012 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 3 - Hallmarks of Stoic Ethics
On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Stoicism, this time focusing on ethics. We learn about the three most noteworthy contributors to Stoic ethics--a crippled slave, a statesman, and the emperor of Rome--and find out how much they actually had in common. We discuss what angry sports fans and Stephen's English bulldog could learn from Stoic ethics, as well as why you should start each day expecting the worst. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Thank you so...
2013-Dec-07 • 41 minutes
Episode #011 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 2 - The Early Stoa and the Cynics
This is the first of two episodes on Stoicism; in this episode, we learn about stoic physics and logic. We learn how the Stoics would likely react if faced with a zombie apocalypse and how a shipwreck caused a guy named Zeno to start dabbling in philosophy. We also learn about Diogenes, a man who lived in a tub, urinated in public, barked at passersby, and somehow managed to be envied by Alexander the Great. Finally, we find out what John Locke, Charlie Pace and a wild boar from LOST have to do with Stoic p...
2013-Nov-24 • 47 minutes
Episode #010 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 1 - Epicurus
This week on the podcast, we shift our focus back to Western philosophy. On this episode, we learn about Epicureanism—one of four schools of thought that were prevalent during the Hellenistic Age, which will be our focus for the next few episodes. We find out why Diogenes liked Epicurus’ ideas so much that he permanently graffitied them onto the walls of an ancient greek community center. We also learn why Epicurus thought that the most satisfying part of eating a half gallon of ice cream was the moment aft...
2013-Nov-11 • 44 minutes
Episode #009 ... The Buddha
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about the life of Siddhartha Gautama and his Heisenberg-esque transformation into Buddha. We learn how Buddha left a lifestyle of being fed grapes and being fanned with palm leaves to pursue a life of celibacy, starvation, and sleep deprivation. We also learn about how Buddha reached enlightenment while sitting beneath a fruit tree à la Isaac Newton, and about the four noble truths which he believed were the key to ending human suffering once and for all. All this an...
2013-Oct-29 • 40 minutes
Episode #008 ... Confucianism
On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Confucius, a man whose ideas impacted China and eastern philosophy for thousands of years after his death. We find out how Confucius went from being the poor, friendless son of an ancient Chinese 'Teen Mom' to becoming one of the most quoted people in history, as well as how he was reduced to selling his philosophy door-to-door after a brief career as a politician which ended in conspiracy and bribery. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize Thi...
2013-Aug-10 • 40 minutes
Episode #007 ... Daoism
Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
2013-Jul-26 • 38 minutes
Episode #006 ... Aristotle Pt. 2
On this episode of the podcast, we continue learning about Aristotle, a man who created the first system of biological classification, the first system of logic, and the first formal scientific method. We find out why Aristotle was anti-women and pro-slavery, and learn how Plato and Aristotle differed when it came to their definitions of "tree-e-ness." We also learn why Aristotle would have been the world champion of Guess Who? and how to determine whether or not a carnivorous reptile with legs could possib...
2013-Jul-14 • 38 minutes
Episode #005 ... Aristotle Pt. 1
This week we talk about various different applications of Aristotle's ethics in modern life. We discuss making a "plan" for your life, the underlying similarities between all human desires and the best way to live life. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:...
2013-Jul-01 • 45 minutes
Episode #004 ... Plato
In this week's episode, we learn about Plato's "Symposium", which you might think of as philosophy's version of fan fiction. We also learn about Plato's "Theory of Forms" and ask ourselves what makes a tree, well, a tree. This leads to discussion of Plato's famous "Allegory of the Cave" and calls into question whether or not everything we see is merely a shadow of its true self. Finally, we learn about Plato's views on society and government and why he thought democracy was one of the worst forms of governm...
2013-Jun-23 • 40 minutes
Episode #003 ... Socrates and the Sophists
This week we talk about the prosperity of athens and how it led to the rise and ideas of a group of philosopher teachers called the Sophists, we tied up some loose ends and helped put all that we've learned in the last two episodes into context with a graph of the presocratics, and we ended by talking about a man named Socrates. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: ...
2013-Jun-15 • 37 minutes
Episode #002 ... Presocratic Philosophy - Italian
Today we talk about why philosophy is taken for granted, the crazed cult leader of ancient Greek philosophy, Pythagoras, the annoying dark cloud of deductive reasoning, Parmenides and the super hero Empedocles. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook:... https...
2013-Jun-06 • 49 minutes
Episode #001 ... Presocratic Philosophy - Ionian
Today we discussed the "Out of Africa" theory, the adversity of early humans, the term "Pre-Socratic", the first philosopher Thales, the meanest philosopher Heraclitus and Democritus, the godfather of the theory of atomism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon:... https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X:... https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Faceb...