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.

In this episode, the role and reach of religion in society is discussed. The decline of religion is analyzed in regards to what it is that society is missing due to the decline of religion and religious thought. Then, the decline of religion is connected to the U.S.’s reaction and response to the ongoing pandemic. It is argued that the response to COVID-19 is largely dictated by the secularized nature of society and the lack of religious belief of those in power.

In this episode, Neoplatonism and 1 Cor 12:12-30 is discussed. Emanation from “the One” is compared to the diversity of gifts from God expressed in 1 Cor 12:12-30. A contemporary application is advanced in support of the thesis that unification of humanity is through its quality of ‘being.’

In this episode, premises are discussed. This is an interview with Heidi Søndergaard Jensen.

In this episode, Martha Nussbaum’s critical objection to Social Contract Theory is discussed. There is concern for the implications of certain conditions limiting participants in the Social Contract and how those constraints affect how moral duties are ascribed. Listen to hear how Nussbaum’s critique of Social Contract Theory can be extended to highlight how the theory excludes some human beings.