The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast

Aribiah David Attoe, a lecturer in philosophy focusing on African philosophy of religion and author on life’s meaning, explores meaning through African traditions. He contrasts communal harmony with conformity. He discusses destiny, ancestors, vital force, and personhood as sources of meaning. He also reflects on whether life has ultimate cosmic meaning.

Vid Simoniti, philosopher of aesthetics and ethics, explores how beauty and moral judgment about food interact. She contrasts aesthetic and suffering-based objections to meat. She discusses fish versus mammals, probabilistic reasoning about consciousness, persuasion through art, family compromises, and politics as a route to large-scale ethical change.

The supreme being of classical theism is unlimited in power, knowledge, and goodness – a being distinct from the world, who creates it out of nothing and governs it from beyond. On this picture, we are not identical with God. God's consciousness is not our consciousness – and our identity is not theirs. That picture has long been challenged by schools of Hindu philosophy and, more recently, by Western philosophies of religion that reject traditional conceptions of God. In response to the problem of evil, some philosophers now argue that if there is a creator, then that creator must be limited in power. Advaita's challenge is more radical. It doesn't just revise the traditional conception of God – it dissolves it. Where classical theism draws a sharp distinction between God and the world, Advaita says that reality is non-dual. The divine is not something separate from us or from the universe, but the underlying reality that appears as both. To explore these competing visions of the supreme being, reality, and our place within it, I'm joined by three guests. Returning to The Panpsycast for the fifth time is Philip Goff, Professor of Philosophy at Durham University. As listeners will remember, Philip is the author of several brilliant books – including Galileo's Error and, more recently, Why? The Purpose of the Universe. David Godman is a leading author, best known for his work on the Hindu sage, Sri Ramana Maharshi. And last but not least, Miri Albahari is Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia – where her work explores the metaphysics and epistemology of Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta. What is gained – and what is lost – when God is no longer unlimited, or is no longer separate from the world? Can these alternatives still ground mind, meaning, and morality? And by what means could we come to know such a reality – and decide between these rival conceptions of God? This episode is generously supported by The John Templeton Foundation, through The Panpsychism and Pan(en)theism Project (62683). Links Philip Goff, Website David Godman, Website Miri Albahari, Website

Miri Albahari, scholar of Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta bringing experiential analysis. David Godman, author and Ramana Maharshi specialist offering lived-teacher perspective. Philip Goff, philosopher of consciousness and panpsychism. They debate whether the divine is separate or non-dual, the role of mystical presence, and how suffering, fine-tuning, and religious practice shape competing views of ultimate reality.

José Eduardo Porcher, Assistant Professor researching Afro-Brazilian religions, guides listeners through Candomblé’s enchanted world. He discusses axé as a pervasive life-force. He explains how stones and iron can become literal seats of deities, the role of dance and possession in initiation, and the ethics and practices surrounding sacrifice and respectful treatment of sacred beings.

José Eduardo Porcher, an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, dives deep into Afro-Brazilian religions, particularly Candomblé. He discusses the creation myths rooted in African traditions, highlighting a unique view of a non-omnipotent supreme being, Olodumare. José explains the syncretism with Catholicism as a survival strategy and how Candomblé emphasizes rituals over doctrines. He offers insights into the roles of orixás in governance and the fascinating process of incorporation during trance, revealing a rich philosophical landscape.

The hosts dive into the debate of who deserves the dubious title of the world's worst philosopher. They tackle Jean-Paul Sartre's controversial views on consciousness and freedom, questioning the validity of his claims. Epicurus gets critiqued for perceived laziness and an overly simplistic approach to ethics. Personal stories and philosophical legacies come under fire, leading to a humorous discussion on the absurdities of various thinkers. Ultimately, the hosts cast their votes, revealing Sartre as the unfortunate winner of this philosophical roast.

The hosts dive into the quirky concept of identifying the world's worst philosopher, navigating the minefield of philosophical blunders. They examine figures like Auguste Comte, who crafted an authoritarian version of positivism, and question the implications of his ideas on social structures. Lively debates ensue on the appropriateness of candidates, as they dissect philosophers' oddities, from bizarre beliefs to misguiding doctrines. Expect humor and sharp critiques as they rank the thinkers who may have missed the mark on truth and wisdom.

Marie-Hélène Gorisse, an expert in Jaina philosophy at the University of Birmingham, discusses the intricacies of Jainism. She explains the non-creationist perspective of Jainism, challenging conventional views of a creator god. The podcast explores the cyclical nature of the cosmos and how Jain thought intersects with modern science. Marie-Hélène also delves into issues like gender debates within Jainism and the significance of ahimsa. Her insights illuminate how Jain philosophy can foster personal and societal well-being amidst contemporary challenges.

Jainism, along with Buddhism and Hinduism, is one of India's great dharmic traditions – though far less well known than its siblings. Emerging around the second century BCE, it is best-known for valuing ahimsa in pursuit of liberation – a devout practice of non-violence. Yet there is far more to Jain philosophy than liberation and ahimsa. Jainism offers a rich way of understanding the self, the cosmos, and the divine. It's a philosophy with a vision of reality that continues to challenge Western preconceptions on, well, just about everything: from the nature of souls and knowledge to the meaning of life and the origin of the universe. Today, we'll be exploring Jainism with Dr Marie-Hélène Gorisse. Dr Gorisse is currently Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham, where she's co-project lead of the Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2. Marie-Hélène's work explores South Asian philosophy of religion and, most specifically, she is a world-leading expert on Jaina philosophy. In this episode, we'll trace how Jainism arose, how its sages taught that the self can escape the cycle of rebirth, and the purpose of the universe. And perhaps more importantly, we'll explore how Jainism can help us all live better lives for the sake of ourselves, and the world around us. This episode is produced in partnership with The Global Philosophy of Religion Project at University of Birmingham, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Links Marie-Hélène Gorisse, University of Birmingham The Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2, Website