Podcast - Philosophize This!

Episode #181 - What if consciousness is an illusion?

Philosophize This! — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 03:02:02 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

What if consciousness is an illusion?

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we talk about the possibility of consciousness being an illusion. Susan Blackmore, Daniel Dennett, Keith Frankish.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #180 - What if everything is consciousness?

Philosophize This! — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 03:00:09 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

What if everything is consciousness?

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we consider the work of Phillip Goff and the theory of consciousness known as Panpsychism.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #179 - Why is consciousness something worth talking about?

Philosophize This! — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 22:31:50 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Why is consciousness something worth talking about?

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we talk about consciousness. The hard problem. Why it’s hard. The philosophical zombie thought experiment. What it’s like to be a bat. Blindsight. Hierarchies of consciousness. ChatGPT. Biological algorithms. Society ruled by the sanctity of consciousness.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #178 - Susan Sontag - How much is your view of everything affected by metaphors?

Philosophize This! — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:39:48 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Susan Sontag - How much is your view of everything affected by metaphors?

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we talk about the work of Susan Sontag.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #177 - Susan Sontag - Do you speak the language of pictures and videos?

Philosophize This! — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 22:11:31 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Susan Sontag - Do you speak the language of pictures and videos?

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we talk about the work of Susan Sontag.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #176 - Susan Sontag - Do you criticize yourself the way you criticize a movie?

Philosophize This! — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 21:37:48 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Susan Sontag - Do you criticize yourself the way you criticize a movie?

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we talk about the famous essay titled Against Interpretation by Susan Sontag.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Susan Sontag (1933-2004) was an American writer, essayist, and cultural critic. She was born in New York City and raised in Arizona and California. She graduated from the University of Chicago and pursued graduate studies at Harvard University and Saint Anne's College, Oxford.

Sontag first gained recognition with her 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp'", which explored the cultural phenomenon of camp and its significance in contemporary society. She went on to write numerous essays and books on a wide range of subjects, including literature, art, politics, and photography.

Some of Sontag's most notable works include "Against Interpretation", "On Photography", "Illness as Metaphor", and "Regarding the Pain of Others". She also wrote fiction, including the novels "The Benefactor" and "Death Kit".

Throughout her life, Sontag was a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice causes. She was involved in various political and cultural movements, including the anti-war and gay rights movements. Sontag was also a prominent public figure and frequently appeared on television and in the media.

Sontag was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1970s and wrote extensively about her experiences with the disease. She continued to write and lecture until her death in 2004 at the age of 71.

Key takeaways:

The power of art: Sontag believed that art had the power to shape and influence society. She argued that art was not just a form of entertainment, but a way to challenge dominant cultural values and create new ways of seeing the world.
The politics of representation: Sontag was interested in how images and narratives were used to construct meaning and influence people's perceptions. She wrote extensively about the politics of representation, particularly in relation to photography and the media.
The importance of critical thinking: Sontag believed in the importance of critical thinking and the need to question and challenge established beliefs and values. She argued that critical thinking was essential for intellectual and moral development, and that it was the responsibility of individuals to cultivate this capacity.
The power of language: Sontag was a master of language and believed that words had the power to transform how we see and understand the world. She was a fierce critic of the use of language to manipulate and deceive, and was committed to using language in a way that was clear, precise, and honest.
The ethics of compassion: Sontag was deeply committed to the ethics of compassion and believed that empathy and understanding were essential for creating a more just and humane society. She wrote extensively about the suffering of others, and argued that it was our responsibility to bear witness to this suffering and take action to alleviate it.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Further Reading:

