Philosophy For Our Times

Latest Episodes:

Power and Philosophy: East vs West |Julian Baggini, Jamie Whyte, Vivienne Shue Aug 11, 2020

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Is the sun setting on Western ideas as well as Western economies? Or is Western thought, essential to growth and progress, already embedded in China's success? On this week’s episode we’re discussing the influence of the Eastern and Western worlds of philosophy on the modern global stage.

Author of How the World Thinks Julian Baggini, political philosopher Jamie Whyte, and Oxford Professor of China Studies Vivienne Shue consider China's influence on the future of ideas. Journalist and broadcaster Isabel Hilton hosts.

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Truth and Scientific Progress | Nancy Cartwright Aug 04, 2020

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How important is trust and authority to the healthy production of modern science? At a time of uncertainty and doubt, many of us look to science to provide the answers. But does science deserve the authority we give it? And does our trust help, or are challenge and criticism better drivers of progress?

A former mathematician turned philosopher of science, Nancy Cartwright breaks down the importance of evidence and trust in the processes of science.

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Humanity's Distant Future | Anders Sandberg Jul 28, 2020

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Should we upgrade our bodies and minds? Will developing technologies create utopian or dystopian futures? On today’s episode we’re discussing transhumanism, artificial intelligence and ageing.

Anders Sandberg is a researcher, science debater, futurist, transhumanist and author. He holds a Ph.D. in computational neuroscience from Stockholm University, and is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University.

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Epiphanies, Experiences, and Ethics | Sophie-Grace Chappell Jul 21, 2020

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Is it possible for certain experiences to reveal specific truths to the experiencer? On this week’s episode we’re discussing epiphanies, experience and ethics. Sophie-Grace Chappell explores the moments of discovery which shape our moral identities.

Sophie-Grace Chappell is the author of numerous books and articles on ethics, ancient philosophy, epistemology and philosophy of religion. TLS described her as "an inspiring expression of an ethical vision".

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Science and Spiritual Practices | Rupert Sheldrake Jul 14, 2020

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How closely do science and spirituality inform our daily practices? How closely does science underpin the spiritual practices which so many embrace in the modern world?

To explore these issues we are joined this week by author, scientist and researcher in the field of parapsychology Rupert Sheldrake. Sheldrake discusses the importance music festivals, learning from animals, existing in the moment and the boundaries of modern science.

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The Importance of Identity and Belonging | Homi Bhabha, Yassmin Abdel-Magied, David Miller Jul 07, 2020

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Many take pride in their family, ancestors and social origins, and we think it wrong to forget our roots, and where we came from. But can we justify these tribal allegiances, or are they a source of conflict and division? Should we all see ourselves as members of the human family and have done with tribal identities? Or is where we come from essential not only to our culture, but to knowing who we really are?

Post-colonial theorist Homi Bhabha, activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied and political theorist David Miller debate tribal division.

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Reality and Evolution | Donald Hoffman Jun 30, 2020

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On this week's episode we interviewed cognitive psychologist Donald Hoffman. He talks through his work on evolutionary game theory and puts forward the radical view that we have evolved to experience something different to reality.

Donald Hoffman is an American cognitive psychologist and popular science author. He is a Professor in the Department of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California and specialises in the study of consciousness, visual perception and evolutionary psychology using mathematical models and psychophysical experiments.

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Doing Wrong To Do Right | Stephen de Wijze Jun 23, 2020

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Is it possible to do a morally wrong action in order to do what is morally required? To help us answer this question we're joined by political philosopher and author Stephen de Wijze who explores the 'dirty hands' idea.

Stephen de Wijze is senior lecturer in political theory at the University of Manchester. His work is concerned with the interface between ethical constraints and effective political action. He co-edited (with Eve Garrard) Thinking Towards Humanity: Themes from Norman Geras in 2012.

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Morality and Humanity | Simone Schnall, Joel Robbins, Rae Langton Jun 16, 2020

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Is being good an innate component of the human condition? Or is morality just a story we tell ourselves rather than a set of rules we must follow?

Psychologist Simone Schnall, Cambridge philosopher Rae Langton and anthropologist and author of Becoming Sinners Joel Robbins rethink meaning, morality and what it is to be human.

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Unpacking The Ethics of Covid-19 |Susan Neiman, Peter Hitchens, Patricia Churchland Jun 09, 2020

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When it comes to making risk-reducing decisions how does one strive for ethical and responsible outcomes? And how do we make any choice, if saving one group of vulnerable people has a disastrous impact on another?

To help us explore the ethics of the pandemic we are joined by moral philosopher Susan Neiman, analytical philosopher Patricia Churchland and conservative journalist Peter Hitchens.

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