Here’s a talk by Nigel Warburton that is aimed at beginner students of Philosophy, but is also a very interesting broad discussion about what the value of Philosophy involves with a great Q&A at the conclusion. The relevance of study and the influence that undergrad level philosophy can have on education, verbal and analytic reasoning as well as mathematical. If there’s anyone who has been following the blog/podcast series, this resource gives you something to consider if you’re interested in studying philosophy in 2018.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This discussion (as there are questions as to whether it constitutes a debate) was held in November 1979, hosted by Tim Rice, about the then-new film Monty Python’s Life of Brian, which had been banned by many local councils and caused protests throughout the world with accusations that it was blasphemous. To argue in favour of this accusation were broadcaster and noted Christian Malcolm Muggeridge and Mervyn Stockwood(the then Bishop of Southwark). In its defence were two members of the Monty Python team, who created the movie, John Cleese and Michael Palin. The content of the film and this discussion later became a part of a larger feature movie in 2011, called Holy Flying Circus.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Xmas Files — Philosophy of Christmas by Stephen Law was an unexpected find a few years ago, and it’s more than just ‘how do you deal with bad presents that you have to smile about?’ From Kantian advice on honesty being the best policy to Mill’s keeping the seasonal peace, there’s a range discussions on what peace really involves and how to deal with all the myths and mythology about the season, and not just the Santa Claus ones.

I particularly enjoyed the discussions about religion and the conflict with commercialisation of Christmas, and the range of ways that we can celebrate this time of year no matter what beliefs we hold. It has a casual, engaging style that is similar to the other works by Law like The Philosophy Files, and while it might seem an obvious present for this time of the year, it’s certainly a great addition to a beginner’s library on the subject regardless.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analyse the following debate and identify how well the debate unfolds — are there any fallacies involved, and what are they?

Letty: Spiritual beliefs are irrelevant when it comes to philosophy. You can’t observe Santa Claus, and you can’t run a test for faith. I’ve never heard of a reasonable hypothesis test for faith, as it has to be investigated and evaluated. Philosophy is about testing and evaluating, so beliefs are not a part of philosophy. You either do Philosophy or you do navel gazing faith nonsense.

Joe: Why not? I’m happy to debate the ethics of believing in Santa Claus! Just because faith isn’t the same as science doesn’t mean we cannot observe certain things about it. You don’t have to use sight to observe. Therefore, using rational reflection is a method of observation.

Letty: But measuring a concept isn’t the same as measuring a real thing — an observation in terms of concept isn’t the same as that which is truly real in the world. For those reasons, scientific method applied to faith is just a mistake. If you start thinking faith and other unreasonable things are Philosophy, you’ll start thinking ghosts and fairytales are Philosophy and we might as well put Plato in the fiction section.

Joe: What about the social sciences? It’s a combination of methods, not just science, to investigate different parts, changes and the sources of change. Philosophy is often found in the social science departments of universities. I therefore don’t see how investigating concepts such as faith, something outside of empirical testing, can’t be a part of philosophy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s getting closer to that time of the year! Here’s a few last minute suggestions in case you’re wondering what might be a useful thought-provoking gift for the teen years and over.

There’s a number of popular publications that have gift subscriptions, such as Philosophy Now and New Philosopher, but you should also check out Womankind , Aesthetica and Monocle as well. Ethical Consumer, Peppermint and Sublime magazine were recommended by a friend as examples of the next generation of ethical publications; I’d also add Scientific American, Cosmos, New Scientist, Wired, and if you’re in Australia, there’s Double Helix for the younger years.

In Australia there’s The Monthly, Frankie and Yen magazine, the last two are also appealing to teen readers. If you have any more suggestions, let me know in the comments!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Patreon subscribers, there’s further revision questions by heading to www.patreon.com/kyliesturgess.1. What does it mean to ‘win an argument’?2. “There is no point in making a case unless you have argued all sides in preparation” — discuss.3. It is not enough to be rational, you also have to be sensitive to the impact of your argument. Discuss.4. “We should always question whoever makes the strongest argument.” Discuss.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode is the revision on argument structures from the past week — you can support the 365DaysOfPhilosophy podcast by visiting www.patreon.com/kyliesturgess and review previous episodes at www.365daysofphilosophy.com.

If you can help the show continue, head to: https://www.patreon.com/kyliesturgess

Music from Jukedeck — create your own at http://jukedeck.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous post on validity and sound arguments on the 365DaysOfPhilosophy site. 

Are the following valid (V) or invalid (I) and then sound (S) or unsound (U)?

Most ballet dancers are over 5 feet tall. Joanna is a ballet dancer, therefore Joanna is five feet tall.

Joanna is a woman. If Joanna is a woman, then she is tall. Therefore Joanna is a tall woman.

The Queen is a woman, therefore Albert is a blonde, then Albert is a blonde.

If unicorns are real, then at least there’s one real fantasy creature. Unicorns are real, therefore at least one fantasy creature is real.

Answers tomorrow at Patreon.com/kyliesturgess.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analyse the following debate and identify how well the debate unfolds — are there any fallacies involved, and what are they?

Rachel: We should accept other’s opinions and if we really want a peaceful society, we should respect different beliefs. An inclusive, liberal society is the best way to live.

Phoebe: Well, I’ve never heard of anything so unrealistic. Tolerance of unethical or inhumane practices is hardly a good society, so you can either live in extreme brutality or deal with limited expression.

Rachel: I have no idea what you’re talking about. A liberal society is just about freedom to express your beliefs, it’s hardly about enforcing them. Most people don’t have issues with each other, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Phoebe: What do you mean? If I express the belief that women should be enslaved, I should be charged with hate-speech. Enslaving women is denying their freedom; denying freedom is unethical and inhumane, so it’s the equivalent of making slaves of women. I’d rather have limitations that keep us free.

Put your comments here — answers for Patreons tomorrow at patreon.com/kyliesturgess.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To start, here’s a revision of how to determine an argument’s validity and whether it is cogent or sound.Is it possible that both all of the premises are true and the conclusion is false?If yes — then it is invalid and unsound / not cogent.If no — then it is definitely valid. But are the premises actually true? If yes, then it is sound/cogent. If not, it is unsound / not cogent.

Are the following valid (V) or invalid (I) and then sound (S) or unsound (U)?

Monica is a brunette and is short, therefore she is a short brunette.

Chandler is blonde and all the blondes I know are from Finland, therefore Chandler is from Finland.

Answers tomorrow at Patreon.com/kyliesturgess.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.