"Susan Sontag: The Complete Rolling Stone Interview" by Jonathan Cott
"Sontag: Her Life and Work" by Benjamin Moser
"Reborn: Journals and Notebooks, 1947-1963" by Susan Sontag
"Susan Sontag: Essays of the 1960s & 70s" edited by David Rieff
"Regarding Susan Sontag" by Nancy D. Kates (documentary film companion book)
"As Consciousness Is Harnessed to Flesh: Journals and Notebooks, 1964-1980" by Susan Sontag
"Susan Sontag: A Biography" by Daniel Schreiber
"Against Interpretation and Other Essays" by Susan Sontag
"At the Same Time: Essays and Speeches" by Susan Sontag
"Illness as Metaphor and AIDS and Its Metaphors" by Susan Sontag

Websites:

The Susan Sontag Foundation (https://www.susansontag.com/) This website provides a comprehensive overview of Susan Sontag's life and work, including biographical information, a bibliography of her books and essays, and a collection of her speeches and interviews.
The New York Review of Books (https://www.nybooks.com/contributors/susan-sontag/) The New York Review of Books published many of Sontag's essays, and their website has an extensive archive of her work. It includes reviews, essays, and interviews, and provides a rich resource for anyone interested in Sontag's writing.
The Paris Review (https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/1721/susan-sontag-the-art-of-fiction-no-143-susan-sontag) The Paris Review conducted a number of interviews with Susan Sontag over the years, and their website features a fascinating interview with her from 1995. In it, Sontag discusses her writing process, her relationship with her readers, and her views on the role of the writer in society.

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #175 - Simone Weil - Vessels of God

Philosophize This! — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:17:03 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Simone Weil - Vessels of God

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we continue a series on Simone Weil.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Simone Weil was a French philosopher, activist, and mystic who was born in Paris in 1909. She was known for her deep spirituality and her commitment to social justice, which she demonstrated through her work as a labor organizer and her participation in the Spanish Civil War. Weil died at the young age of 34 from tuberculosis, but her philosophical and political writings have had a lasting impact.

Weil's concept of attention is central to her philosophy. She argued that true attention is a rare and difficult achievement, and that it is essential for living a meaningful life. For Weil, attention is not just a matter of focusing on something, but of opening oneself up to the world and to others. Attention is the key to empathy, understanding, and connection.

Key takeaways:

The importance of attention: Weil believed that attention is essential for living a meaningful life, and that it is the key to empathy, understanding, and connection.
The value of work: Weil saw work as a way of participating in the world and of contributing to the common good. She believed that work should be meaningful and should not be exploitative.
The reality of affliction: Weil believed that affliction is an unavoidable part of the human experience, and that it can be a source of spiritual growth and transformation.
The need for compassion: Weil emphasized the importance of compassion for others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.
The pursuit of truth: Weil was committed to the pursuit of truth, and believed that it was essential for living an authentic and meaningful life.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #174 - Simone Weil - The Mathematician

Philosophize This! — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:13:42 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Simone Weil - The Mathematician

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we continue a series on Simone Weil.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Key takeaways:

The importance of attention: Weil believed that attention is essential for living a meaningful life, and that it is the key to empathy, understanding, and connection.
The value of work: Weil saw work as a way of participating in the world and of contributing to the common good. She believed that work should be meaningful and should not be exploitative.
The reality of affliction: Weil believed that affliction is an unavoidable part of the human experience, and that it can be a source of spiritual growth and transformation.
The need for compassion: Weil emphasized the importance of compassion for others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.
The pursuit of truth: Weil was committed to the pursuit of truth, and believed that it was essential for living an authentic and meaningful life.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #173 - Simone Weil - The Need For Roots

Philosophize This! — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:41:46 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Simone Weil - The Need For Roots

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we continue a series on Simone Weil.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Key takeaways:

The importance of attention: Weil believed that attention is essential for living a meaningful life, and that it is the key to empathy, understanding, and connection.
The value of work: Weil saw work as a way of participating in the world and of contributing to the common good. She believed that work should be meaningful and should not be exploitative.
The reality of affliction: Weil believed that affliction is an unavoidable part of the human experience, and that it can be a source of spiritual growth and transformation.
The need for compassion: Weil emphasized the importance of compassion for others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.
The pursuit of truth: Weil was committed to the pursuit of truth, and believed that it was essential for living an authentic and meaningful life.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #172 - Simone Weil - Attention

