Philosopher's Zone

Many of us these days are buried beneath an avalanche of stuff – everyday objects that seem to proliferate in the cupboard while our back is turned. Our obsession with material technology infects our view of human history, as many anthropologists judge the progress of past civilisations on the basis of how much stuff they generated, or “failed” to generate. And the production of stuff threatens our future, with the looming catastrophe of climate change and the growing tide of microplastics.

The 19th century notion of race as something rooted in biology and genetics is a well-debunked idea whose time has passed. But the more recent liberal conception of race as a social construct fails to acknowledge the ways in which race is lived in and through the body (something the COVID pandemic has thrown into sharp relief). This week we’re talking about race as theory and experience, and how best to increase racial literacy.

The death of analytic philosophy has been confidently predicted for almost as long as analytic philosophy has been around. But today, with profound challenges posed by feminism, postcolonialism and critical race theory, could its long-heralded demise finally be on the horizon? And what exactly do we mean when we talk about analytic philosophy anyway – is it a science, a tradition or little more than a style?

Feeling a little distracted lately? Most of us are, and not just lately. We tend to view withering attention spans and the compulsion to seek change for its own sake as curses of the social media era, but restless dissatisfaction has been the subject of philosophical inquiry for centuries.

In this discussion, Robin Zhang, an assistant professor at Yale-NUS College specializing in social and political philosophy, delves into the complex web of structural injustice. She highlights that nearly everyone bears some responsibility, yet emphasizes the need to avoid blame. Zhang introduces Iris Marion Young's social connection model, advocating for shared burdens in rectifying systems of injustice. Through examples like university divestment, she shows how individuals can leverage their roles for positive change while navigating the challenges of accountability and guilt.

Peter Salmon, a London-based author and biographer of Jacques Derrida, dives into the enigmatic philosopher's life and work. He discusses the polarized reception of Derrida, once deemed either an A+ or an F. Salmon sheds light on Derrida's dense writing style, rooted in indeterminacy, and his unique approach to language that contrasts with traditional views. He clarifies the misconceptions around deconstruction and shares insights into how Derrida’s personal background shaped his identity and literary sensibility, revealing the depth behind his philosophical contributions.

Barry Lamb, Associate Professor of Philosophy and host of Hi-Fi Nation, dives into the fascinating world of David Lewis, a titan of modern philosophy. They explore Lewis's groundbreaking modal realism, where every possibility exists in its own world. Barry shares Lewis's unique writing style—combining rigor with joy—and discusses his pragmatic theories of conversation. The conversation also touches on Lewis's connections to Australian philosophy and his intriguing views on the existence of gods in alternate realities, highlighting his complex legacy.

Laura Kotewska, a Lecturer in education and philosophy at the University of Sydney, explores the intriguing intersection of mathematics and moral self-cultivation. She delves into the thoughts of 17th-century Port Royalists, showcasing their critiques of mathematics as 'useless' for happiness, yet emphasizing its potential in nurturing moral virtues. Kotewska highlights how mathematical reasoning can cultivate character and how it was used as an indirect educational tool to instill virtues in students, offering valuable lessons for today's science and philosophy.

Join philosophy experts Stephen Nadler and Larry Shapiro as they explore why even good people fall for bad thinking. They delve into the concept of epistemic stubbornness, highlighting how irrational beliefs stem from a mix of flawed reasoning and social influences. Discover how education plays a crucial role in shaping critical thinking skills, and why philosophical tools are essential in navigating misinformation. The duo also discusses strategies to challenge entrenched beliefs and the potential for a new enlightenment through literature and thoughtful dialogue.

In this engaging discussion, guest Anne Schwenkenbecher, a senior lecturer in philosophy specializing in collective moral responsibility, delves into the complexities of individual versus collective reasoning. She examines the limitations of 'I-mode' reasoning in failing to address climate change and presents 'we-mode' as a more effective approach for collective action. Through examples like the Perth train rescue and reflections on COVID-19, Anne highlights how embracing collective duties can reshape our moral landscape and foster cooperation on global challenges.