Drunken Philosophy

Finally, a philosophical topic worthy of this podcast. This week, Connor and Dan discuss Bence Nanay's article about how irrational behavior is an inherent part of human nature. Now we officially have permission to stop pretending that we're smart, rational, or good at anything. Or maybe that's not what the article said. Listen to find out!

Should we always interfere to help someone? How can we know our actions won't cause more harm? Who's been letting all the bugs into the bathroom? Some of these questions will be addressed in this week's episode which discusses Thomas Nagel's thought experiment The Spider In The Urinal. Also discussed: why Dan doesn't want to talk about Jordan Peterson; Macaulay Culkin is back, and the real reason for school photos. Enjoy!

With one of our heroes on the mend from their wet and wild previous weekend, Connor and Dan venture forth once again into the world of philosophy. This week, Fredric Jameson, the American philosopher who first warned us of the dangers of postmodern capitalism. What's postmodern capitalism you say? Listen to the podcast and find out you fool! Also discussed: the need for Normal Web, the marxist critique of Die Hard, and Connor has a drug!

It's another (patented) Solo Dan Episode. Due to scheduling issues, Dan takes the reins on his lonesome and discusses the intersection between philosophy and comedy, two subjects near and dear to his heart. Why are so many comedians interested in philosophy? Why do so many philosophers inject humor into their work? Perhaps it all has to do with the great cosmic joke. Listen in to find out on this very special episode!

This week, Connor and Dan are rolling back the clock to the time of antiquity to talk about Hypatia, one of the most famous female philosophers in history. Oddly enough, Hypatia is almost as famous for her death as she is for what she accomplished in her life. To find out why you'll have to listen! Also discussed: Dan being a baseball boy, Laura Dern's age when she was making Jurassic Park, and whether or not you're allowed to masturbate if you're celibate (really asking the tough questions this week). Enjoy!

In their ongoing effort to expand their philosophical horizons, Connor and Dan— for the first time in the history of the podcast —dive headlong into Ancient Indian Philosophy. And boy is it a trip. There is so much to cover here, your wayward heroes barely even scratch the surface. Still, you'll get a chance to hear Dan mispronounce a bunch of stuff, Connor hypothesize about the future success of the podcast, and you'll hear a backdoor pilot for Taco Hour the upcoming podcast that will never exist!

Because they're legally required to discuss virtual reality and simulations at least once every financial quarter, Connor and Dan return this week to discuss the Experience Machine thought experiment. Specifically, how it has changed in light of advancements in virtual reality technology. Should VR be treated as a replacement for reality? Is giving everyone access to VR going to save the world? What's going on with Jazz Dot Com? Some of these questions will be answered in this weeks episode!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But a podcast has at least two thousand words in it so that means it's worth at least two pictures. What's the exchange rate here? What's going on?... This week, Connor and Dan discuss Susan Sontag's collection of essays called On Photography. They explore the idea that photographs convince us that we're expanding our reality when really we're limiting it. They also take a moment to complain about social media and Dan gives his assessment of the entire James Bond franchise.

Based off another listener suggestions, Connor and Dan dive into the philosophy of early-20th century Russian thinker Nikolai Alexandrovich Berdyaev. Spoiler alert: Connor doesn't love it. Despite his feelings, they discuss freedom, subjective truth, and creativity. They also discuss jazz because they're a couple of hep cats. Enjoy!

Based off a wonderful user suggestion, Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of Austrian-born Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, who, in addition to having a pretty funny name, has some very interesting thoughts on dialogue, existence, and the meaning found when those two things interact. Also discussed: Connor and Dan's lackluster gym routine, the basics of improv, and how best to interact with a gas station attendant. Enjoy!