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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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.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
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.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
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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I could never do this without your support! :)
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.
Episode #039 - Before Our Very Eyes - The Limits of Empiricism
Before Our Very Eyes - 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.” All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Philosophy of Perception: A Contemporary Introduction by William Fish (2010)
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke (1689)
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge by George Berkeley (1710)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #038 - Leibniz Pt. 2 - The Best of All Possible Worlds
Leibniz Part 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 of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Leibniz: An Intellectual Biography by Maria Rosa Antognazza (2009)
The Best of All Possible Worlds: A Life of Leibniz in Seven Pivotal Days by Michael Kempe (2024)
Leibniz on Freedom and Determinism in Relation to Aquinas and Molina by Michael J. Murray (1999)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #037 - Leibniz Pt. 1 - A Million Points of Light
Leibniz Part 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 time and confusion. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Leibniz: An Intellectual Biography by Maria Rosa Antognazza (2009)
G. W. Leibniz's Monadology: An Edition for Students by Nicholas Rescher (1991)
Theodicy: Essays on the Goodness of God, the Freedom of Man, and the Origin of Evil by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1710)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #036 - John Locke Pt. 2 - The Blank Slate
John Locke Part 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 this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Locke: A Very Short Introduction by John Dunn (2003)
Some Thoughts Concerning Education by John Locke (1693)
Reasoned Freedom: John Locke and Enlightenment by Peter A. Schouls (1992)
See the full transcript here.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #035 - John Locke Pt. 1
John Locke Part 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 uphold those rights. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Understanding John Locke: The Smart Student's Guide to Locke's Second Treatise of Government by Laurence Houlgate (2016)
Locke: A Very Short Introduction by John Dunn (2003)
The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained by DK (2017)
See the full transcript here.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #034 - Spinoza Pt. 2
Spinoza Part 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 to imitate a drunk person singing “I Love Rock and Roll” every time he drives past that certain billboard. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Spinoza's Argument for Substance Monism: Why There Is Only One Substance by William A. Martin (2023)
Spinoza's God by Franklin Lonzo Dixon Jr. (2008)
Spinoza: Freedom's Messiah by Ian Buruma (2024)
See the full transcript here.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #033 - Spinoza Pt. 1 - From Baruch to Benedicto!
Spinoza Part 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 Christianity and find out whose arguments hold the most water (spoiler alert: Spinoza wins). All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Spinoza: Complete Works – Baruch Spinoza (2002)
The Essential Spinoza: Ethics and Related Writings – Baruch Spinoza (2006)
Spinoza's Book of Life: Freedom and Redemption in the Ethics – Steven B. Smith (2003)
See the full transcript here.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #032 - +EV your way to success!!
Blaise Pascal Part 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 Barack Obama utilized it to secure his residency in the White House and avoid living underneath a freeway overpass. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Pensées by Blaise Pascal, translated by W.F. Trotter (2003)
Blaise Pascal: The Man Who Made the Modern World by Graham Tomlin (2025)
Pascal and Probability: Volume 1 in the “Scientist and Science” series by Enders A. Robinson (2013)
See the full transcript here.
Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.
I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #031- Pascal's Wager
Blaise Pascal Part 1 - 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 submitted by our Twitter followers. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!
Further Reading:
Pensées by Blaise Pascal (1670)
Pascal's Wager: The Man Who Played Dice with God by James A. Connor (2006)
Taking Pascal's Wager: Faith, Evidence and the Abundant Life by Michael Rota (2016)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)
Episode #030 - Rene Descartes Pt. 3 - God Exists
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!
Further Reading:
Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes (1641)
Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes, translated by Donald A. Cress (1999)
Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy: With Selections from the Objections and Replies by René Descartes, edited by John Cottingham (1996)
See the full transcript here.
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I could never do this without your support! :)