Philosophy For Our Times

Latest Episodes:

Words and the World | Paul Muldoon, Jennifer Hornsby, Hilary Lawson, Rebecca Roache Dec 29, 2020

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How has language informed the evolution of philosophy? And is there a point where the usefulness of words ends? Our experts discuss.

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On today’s episode we’re discussing philosophy’s linguistic turn as well as the general relationship between language and philosophy.

To help us discuss our descriptions of the world we’re joined remotely by professor of philosophy Jennifer Hornsby, Pulitzer Prize winning poet Paul Muldoon, post-realist philosopher Hilary Lawson and senior philosophy lecturer Rebecca Roache.

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The Tyranny of Meritocracy | Michael Sandel Dec 22, 2020

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On Today’s episode we’re discussing meritocracy and social models of success. Is sorting people by merit dangerous and should we be championing an alternative model, one more attentive to the role of humility, solidarity and luck?

Renowned philosopher Michael Sandel exposes the hubris a meritocracy generates among the winners and the harsh judgement it imposes on those left behind. He puts forward his vision of an alternative way of thinking about success - more attentive to the role of luck in human affairs, more conducive to an ethic of humility and solidarity, and more affirming of the dignity of work.

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Overwhelmed By Choice | Renata Salecl Dec 15, 2020

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How tied are mental health and choice? Listen to find out!

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From eating to dating, what the modern world presents us with are endless choices. But is this leading to lives full of anxiety and guilt? On today’s episode we’re discussing happiness and freedom of choice.

Renata Salecl is a philosopher, sociologist and legal theorist currently working as a senior researcher at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Ljubljana.

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Surviving and Thriving On Curiosity | Garrick Jones Dec 10, 2020

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What are the benefits of curiosity? Listen to find out!

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In our modern world of encroaching digital connectivity, is it curiosity that enables individuals and businesses to survive and thrive?

On today’s episode we’re discussing curiosity and how practicing being curious can improve our private and professional lives. We're joined by businessman, academic and co-author of The Curious Advantage, Garrick Jones, who takes us through the 7 C’s of curiosity.

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Morality Before Metaphysics | Simon Blackburn, Raymond Tallis, Joanna Kavenna Dec 08, 2020

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Should we prioritize morality over scientific research? Our experts discuss.

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Are our descriptions of the world independent from our morality? And should philosophy aim to interpret the world or to change it?

On today’s episode we’re discussing the relationship between morality and metaphysics and whether putting morality first is a good idea when proposing theories.

To help us debate the role of morality we’re joined remotely by cultural critic and polymath Raymond Tallis, award-winning novelist Joanna Kavenna and renowned philosopher and ethicist Simon Blackburn investigate the relationship between metaphysics and morality. Hilary Lawson hosts.

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Reality Uncovered | John Ellis, Sabine Hossenfelder, Jim Baggott Nov 24, 2020

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At the heart of our understanding of reality is physics, the cornerstone of science. But it appears to be in all sorts of trouble. On today's episode we ask whether the whole framework of contemporary physics might be wrong? And if so, where can we turn for an alternative?

CERN physicist John Ellis, theoretical physicist and Research Fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies Sabine Hossenfelder, and award winning science writer and quantum expert Jim Baggott debate the crisis in physics. David Malone hosts.

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Animal Rights and Human Wrongs | Peter Singer, Christopher Belshaw, Mary-Ann Sieghart, Peter Egan Nov 17, 2020

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What is our relationship with other species? And can we care about animals if we eat them? On today’s episode we’re discussing the morality of our relationship with animals.

World-renowned moral philosopher Peter Singer, Honorary Associate in Philosophy at the Open University Christopher Belshaw, former assistant editor of The Times Mary-Ann Sieghart and British actor and longtime vegan Peter Egan debate in love with animals. Myriam Francois hosts.

In association with Future Normal

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Do We Really Want To Save The World? | Vince Cable, Aaron Bastani, Emma Slade, John Zerzan Nov 10, 2020

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Is the purpose of life personal development or changing society for the better? And what is the future of political engagement? On this week’s episode we’re discussing the relationship between our personal beliefs and civic engagement.

We’re joined remotely by anarcho-primitist John Zerzan, author and Buddhist nun Emma Slade, radical left-wing journalist Aaron Bastani and former liberal democrat leader Vince Cable.

This episode is in association with Say Your Peace. Say Your Peace aims to spark global change through self-transformation and community dialogue. Find out more at sayyourpeace.org, and check them out on Instagram and Facebook.

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Rational Animals | Steven Pinker, Daniel Kahneman, Shami Chakrabarti Nov 03, 2020

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Are humans incapable of weighing up risk rationally? And are governments any better? Should we seek to reduce all risks and outlaw activity we deem dangerous?

Nobel Prize winning economist Daniel Kahneman, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker and Labour MP, barrister and human rights activist Shami Chakrabarti explore risk, rationality and coronavirus. Anil Ananthaswamy hosts.

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Free Will Worth Wanting |Daniel Dennett, Helen Steward, Patrick Haggard Oct 27, 2020

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Do we choose to follow the rules? Are we really free to decide, or is choice just an illusion? On this week’s episode we’re trying to understand why many neuroscientists and philosophers argue that there is no such thing as free will.

Groundbreaking philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett, Cognitive Neuroscience specialist Patrick Haggard and author of A Metaphysics for Freedom Helen Steward deliberate over the existence of free will. Mark Linsenmayer hosts.

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