Episode #059 - Kant Pt. 4 - Categorical Trolley Cars
Kant Part 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".
Further Reading:
Ethics: A Very Short Introduction by Simon Blackburn (2009)
The Elements of Moral Philosophy by James Rachels and Stuart Rachels (10th Edition, 2023)
The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer-Landau (2009)
See the full transcript here
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Episode #058 - Kant pt. 3 - Deontology vs. Consequentialism
Kant Part 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.
Further Reading:
The Elements of Moral Philosophy by James Rachels and Stuart Rachels (10th Edition, 2023)
Being Good: A Short Introduction to Ethics by Simon Blackburn (2003)
How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question by Michael Schur (2022)
See the full transcript here
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Episode #057 - Kant Pt. 2 - The Introduction
Kant Part 2: The 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 point of contention between the rationalists and empiricists regarding how we arrive at knowledge. Next, we learn about Kant's "eureka!"
Further Reading:
Knowledge, Reason, and Taste: Kant’s Response to Hume – Paul Guyer (2013)
Bacon to Kant: An Introduction to Modern Philosophy – Garrett Thomson (2023)
The Worlds of Hume and Kant – James B. Allen & James W. Wilbur (1982)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #056 - Kant Pt. 1 - An Introduction to the Introduction
Kant Part 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.
Further Reading:
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume, edited by Tom L. Beauchamp (2000)
Immanuel Kant (Key Concepts) by Will Dudley (2010)
The Worlds of Hume and Kant edited by James B. Wilbur and H. J. Allen (1982)
See the full transcript here
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Episode #055 - Interview on Hume with Massimo Pigliucci
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.
Further Reading:
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume (1748)
Hume: A Very Short Introduction by James A. Harris (2021)
Starting with Hume by Charlotte R. Brown (2008)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #054 - David Hume Pt. 4 - Art
David Hume Part 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 senior year of high school. Finally, we learn how to be better art critics by employing the five qualities Hume sets out as pre-requisites for Art Appreciation 101. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Of the Standard of Taste and Other Essays by David Hume (1965)
Hume's Aesthetic Theory: Taste and Sentiment by Timothy M. Costelloe (2007)
Reading David Hume’s “Of the Standard of Taste” edited by Babette Babich (2019)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #053 - David Hume Pt. 3
David Hume Part 3 - Custom
This episode examines David Hume’s deep skepticism about the soul, the self, and how we claim to know anything at all. Rather than denying the soul outright, Hume challenges the assumptions people attach to it—like immortality or identity—arguing that these ideas rest on shaky ground. He extends this skepticism to the concept of a fixed self, echoing ideas found in Buddhism. Ultimately, Hume calls for humility in our thinking, urging us to rely not on certainty but on repeated experience—what he calls “custom”—as the most reliable guide to understanding the world.
Further Reading:
Hume: A Very Short Introduction by A. J. Ayer (2000)
The Philosophy of David Hume by Norman Kemp Smith (2005)
The Pursuits of Philosophy: An Introduction to the Life and Thought of David Hume by Annette C. Baier (2011)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #052 - David Hume Pt. 2
David Hume Part 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!
Further Reading:
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume (1748)
Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion by David Hume (1779)
Hume: A Very Short Introduction by James A. Harris (2021)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #051 -David Hume Pt. 1
David Hume Part 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 Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume (1748)
How to Read Hume by Simon Blackburn (2008)
Hume: A Very Short Introduction by James A. Harris (2021)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #050 - Are You Left Or Right?
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 their positions are mutually exclusive. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
The Great Debate: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left – Yuval Levin (2013)
Reflections on the Revolution in France – Edmund Burke (1790)
Rights of Man – Thomas Paine (1791)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #049 - Adam Smith Pt. 2 - The Tip of the Iceberg Of Wealth
Adam Smith Part 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 the episode. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Adam Smith – A Primer by Eamonn Butler (2007)
Smith's Wealth of Nations: A Beginner's Guide by Martin Cohen (2001)
A Short History of Mercantilism by F.R. Hansen (2017)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #048 - Adam Smith Pt. 1 - Specialization
Adam Smith Part 1 - Specialization
On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Adam Smith and how specialization has enabled each of us to live like a king, whether we realize it or not. First, we find out why Stephen is that weird guy who sits alone in the bar smiling to himself. Next, we take a look at what an hour of work buys today versus 200 years ago, and consider how this changes our ideas about wealth. Finally, we find out how pursuing our own self-interests ultimately benefits society and allows us to accomplish more together. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (Modern Library Edition, 2000)
The Wealth of Nations: The Economics Classic – A Selected Edition for the Contemporary Reader by Adam Smith, edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon (Capstone, 2010)
The Essential Adam Smith by Adam Smith, edited by Robert L. Heilbroner (W. W. Norton & Company, 1986)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #047 - Rousseau Pt. 3 - The General Will
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. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Rousseau's 'Social Contract': An Introduction by David Lay Williams (2014)
Rousseau and The Social Contract by Christopher Bertram (2003)
The General Will: The Evolution of a Concept edited by James Farr and David Lay Williams (2015)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #046 - Rousseau Pt. 2
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 Rousseau believs all governments can be classified (democracy, monarchy, and aristocracy), and analyze the pros and cons of each structure. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
An Introduction to Political Philosophy by Jonathan Wolff (2006)
Rousseau: A Very Short Introduction by Robert Wokler (2001)
The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker (2002)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #045 - Rousseau Government Pt. 1
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 constantly reevaluate the systems that are in place. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Engaging Political Philosophy: From Hobbes to Rawls by Robert B. Talisse (2000)
The Social Contract Theorists: Critical Essays on Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau edited by Christopher W. Morris (1999)
Nature and Politics: Liberalism in the Philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau by Andrzej Rapaczynski (1987)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #044 - Slavery
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 Rousseau’s rebuttal to the pro-slavery philosophers and ask ourselves what practices we might be engaged in today that future generations will see as barbaric. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
The Consequences of Ideas by R.C. Sproul (2000)
Aquinas, Aristotle, and the Promise of the Common Good by Mary M. Keys (2006)
Truth and Consequences: Intentions, Conventions, and the New Thematics by Reed Way Dasenbrock (2001)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #043 - Tolerance
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 tolerance and the laws that govern our society. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popper (1945)
The Intolerance of Tolerance by D.A. Carson (2012)
Treatise on Tolerance by Voltaire (1763)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #042 - Optimism
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 madness of insisting all is well when we are miserable." All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
The Value of the World and of Oneself by Mor Segev (2022)
Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain by Elaine Fox (2012)
The Optimism Bias by Tali Sharot (2011)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #041 - Belief
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 beliefs can be proven wrong. Finally, we learn how to put our beliefs under a microscope and why it’s absolutely necessary to do so in order to achieve true knowledge. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize this!
Further Reading:
Epistemology: The Justification of Belief by David L. Wolfe (1982)
How Do We Know?: An Introduction to Epistemology by James K. Dew Jr. and Mark W. Foreman (2020)
An Analysis of Edmund Gettier's "Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?" by Jennifer Nagel (2017)
See the full transcript here.
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Episode #040 - Superstition
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 about a tree falling in the forest. Finally, we begin our discussion of Voltaire and find out why he called Christianity "the most ridiculous, the most absurd and the most bloody religion which has ever infected this world.” All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Superstition: A Very Short Introduction by Stuart Vyse (2010)
Superstition in All Ages by Voltaire (2010)
Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time by Michael Shermer (1997)
See the full transcript here.