Philosophy For Our Times

Fiona Ellis, a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Roehampton and former president of the British Society for Philosophy of Religion, explores the interplay between the natural and supernatural realms. She discusses the metaphysics of naturalism, emphasizing love and desire in our search for meaning. The conversation contrasts transcendentalism and immanentism, proposing an expanded naturalism that values immediate human experiences. Using the myth of Sisyphus, Ellis highlights how personal desires infuse significance into life's inherent void.

Fiona Ellis, a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Roehampton, dives into the intricate relationship between naturalism and the supernatural. She challenges the abandonment of the supernatural, proposing a middle ground that incorporates moral phenomena. Ellis critiques traditional views of God, suggesting they often reflect human biases. She emphasizes that while science is vital, it cannot fully explain existence, spotlighting the importance of human experiences like morality and love as independent from supernatural beliefs.

Stuart Hameroff, a Professor at the University of Arizona and a pioneer in consciousness research, argues that consciousness predates life itself. He dives into the role of quantum mechanics and neural microtubules in shaping our understanding of consciousness. The conversation challenges traditional definitions of life, linking them to quantum properties. Hameroff also raises fascinating questions about extraterrestrial life, suggesting that consciousness might emerge from the cosmos before biological existence.

Noël Carroll, a leading figure in philosophy of art, joins David Livingstone Smith, an expert on self-deception and moral psychology, and historian Thomas Laqueur, known for his works on gender, to explore the allure of horror. They discuss why monsters evoke fear and what they symbolize about human emotions. The conversation dives into the cultural significance of graveyards in preserving memory and the haunting impact of societal dehumanization. Rituals surrounding death from various cultures reveal a fascinating blend of the secular and sacred.

Join Paul Bloom, a renowned psychologist and author, as he delves into our darker impulses. He explores the allure of morally questionable behaviors through the lens of St. Augustine, revealing how perverse acts can stem from deeper desires. Bloom elaborates on the paradox where irrational decisions may offer unexpected advantages, and he connects the idea of perversity to rebellion against societal norms. With captivating examples from culture and voting behavior, he challenges traditional notions of morality and highlights the complexity of human choices.

Join philosopher David Chalmers, explorer Ed Stafford, and novelist Joanna Kavenna as they delve into the concept of 'self.' Chalmers analyzes consciousness while Stafford shares his personal tales from isolation, highlighting the effects on identity. Kavenna challenges Western notions, bringing in Aboriginal wisdom to underscore a holistic understanding of self. Together, they explore how personal experiences and social contexts shape our identities, ultimately questioning the relevance of the 'self' in today’s world.

Join Sean Carroll, a renowned physicist and podcast host, Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist and mindfulness expert, and Tamar Gendler, Yale’s philosophy dean. They dive into the limits of science in addressing consciousness. The trio debates how our language shapes reality and influences perceptions, particularly around mental experiences and chronic conditions. They tackle the dualism versus monism debate, questioning if materialism can truly capture the essence of our thoughts and feelings, all while pondering the profound connection between mind and body.

Ben Ware, Co-Director of the Centre for Philosophy and Art at King’s College London, dives into the weighty topic of extinction. He explores historical and philosophical reflections on our existential threats, from climate change to pandemics. The discussion touches on antinatalism and its critiques, questioning the ethics of procreation amidst ecological declines. Ware urges listeners to rethink their responsibility towards nature and find hope in the potential for new beginnings, even when facing despair.

Join Sean Carroll, a physicist and cosmologist from Johns Hopkins, Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist known for her work on mindfulness, and Tamar Gendler, Yale's philosophy and cognitive science expert, as they dive deep into the enigma of consciousness. They challenge if science can ever truly unravel subjective experience and explore the philosophical nuances of materialism and dualism. The discussion also tackles external world skepticism and the fascinating mind-body connection, highlighting how evolving insights can impact our understanding of reality.

In this engaging conversation, Slavoj Žižek, a Slovenian Marxist-Lacanian philosopher, explores the intricate relationship between atheism and faith. He dives into the concept of the 'big Other' and its profound effect on our understanding of desire and identity. Žižek provocatively links human desire to notions of hell, while positing that a lack of desire might lead to a state of heavenly bliss. He also tackles the chaotic implications of alienation and ecological crises, tying existential musings to real-world challenges like global warming.