Bad Philosophy

Bad Philosophy

Episode 120

"Intellectual Simulation"

Recorded 04-30-2012

Bad Philosophers: Stephen Torrence, Kevin Saunders

When I first started writing these introductory paragraphs for our episodes, I tried to make them as wacky and witty as possible. Using inside jokes, obscure references, and other crudely fashioned humor I endeavored to give them some spice that would entice the potential listener to click the "Play" button. As time went on, however, I found myself being less and less creative and enthusiastic about the construction of the introductory paragraph. It is the penultimate step in my workflow, and by the time I get here I'm usually just ready to get things over with and click "Publish." Yet still I write them... never knowing whether anyone reads or appreciates my work.

Anyways, this episode we (attempt to) do what I have (sort of) done above and give you, our listeners, a (very, very) brief introduction to the deeply disruptive world of post-structuralism. You can read up on it, mull it over in your mind, and then read some more, but get ready to question everything you (think you) know and hold to be true (the idea of "truth" included, of course). What you come out with is both up to you and entirely not up to you, all at once. Have a listen...

Bad Philosophy

Episode 119

"Giant Monster Whiteboard"

Recorded 04-18-2012

There comes a time in every genre's life when it must look upon itself in a mirror, carefully inspecting the features and subtleties that have shaped and defined it... then scream in terror as the monster to end all monsters suddenly materializes in the reflection, spurring the genre to fight tooth and nail, pulling on everything it is to become something stronger, deeper, more utterly kickass.

You might say Cabin in the Woods, love child of Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon, does just this for the horror movie genre. On this episode Kevin and I discuss the film immediately after seeing it. We highly recommend that you see the movie yourself before listening since we dive freely into its structure and themes. Cabin is undeniably hot right now, and for many good reasons. See the movie, listen to our take, and give us your opinion in the comments!

Bad Philosophy

Episode 118

"Fire Sale"

Recorded 03-28-2012

If the Cohen Brothers had invented a role-playing game based on the essence of their movies, what would it look like? Well, we here at BF think it might resemble a little ol' indie creation from the folks at Bully Pulpit Games called "Fiasco." Kevin brought this to my attention recently and I could not wait to play it! We got our good friend and movie buff Brian Morgan to join in, and together spawned one monster of a case study in collaborative, combinatorial storytelling. There was blood, betrayal, burgers... and it was our longest episode ever! Have a listen...

Bad Philosophy

Episode 117

"Mintyvan"

Recorded 03-20-2012

Bad Philosophers: Stephen Torrence, Kevin Saunders, Kiki Canon, Matt Epperson

Bullies. Troublemakers. Destroyers. We all know them, we all detest them, and some of us actively fear them. But are "Jokers," the wildcards of society, actually a fundamental reason why society works? Writing for ThisOrThat.com, Benjamin Chabot-Hanowell recently summarized a study out of Spain that first ran in the Journal of Theoretical Biology concluding just such a possibility. Never ones to take science at face value, Kevin, Kiki, and I joined forces with fan-turned-guest Matt Epperson to tackle this proposal head-on. So get ready for a wild ride through Gotham, game theory, and cooperative action... it's BF time!

Bad Philosophy

Episode 116

"Santorific"

Recorded 03-02-2012

Bad Philosophers: Stephen Torrence, Kevin Saunders, Brian Morgan, Ryan Usher

Not many people get the distinct honor of having their name turned into a derogatory term. Rick Santorum now shares the distinct company of the Patsies and Benedict Arnold in that the very mention of his moniker elicits feelings of disgust and revulsion. Thanks, Dan Savage. In this episode we take a look at Rick's religious radicalism in the greater context of politics, the 2012 election, and QUILTBAGs. Joining me and Kevin for this episode are two *BRAND NEW* guests, my good friend and cinephile Brian Morgan and his philosopher god-brother Ryan Usher. So grab your voter registration card, hold onto your holy book, and tear off a generous portion of paper towels, it's BF time!

Bad Philosophy

Episode 115

"Scorns and Flattery"

Recorded 02-24-2012

Bad Philosophers: Stephen Torrence, Kevin Saunders

"To be or not to be? Aye, there's the point."

Quite honestly, it astounds me that this particular wording of a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet comes to us from a so-called "bad" version. I rather like it. But who am I to judge thespian subtleties, eh? That's why I called in certified Master of Theatre Kevin Saunders to help me gush over and carefully analyze Canadian dramedy Slings and Arrows. It's carefully woven story lines and brilliantly developed characters expertly weave the themes of Shakespeare into a modern setting, and make for some lively discussion of course. Why, it may even tear you away from writing that good version of The Phantom Menace that someone should've convinced King George to make in the first. Break a leg! And have a listen...

Bad Philosophy

Episode 114

"Wikissori"

Recorded 02-16-2012

Bad Philosophers: Kevin Saunders, Stephen Torrence, Shawn Brackett

It's been a while since we've delved head first into the chaotic classrooms of the American education system. In the eyes of Sir Ken Robinson, deficiencies here present one of the most pressing problems for our world, and it's time for a paradigm shift. Kevin and I pulled out all the stops on this one, even inviting Shawn "Motherf--king" Brackett to lend his expertise to the discussion. I daresay we solved the education problem, people. Seriously. Ask John Dortmunder.

Bad Philosophy

Episode 113

"Max Headroom"

Recorded 02-03-2012

Bad Philosophers: Stephen Torrence, Simon Ponder, Kevin Saunders

Have you ever noticed how fast food that you buy never looks like the pictures? Oh, or gotten super frustrated when you plug in a USB port backwards? Have you ever just wished that everyone followed a simple set of rules for living? Now... have you ever thought about writing hyper-rational, detailed rants on these issues down as if they were akin to the Laws of Thermodynamics? An intriguing chap named Dario D has, and this episode Kevin, Simon and I decided to rip him a new one for it. We disagree with this intrepid modernist on many, many things... but to be honest, it's about as bad as Bad Philosophy can get. Have a listen!

This Week's Post-show Song Pimpage: "Be My Echo" by Grover and Madeline Khan

Bad Philosophy

Episode 112

"Titles Don't Really Matter"

Recorded 01-13-2012

Bad Philosophers: Kevin Saunders, Stephen Torrence

In fact, nothing does. Screw life. Screw death! Screw anyone and everyone you've ever cared about, including your precious self.

...

It's hard not to come away from the movie Synecdoche: New York without similar feelings (or simply a lack of feeling whatsoever). Recently Kevin and I delved into this systematic deconstruction of reality, life, death, itself, people, relationships, identity, and well... pretty much everything. We spent a mere hour trying to make sense of it, which felt entirely inadequate and is, apparently, far less than some others have. If you haven't seen the film, this episode will make far less sense than it already does even if you have. Listen, if you dare, as I try feebly to grasp any semblance of understanding about it, and Kevin unrelentingly questions whether such a grasp is even possible. F************K...

This Week's Post-show Song Pimpage: "Dream is Collapsing" from Inception by Hans Zimmer

The Bad Philosophers share their (non-apocalyptic) predictions for 2012 and beyond over some delicious beer.

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