Drunken Philosophy

"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." That's a quote from old Billy Shakespeare, but it also succinctly summarizes the sociological philosophy of Erving Goffman. This week, Connor and Dan take a look at said philosophy and discuss whether social interaction is the equivalent of a little stage play we all perform for one another's benefit. Also discussed, the benefits of school uniforms, what the abbreviation of Erving is, and Connor's new nickname!

To celebrate the fact that Dan went to see a movie this weekend, the Drunken Philosophy boys discuss the aesthetic and historical philosophy of Afrofuturism. How do a people who have had their culture systematically stripped away from them imagine a fantastical future? How come funk always looks like space? And why the hell is Connor getting into cryptocurrency?

In honor of the 200th (!) episode of Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan decide to take a brief break from the show's usual format and discuss philosophy as it pertains to them personally. Between their discussion of Hogwarts enrollment policy and how people should treat waiters, they offer up opinions on ethical philosophy, the existence of free will, and what it means to have consciousness. Also, there is a new theme song.

Who better to discuss the problematic and incredibly murky historical representation of Eastern culture than two white guys who rarely leave the contiguous United States. But, as they say, that's what you sign up for when you listen to a podcast. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the book Orientalism by Palestinian-American philosopher Edward Said. In that book, Said describes the historical misrepresentation of the the culture of the orient via Western intellectuals. Also, Dan makes an apology, and Connor gives his three point breakdown of French culture.

The staying power of Simone Weil's philosophy is a testament to the importance of outsiders and weirdos. This week, Connor and Dan stumble their way through this impressive woman's life and examine the mystical side of philosophy. Also, discussed: popsicle stick jokes, what God is like when he's not creating the whole universe, and a baby Godzilla cartoon that may or may not have existed.

Inspired by a bit of history and our current day nuclear nightmare, Connor and Dan discuss the moral philosophy behind the international arms race and how game theory can teach us that we're all screwed. Also discussed, Dan's dog being sick, the 1979 film Moonraker, and, of course, orgies. Enjoy!

Hospitality is important. Especially when you're looking to get another round of drinks. Oh, wait, that might just be hospitality workers. Regardless, this week Connor and Dan discuss Jacques Derrida's lectures Of Hospitality in which he discusses the concept of hospitality and the moral obligation we have to foreigners in need, through the lens of deconstruction. Elon Musk, if you're listening, this one is for you (this may make more sense if you listen to the episode).

In honor of MLK's b-day this week (and in honor of Connor and Dan's birthdays as well), your hosts decide to dig into the philosophy of nonviolence of one Martin Luther King. Maybe you've heard of him! Rather than discussing the events of his life, they dissect the tenets of his teachings and examine how his image has been whitewashed over the years. Not a lot of laughs in this here ep, but if you want to hear Dan have a little bit of a meltdown about the public conception of consent, this is the episode for you!

This week, Connor and Dan dive head first into the post-truth era as they give their takes on a recent discussion between analytic philosopher John Searle, post-postmodernist Hilary Lawson, and historian of ideas Hannah Dawson. The question of the hour is whether there is such a thing as objective truth. The second question is, if there isn't, how do we live? The answer of the hour is, we don't know. But we can still have fun talking about it!

Once again, the boys try to get a little psychoanalytical with their philosophy as they dive into the work of Bulgarian-French philosopher Julia Kristeva. They're talking mirror stage, they're talking pre-oedipal, they're talking about all sorts of things that are way over their pay grade. Also, Dan tries to explain The Who's 'Tommy' to Connor to no avail.

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