philosophy

Is hatred ever morally justified, or does hate just breed more hate?

A vintage episode with John and Ken ahead of Arendt's anniversary on October 14. 

Our understanding evolves over time – how can we explain that to impatient people who don't trust science?

If someone disagrees with you, does it mean you should reconsider your position, or does it just mean that person is wrong?

Can Heidegger's contributions to Western philosophy and his active support for the German Nazi party be reconciled?

Is citizenship the best recipe for non-discrimination?

Is truly great art possible under a capitalist system, or is capitalism destined to produce cultural crap?

Do the people at the top really deserve their success? Do the people at the bottom really deserve to be there?

There's still time for deep and thoughtful reading this summer -- and our 500th episode.

In the 21st century, why does gender inequality still persist? 

How could urban design better serve the cause of justice?

Celebrate Baldwin's birthday on August 2 by questioning how truth and love could be harnessed to create a more just society.

Could studying moral philosophy make you more moral -- or more of a jerk?

Should there be limits to violence in the service of liberation?

Can we find enchantment without sacrificing reason?

Looking for summer movie options? Here are some from the past year (or so) that challenged our assumptions and made us think about things in new ways.

Are pets our partners, our property, or something in between?

What exactly is existentialism? How are we condemned to be free? And what’s so hellish about other people?   

Is it a privilege or a right to be treated as you deserve to be?

What ethical dilemmas are people facing in their daily lives related to the pandemic or social distancing?

How can insights from the arts and humanities help us cope with anxious times?

How can insights from the arts and humanities help us cope with anxious times?

How do notions like care, compassion, and empathy change the way we view our obligations to others?

Was Machiavelli an unscrupulous theorist and advisor, or one of the most widely misunderstood political philosophers ever?

In an ideal society, would we even need money?

April is National Poetry Month, so a philosopher might ask: Can we come to know things poetically that we couldn't get at through other forms of thinking, writing, and talking?

Holy metapysics, Batman!

How do you construct a coherent identity when you don’t feel like you fit in anywhere?

Is retirement just an evil scheme invented by capitalists to get rid of higher-paid workers?

Can mere words create a toxic climate in which violence is condoned and encouraged?