Philosophy Bites

What is the nature of the self? What is reality? How should we live? These are fundamental philosophical questions. Graham Priest discusses how such questions have been discussed in the Buddhist tradition for this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.

To what degree is reality something created by us? Jesse Prinz explores this fascinating question in conversation with Nigel Warburton.

How can you tell science from non-science? Karl Popper argued that the falsifiability of a hypothesis is the mark of science. Massimo Pigliucci is not so sure about that.

What is a duty and what sort of obligation does it put us on? David Owens explores the nature of duty in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. If you enjoy Philosophy Bites, please consider supporting us via Patreon.

We are a highly social species: we need human contact. But do we have a right to it? In this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast Kimberley Brownlee suggests that this is an ingredient in a minimally decent human life...

Shelly Kagan, a Yale philosopher known for his work in moral philosophy, critiques Peter Singer's views on speciesism. He defines speciesism as a form of prejudice and discusses its implications regarding humans and animals. Kagan shares how his perspective on Singer evolved, exploring the nuances of moral intuitions. He introduces the concept of personhood as crucial for moral consideration and argues against simple equal treatment of interests. Ultimately, he presents a refined approach that assigns varying moral status based on personhood.

In this engaging discussion, Susan James, an expert on Michel Foucault's philosophical contributions, dives into the intricacies of knowledge within Foucault's work. She unpacks Foucault's unique perspectives on punishment and the evolution of social discipline, examining how power shapes individual identities. The conversation also highlights Foucault's genealogical approach, shedding light on the historical context of knowledge and its influence on contemporary philosophy. Expect insights that challenge conventional ideas about power and knowledge!

How do you choose which course of action is best? It seems reasonable that if A is better than B, and B is better than C, A must be better than C. But is it? Larry Temkin challenges this idea, known as the axiom of transitivity.

William B. Irvine, a modern-day Stoic, discusses the relevance of Stoicism today. Topics include the origins of Stoicism, famous Stoics throughout history, managing grief, embracing positivity, and the goal and strategy of attaining tranquility through Stoicism.

Steven Lukes, an influential scholar known for his work on power, discusses its multifaceted nature. He highlights the difference between authority and genuine power, showing how compliance doesn’t equate to real influence. Lukes introduces a three-dimensional understanding of power, emphasizing its subtle role in shaping beliefs and perceptions. The conversation also touches on the impact of cultural norms on identity and the complexities of individual empowerment in the face of social structures, drawing from Foucault’s insights.