Philosophize This! — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:38:44 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Simone Weil - Attention

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we begin a series on Simone Weil.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Key takeaways:

The importance of attention: Weil believed that attention is essential for living a meaningful life, and that it is the key to empathy, understanding, and connection.
The value of work: Weil saw work as a way of participating in the world and of contributing to the common good. She believed that work should be meaningful and should not be exploitative.
The reality of affliction: Weil believed that affliction is an unavoidable part of the human experience, and that it can be a source of spiritual growth and transformation.
The need for compassion: Weil emphasized the importance of compassion for others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.
The pursuit of truth: Weil was committed to the pursuit of truth, and believed that it was essential for living an authentic and meaningful life.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #171 - Guy Debord - The Society of the Spectacle

Philosophize This! — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:13:00 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Guy Debord - The Society of the Spectacle

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we talk about a famous call to action by the philosopher Guy Debord.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Guy Debord (1931-1994) was a French Marxist theorist, filmmaker, and founding member of the Situationist International. Born in Paris, Debord grew up in a middle-class family and became involved in the intellectual and artistic circles of the city in the 1950s.

In 1957, Debord co-founded the Situationist International, a radical political and artistic group that sought to critique and subvert the dominant cultural and political systems of capitalism. The Situationists produced a range of influential works, including the book "The Society of the Spectacle," which introduced Debord's concept of the spectacle.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Debord remained an active member of the Situationist International, but also produced a range of films and other artistic works. He continued to develop his theories about the spectacle and its role in modern society, and became a prominent figure in the international leftist and countercultural movements of the era.

Debord's concept of the spectacle posits that modern society is characterized by a relentless proliferation of images, representations, and spectacles that replace authentic human experiences and alienate individuals from one another. This spectacle, he argued, is a product of capitalism and serves to perpetuate its power and control over society.

Key takeaways:

The spectacle is not simply a passive reflection of society, but an active force that shapes and controls it.
The proliferation of images and representations in modern society creates a sense of false abundance that masks the underlying poverty and exploitation of capitalism.
The spectacle produces a new form of social alienation, where individuals are isolated from one another and from the authentic experiences of life.
The spectacle creates a false sense of individualism that actually reinforces conformity and obedience to capitalist values.
The only way to overcome the spectacle is through collective action and the creation of new forms of social relations that are not dominated by capitalist values.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes the podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #170 - Albert Camus - The Fall</a#x3E;

Philosophize This! — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:11:00 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Albert Camus - The Fall

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we explore some of the themes discussed in The Fall by Albert Camus.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Albert Camus (1913-1960) was a French philosopher, author, and journalist known for his works exploring an Absurdist perspective. He was born in Algeria and grew up in poverty, but was able to attend university and became involved in political activism. After World War II, he wrote several influential works, including "The Plague," which explored themes of isolation, death, and the human condition. Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957 and continued to write until his death in a car accident in 1960.

Key takeaways::

The human condition is characterized by a struggle for self-justification and a search for identity.
Hypocrisy and guilt are central themes in the novel, as the main character grapples with his own sense of morality and his actions.
The novel explores the tension between personal responsibility and collective guilt.
The narrative style of the novel is complex and experimental, utilizing techniques like monologue and rhetorical questions to create a sense of intimacy with the reader.
Ultimately, the novel suggests that the search for meaning and purpose is a never-ending struggle.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes the podcast a possibility moving forward. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #169 - Bruno Latour - We Have Never Been Modern

Philosophize This! — Sat, 20 Aug 2022 19:07:00 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Bruno Latour - We Have Never Been Modern

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we cover thought provoking pieces of an early work by a great philosopher named Bruno Latour. Hope you love it.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Bruno Latour (1947-2022) was a French philosopher, sociologist, and anthropologist who made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology studies, anthropology, and philosophy.

