Emma•ism

In this episode, it is presented that humans rely on rituals to comfortably navigate through their lives to their mortality. With analysis of “The Analects,” the importance of ritual is discussed with the support of ancient Chinese philosophy. It is concluded that rituals and traditions connect humanity and give context to our human experience. Moreover, they progress society’s intention toward moral, ethical, and social cultivation.

In this episode, arguments for the moral status of abortion are discussed. Recently, debate over the permissibility of abortion has taken center stage in politics. And so, in an effort to promote philosophical thought in relation to this debate, I survey some pieces that one may want to reference in holding their case —whether it be pro-choice, or anti-abortion. To accomplish this, particular essays written by Bertha Alvarez Manninen, Judith Jarvis Thomson, and Don Marquis, are presented and evaluated. This podcast is showing two papers that directly combat each other, and an article that extends the argument of one of those essays in order to critique and strengthen it.

In this episode, Bernard William’s “One Thought Too Many” objection to Kant’s account of moral motivation in the Groundwork is discussed. What it means for an actor to do the right thing for the right reason is analyzed in regard to Kant’s idea of acting from the motive of duty. Ultimately, it is sustained that acting from the motive of duty is what determines an act’s unconditional moral worth.

In this episode, poverty alleviation programs are discussed in junction with the concept of agency. It is argued that work-based contingency programs offer the best opportunities to the aided to exercise/foster agency in order to progress out of poverty. Combatting poverty at the agency of the individual is impactful because it cultivates habits of mind that can be applied throughout all aspects of life, and puts stakes in for the well-being of future generations.

In this episode, Emma’s passion for philosophy is discussed. This is the 50th episode of Emmaism. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

In this episode, both hedonism about wellbeing and Nozick’s Experience Machine are discussed. There is an argument made against hedonism about well-being that is backed by the thought experiment put forth by Nozick. So, the Experience Machine serves to demonstrate that hedonism about wellbeing is false. Would you plug into the Experience Machine?

In this episode, left and right libertarianism is discussed. It is argued, with support of Nozick’s “Anarchy, State, Utopia” that right libertarianism is the most plausible theory of justice. Entitlement Theory is analyzed as well as justice in transfer, acquisition, and rectification. Barbara Fried’s critique of Nozick’s Wilt Chamberlain argument is also presented.

In this episode, education is discussed. This is an interview with Terrence Nolan. The questions of why we are educated and the importance of education are discussed. The current and optimal states of the education system are addressed and analyzed.

In this episode, the democratization of philosophy is discussed. Philosophy seems like a very distant and unattainable discipline to interact with and study, but that is truly not the case. In order to progress society and the human condition, we must bring philosophy back to the masses. This episode is an interview with Heidi Søndergaard Jensen

In this episode, love is discussed. The subject is inspired by the upcoming feast day of St. Valentine. The three natures of love are discussed: eros, philia, and agape. How these three natures guide humanity to derive normative statements that provide framework for how we ought to live and love is evaluated.