Emma•ism

In this episode, social contract theory is discussed. Rationality is evaluated with a moral light. Why do should we hypothetically consent to the social contract? What is so bad about the state of nature that we must cooperate? The choice of whether to cooperate or not has to do with maximization —either straight-forward or constrained. Those are two competing views on rationality as well.

In this episode, general philosophy of mathematics and computer science is discussed. Interviewee, fellow Penn sophomore Thomas Rainow, has thought-provoking responses to classical philosophy questions. Is there inherent chaos or order in nature? How do people come to believe truths in absence of empirical evidence? Listen to hear the discussion on these matters.

In this episode, love is discussed. The distinction between subconscious and conscious love is made (weight of love vs. feeling of love). The contention is held that both types of love enhance our existence. Additionally, they provide a perspective of connection, hope, journey to telos, and a narrative of choice in this existence.

In this episode, friendship is discussed. What makes a friend? Why do we bond with some individuals and not others? If we all connect on a level that is outside the realm of what is material, then how do we make friends? If the immaterial piece of ourselves that forms connections is linked to the ultimate divine source, why do our preferences in friends differ? The argument that this discrimination comes from the exercise of free will (and consequences of that) is held. In addition to these points, the process of becoming friends is explored. It is argued that there must be an introduction, a connection, an evaluation or survey of your feelings in relation to your level of conection with that person, and a shared experience.

In this episode, generalizations are discussed. The impact of manipulating a particular to stand as a universal is analyzed. The conviction is held that for something to be true, it must be true in each and every instance.

In this episode, Aquinas’ four types of law are further discussed —this time, paired with the concept of idea camps. The way in which idea camps relate to the intersection of eternal law and human law is analyzed.

In this episode, Aquinas’ Treatise on Law is discussed. The question of how laws play into society and why people choose to follow them are introduced. Also, there is a brief analysis of justice and peoples’ objective standards of it in regards to Aquinas’ Treatise.

In this episode, the philosophy of comedy is discussed. This is an interview with Heidi Søndergaard Jensen. The question of what philosophy has to do with comedy is answered as well as if philosophers make good comedians. Warning: lots of laughs!

In this episode, the timeless human experience of suffering is discussed. Sophocles’ Philoctetes is analyzed with this lens. Suffering may seem like the ultimate present moment to sufferers, but there is always the possibility to heal and persevere.

In this episode, two minds are evaluated: that of Ancient Greece, and that of modern thinkers. The question, “is the best yet to come, or are we a regression from perfect excellence?” is analyzed. The worldviews are put to the test with natural tendencies of nature, societies, and religions.