Latour grew up in a rural area of France and studied philosophy at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. He later received a PhD in sociology from the University of Tours.

Throughout his career, Latour conducted extensive research on the social and cultural dimensions of science and technology; he also explored the ways in which technological innovations shape society and the environment.

In addition to his academic work, Latour was involved in activism and advocacy on environmental issues, and he advocated for a reimagining of our relationship with the natural world. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, and has held positions at several prestigious universities, including Harvard and the London School of Economics.

Key takeaways:

Actor-network theory: Latour's concept of actor-network theory emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all actors, human and non-human, in the construction of social reality.
Constructivism: Latour's work on the social and cultural dimensions of science and technology argues that scientific facts are not objective truths but are constructed through social and political processes.
Environmental advocacy: Latour has been involved in activism and advocacy on environmental issues, and has advocated for a reimagining of our relationship with the natural world.
Critique of modernity: Latour has critiqued the notion of modernity and its reliance on binary oppositions such as nature/culture, subject/object, and human/non-human.
Philosophy of science: Latour's work has contributed to the philosophy of science by analyzing the processes by which scientific knowledge is produced and how it shapes our understanding of the world.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who supports the podcast. Could never do this without you. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #168 - Introduction to an Ethics of Care

Philosophize This! — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 19:04:00 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Introduction to an Ethics of Care

+ + + + +

+ + +

Today we begin discussing an Ethics of Care.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Ethics of Care is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of relationships, empathy, and compassion in ethical decision-making. The theory emerged in the 1980s as a response to traditional moral theories, which were largely based on abstract principles and rules. The pioneering work in this area was done by Carol Gilligan, who argued that women tend to prioritize caring and compassion in their moral decision-making, rather than abstract principles like justice and autonomy, which are emphasized in traditional moral theories.

Key takeaways:

Relationships are central: Ethics of Care places relationships and connections between people at the center of moral decision-making.
Emotions matter: The emotions and feelings involved in caring for others are important in making ethical decisions.
Context is important: The specific context of a situation, such as cultural norms, power dynamics, and personal history, are important factors in ethical decision-making.
Critique of individualism: Care ethics critiques the dominant individualistic and autonomous models of moral reasoning and instead emphasizes interdependence and relationality.
Inclusivity: Care ethics has the potential to be inclusive of marginalized groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, who may have been overlooked in traditional moral theories.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who continues to make this podcast possible. I could never do this without all of you. :)

+ + + + + + + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode #167 - Jose Ortega - Revolt of the Masses

Philosophize This! — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 18:05:15 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Jose Ortega - Revolt of the Masses

+ + + + +

+ + +

On this episode, we talk about the work of Jose Ortega and his famous book titled Revolt of the Masses

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Jose Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955) was a Spanish philosopher, writer, and cultural critic. He was born in Madrid and received a traditional Catholic education before studying philosophy in Germany. Ortega y Gasset became a professor of metaphysics at the University of Madrid, and he played a key role in shaping Spanish intellectual and cultural life in the early 20th century.

He was a prolific writer who published numerous books and essays on a wide range of topics, including philosophy, politics, art, and culture. He was a leading figure of the Spanish intellectual movement known as the "Generation of 1914," which included other influential writers and thinkers such as Miguel de Unamuno and Ramón Gómez de la Serna.

Throughout his life, Ortega y Gasset emphasized the importance of individualism, culture, and education. He was critical of both totalitarianism and populism and argued that democracy required an educated and culturally-aware populace. He explored the nature of human existence and the meaning of life in many of his works, and he remains an important figure in 20th-century philosophy and intellectual history.

