Philosophy For Our Times

Join Abby Innes, a Professor of Political Economy at the LSE, as she explores the unsettling parallels between neoliberalism and Soviet ideologies. Discover how the utopian ambitions of both systems can lead to societal pitfalls. Abby delves into the complexities of economic ideologies, revealing surprising similarities between British and Soviet politics amidst decline. She critiques the deterministic nature of neoclassical economics and Marxism-Leninism, and examines how historical insights reflect in today’s neoliberal debates, particularly through the lens of Brexit.

In this enlightening discussion, Dan Ariely, a behavioral economics expert, Paul Bloom, a renowned psychologist on morality, and Nancy Sherman, a philosophy professor, explore the dark implications of chasing rewards. They argue that rewards can undermine our intrinsic motivation and even lead to addiction. The trio debates intrinsic versus extrinsic motivations, emphasizing the need for a balance. They also tackle the complexities of ethical persuasion and innovative approaches to student motivation, advocating for genuine connections over mere incentives.

Aviva Chomsky, a historian and expert in Latin American and Caribbean studies, dives deep into the Enlightenment's legacy. She challenges us to reconsider its impact beyond traditional narratives, highlighting its connections to Eurocentrism, racism, and colonialism. Chomsky discusses the unsettling links between Enlightenment thought and the transatlantic slave trade, revealing how these historical ideas fuel modern geopolitical conflicts. She also critiques capitalism's role in perpetuating inequality and underdevelopment, advocating for a more equitable approach to economic models.

Terry Eagleton, a renowned Professor of English Literature, delves into the often-misunderstood ideals of Karl Marx. He discusses the resurgence of Marxism as a counter to contemporary political trends, emphasizing its relevance today. Eagleton highlights Marx's nuanced views on capitalism and leisure, presenting his vision of a future focused on communal fulfillment. He critiques classical liberalism, explores the dual nature of revolutions, and revisits Marx's insights on environmentalism and labor, particularly regarding women's roles in the workforce.

Lost in storiesIs life a story or a sequence of events?Our narratives enable us to make sense of the complex, often confusing, world that we live in. And yet there is a risk that rather than helping us to truly understand this world, narratives can hide reality from us, providing delusional states of mind in its place. From witch hunts to cults, from war propaganda to religious honour killings, people are prepared to kill and die for stories they believe in, while others see these narratives as wildly false illusions.Matthew Beaumont is Professor of English at University College London, UK and the author of several books, including two on the topic of late nineteenth-century utopianism. He has also edited several essay collections and published numerous articles in scholarly journals.Ruth Padel is a poet, broadcaster, and critic whose engagement with the natural world infuses her volumes of poetry, nature writing, biography, and criticism.Theodore Dalrymple is the pen-name for Anthony Malcolm Daniels, an English cultural critic, prolific writer, satirist, prison physician, and psychiatrist. And don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The dark side of 'mental health' with Susie OrbachWhy are psychotherapy, psychology, psychoanalysis, therapy so popular today? Do these respond to a new need in our society or are they evolutions of age-old human approaches to resolution and knowing oneself?Join psychotherapist and psychoanalyst (famously Princess Diana's therapist!) Susie Orbach as she delves into her relationship with her profession and why it so necessary for humans to sit, talk, and explore body and mind. And please email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode! What do you think about the state of mental health today?To witness such topics discussed live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Singer, a leading philosopher best known for his work in animal ethics and effective altruism, shares insights from his journey from law to philosophy. He recounts a pivotal conversation that influenced his views on animal rights, discussing ethical implications of lab-grown meat and the moral obligations of the wealthy to alleviate global poverty. Singer also addresses the real-world impact of his controversial views on bioethics, including abortion and euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of philosophy in solving urgent global challenges.

Join Abby Innes, a political economy expert, Will Hutton, a seasoned journalist, Richard Kibble, a former chief strategy officer, and Daniel Susskind, an AI economics researcher, as they dive into the intriguing relationship between price and value. They challenge the notion that market prices reflect true worth and explore how capitalism often fails to address social values like love and friendship. With discussions on wealth inequality, the flaws of economic ideologies, and the urgent need for a nuanced approach to resource allocation, their insights provoke thought on redefining value in our society.

Join literary critic Martin Puchner, renowned scholar Stanley Fish, and author Claire Hynes as they dive into the complex idea of originality in art. They debate whether genuine originality is achievable, considering how much creativity stems from reimagined ideas. The conversation navigates the tension between imitation and innovation, exploring how external pressures shape authenticity in creative industries. With nods to AI's role in artistry, they challenge listeners to rethink the pursuit of the 'new' and understand the value of cultural exchange in enriching creativity.

In this discourse, Joanna Kavenna, an award-winning writer and seasoned traveler, Jonathan Webber, a moral philosophy professor and UK Sartre Society president, and author Marie-Elsa Bragg unravel the philosophical showdown between Sartre and Baldwin. They debate how much we can truly understand about others' experiences. Love, language, and identity are explored, juxtaposing Baldwin's view of connection against Sartre's insistence on individual subjectivity. They tackle whether language can bridge human experiences and the complexities of understanding in a polarized world.