Bad Philosophy

The future is a funny thing. We’ve talked on the show before about the many theories that abound about how we’ll evolve as a species and a society. Especially since the introduction of Google Glasses the future (or a future) feels closer than ever. This episode Kevin and I discuss the many ways that a continuous, shared perception could alter society, all while hanging out in line for the best barbecue in America. So order up a pound of fatty, put on your Eyes, and have a listen!

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Fan Sketch at Franklin Barbecue

Continuing our foray into post-structuralism, we felt it only appropriate to dive next into the world of postmodern music. Such disruptive composers as Wagner, Cage, and Glass have pushed the boundaries of how we define tonality, form, and even music itself. On this episode newcomer/musician John Elliott joins myself and Kevin to explore our experiences, feelings, and thoughts on the subject (somewhat respectively). So whether you’re sitting in a video room, a regular room, or just playing a giant-ass French Horn… listen up! It’s BF time…

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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! It’s in stereo…

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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!

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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…

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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!

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Disagree with us? Say so!

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!

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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…

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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.

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This Week’s Post-Show Song Pimpage: “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper

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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!

EDIT: A listener has pointed out that some of our criticisms on Dario in this episode may have come across as decided ad hominem. Contribute your thoughts to the discussion on our Facebook page.

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This Week’s Post-show Song Pimpage: “Be My Echo” by Grover and Madeline Khan

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