Key takeaways:

Ortega y Gasset believed that each individual is unique and must find their own path in life. He stressed the importance of self-discovery and self-creation.
He argued that education and culture are essential for personal and societal development. He believed that a well-educated and culturally-aware population was necessary for democracy to thrive.
Ortega y Gasset criticized both totalitarianism and populism, warning that both ideologies threatened individualism and democratic values.
He explored the nature of human existence and the meaning of life in many of his works. He believed that life was inherently difficult, and that individuals had to confront the challenges of existence with courage and creativity.
Ortega y Gasset was an influential writer and intellectual who helped to shape Spanish culture and politics in the early 20th century. His ideas continue to be relevant today and have influenced thinkers across the world.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast and helps keep it going for as long as it can! I could never do this without the support of you fine people. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode 166 - Jose Ortega - Circumstance

Philosophize This! — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:14:56 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + +

Jose Ortega - Circumstance

+ + + + +

+ + +

On this episode, we begin talking about the Spanish philosopher Jose Ortega. The episode is mostly oriented towards explaining each piece of his famous quotation:

“I am I and my circumstance; and if I do not save it, I do not save myself.”

See the full transcript of this episode here.

Key takeaways:

Ortega y Gasset believed that each individual is unique and must find their own path in life. He stressed the importance of self-discovery and self-creation.
He argued that education and culture are essential for personal and societal development. He believed that a well-educated and culturally-aware population was necessary for democracy to thrive.
Ortega y Gasset criticized both totalitarianism and populism, warning that both ideologies threatened individualism and democratic values.
He explored the nature of human existence and the meaning of life in many of his works. He believed that life was inherently difficult, and that individuals had to confront the challenges of existence with courage and creativity.
Ortega y Gasset was an influential writer and intellectual who helped to shape Spanish culture and politics in the early 20th century. His ideas continue to be relevant today and have influenced thinkers across the world.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thanks to everyone who supports the podcast and helps keep it going for as long as it can! I could never do this without the support of you fine people. :)

+ + + + +

+ + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode 165 - Ralph Waldo Emerson - Nature and Other Things

Philosophize This! — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:14:49 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + +

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Nature and Other Things

+ + + + +

+ + +

On this episode, we talk about the famous essay titled Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, poet, and philosopher, born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts. He is considered one of the most influential figures of the 19th century American literary and philosophical movement known as transcendentalism.

Emerson attended Harvard College and became a Unitarian minister, but he later left the ministry to pursue a career in writing and lecturing. He became a prominent lecturer, delivering speeches on a wide range of topics, including self-reliance, nature, and the importance of individualism.

Emerson's works, including "Nature" (1836), "Self-Reliance" (1841), and "The American Scholar" (1837), were highly influential in shaping American literature and thought. He was also a mentor and friend to many of the leading writers and thinkers of his time, including Henry David Thoreau and Walt Whitman.

Throughout his life, Emerson was involved in social and political causes, including the abolition of slavery and women's suffrage. He died on April 27, 1882, in Concord, Massachusetts, at the age of 78.

Key Takeaways:

Emerson was a leading figure in the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized individualism, intuition, and the connection between nature and spirituality.
He believed in the power of self-reliance and encouraged people to trust their own instincts and ideas.
Emerson's essays and speeches, such as "Nature" and "Self-Reliance," continue to be widely read and influential in American literature and thought.
He was an advocate for social and political causes, including abolition and women's suffrage.
Emerson's influence can be seen in the works of many later writers and thinkers, including Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.

