Drunken Philosophy

Hope you're ready for the audio version of trust fall because this week Connor and Dan are discussing the philosopher Onora O'Neil and her thoughts on humanities relationship with trust. Unfortunately, it's up to these two podcast hosts to determine what news sources are competent, reliable, and honest. God help us, they're going to try their best.

Inspired by the recent discussions about "civility" in political discourse, Connor and Dan dive head first into the sticky world of Karl Popper's Paradox of Tolerance. Is there a danger of being too tolerant? Do you have a responsibility to be intolerant to those expressing intolerant views? Where do you draw the line? Yes you! We're asking you! Seriously, we don't know. We need you to tell us.

Let's talk about death, baby. Let's talk about you and me (dying)!" That's right all you Salt n Pepa fans, this week on Drunken Philosophy Connor and Dan are talking death. Their spiritual guide on this journey is none other than Alan Watts, the rascal guru of the SF Bay Area. If you're afraid of dying and wish you could live forever, this may be the podcast you need to hear. Also, if you're into sex magic, we talk about that again...

Every so often on Drunken Philosophy, Dan decides to deliver a double whammy to Connor. This week, they discuss a topic Connor hates (Time) through the lens of something Dan barely understands (Quantum Physics). How will our two intrepid heroes fare on this rocky journey? Not well probably! But damnit, they're trying their best. And, at the end of the day, all the time you spent listening to the episode is just an illusion anyways. Enjoy!

Inspired by a random mention he made himself a few episodes ago, Dan decides to dedicate an entire episode to talking about the Church of John Coltrane and the spiritual, philosophical tradition of music. The resulting podcast is, admittedly, a bit light on the philosophical insights. But you're a straight up jazz-head (or an aspiring jazz-head) this is the ep for you! Also, you get to hear Connor admit what embarrassing concert he cried at.

In this extra special, semi-sloppy episode of Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan revisit an old nemesis, Australian utilitarian philosopher Peter Singer. They discuss the Melbourne-born man's thoughts on charity, animal rights, and infant euthanasia. Spoiler alert: they don't hate everything he has to say. But Singer certainly lives up to his title of "Controversial Philosopher In Residence." Handle this episode with care, it's a spicy one.

Remember the first Gulf War? No you don't! At least, not according to French postmodern philosopher Jean Baudrillard, who wrote a series of essays during and after the Gulf War explaining why it wasn't happening. At least, it wasn't happening the way we all thought it was. It has something to do with simulacra and hyperreality and a bunch words none of us understand, but Connor and Dan try their damnedest in this new ep of Drunken Philosophy! Enjoy!

Looking for someone to give you permission to be a little selfish? Look no further than ancient Chinese philosopher Yang Zhu. This week, Connor and Dan take a trip to the far east to learn all about this slightly obscure ancient thinker who was all about looking for Number One and never plucking your eyebrows (or something like that, it definitely has to do with hair). Also, if you're a history buff, this episode includes an incredibly truncated version of 2,000 years of Chinese history. Enjoy!

Is there a better way to learn about feminist philosophy than hearing two straight men drunkenly discuss it on a podcast? Probably. But this is how you've chosen to spend your day. This week, Connor and Dan revisit the philosophy Simone de Beauvoir—a philosopher and writer they haven't discussed in years—to see how well her most famous text, A Second Sex, holds up all these years later. Also discussed, Dan's celebrity sighting, the boys' advice on not getting dates in high school, and the return of Star Wars corner.