I could never do this without your support! :)

+ + + + + + + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode 164 - Ralph Waldo Emerson - Self Reliance

Philosophize This! — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 22:38:41 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + +

Ralph Waldo Emerson - Self Reliance

+ + + + +

+ + +

On this episode, we talk about the famous essay titled Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Key Takeaways:

Emerson was a leading figure in the transcendentalist movement, which emphasized individualism, intuition, and the connection between nature and spirituality.
He believed in the power of self-reliance and encouraged people to trust their own instincts and ideas.
Emerson's essays and speeches, such as "Nature" and "Self-Reliance," continue to be widely read and influential in American literature and thought.
He was an advocate for social and political causes, including abolition and women's suffrage.
Emerson's influence can be seen in the works of many later writers and thinkers, including Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Further Reading:

"Emerson: The Mind on Fire" by Robert D. Richardson
"The Cambridge Companion to Ralph Waldo Emerson" edited by Joel Porte
"The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson" edited by Brooks Atkinson
"Emerson: A Biography" by Carlos Baker
"The American Transcendentalists: Essential Writings" edited by Lawrence Buell
"The Spiritual Emerson: Essential Writings" edited by David M. Robinson
"The Portable Emerson" edited by Carl Bode
"Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Major Poetry" edited by Albert J. von Frank
"Emerson and Thoreau: The Contemporary Reviews" edited by Joel Myerson
"Emerson's Contemporaries and Kerouac's Crowd: A Problem of Self-Location" by David Dowling

Websites:

Ralph Waldo Emerson Society - https://www.ralphwaldoemersonsociety.org/
The Walden Woods Project - https://www.walden.org/thoreau/about-thoreau/ralph-waldo-emerson/
Poetry Foundation - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ralph-waldo-emerson

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future. I could never do this without your support. :)

+ + + + + + + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode 163 - The Creation of Meaning - Escape From Evil

Philosophize This! — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 22:38:28 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + +

The Creation of Meaning - Escape From Evil

+ + + + +

+ + +

On this episode, we talk about the creation of meaning through the work of Ernest Becker.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Ernest Becker (1924-1974) was an American cultural anthropologist and writer. He was born in Massachusetts and grew up in New York City. After serving in the US army during World War II, Becker attended Syracuse University and then the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his PhD in cultural anthropology in 1960.

Becker's most famous work is the book "The Denial of Death," published in 1973, for which he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in General Non-Fiction posthumously. The book examines the ways in which human beings try to deny their mortality and the impact of this denial on individual and societal behavior.

Throughout his career, Becker was interested in the relationship between culture and psychology, and his work focused on the ways in which cultural beliefs and values shape individual identity and behavior. He also wrote several other books, including "The Birth and Death of Meaning" and "Escape from Evil," which further explore these themes.

Becker's work has had a significant influence on fields such as psychology, sociology, and philosophy, and continues to be studied and debated today. He died of cancer in 1974, just one year after the publication of "The Denial of Death."

Key Takeaways:

Human beings have a fundamental fear of death, and this fear motivates much of our behavior.
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping individual identity and behavior, and cultural beliefs and values can help people cope with their fear of death.
Human beings create symbolic systems, such as religion and ideology, in order to deny their mortality and find meaning in life.
The denial of death can lead to destructive behavior, such as violence and aggression, as individuals and societies attempt to prove their power and deny their vulnerability.
Coming to terms with one's mortality is essential for living a fulfilling and authentic life.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.

I could never do this without your support! :)

+ + + + + + + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +

Episode 162 - The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death

Philosophize This! — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:57:12 +0000

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + +

The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death

+ + + + +

+ + +

On this episode, we talk about the creation of meaning through the work of Ernest Becker.

See the full transcript of this episode here.

+ + + + +

+ + +

Key Takeaways:

Human beings have a fundamental fear of death, and this fear motivates much of our behavior.
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping individual identity and behavior, and cultural beliefs and values can help people cope with their fear of death.
Human beings create symbolic systems, such as religion and ideology, in order to deny their mortality and find meaning in life.
The denial of death can lead to destructive behavior, such as violence and aggression, as individuals and societies attempt to prove their power and deny their vulnerability.
Coming to terms with one's mortality is essential for living a fulfilling and authentic life.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast a possibility in the future.

I could never do this without your support! :)

+ + + + + + + + + Patreon + + + + + + + Contribute What You Want + + + + + + + Merch +