Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher and cultural theorist known for his provocative blend of Marxism, Hegelian philosophy, and Lacanian psychoanalysis, he remains one of the most influential and polarising intellectuals in contemporary thought. Slajov gets into the catastrophe of love, and ultimately whether the pursuit of happiness should be the goal in life.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar, behavioural economist, and professor at Harvard Law School. Cass explores the concept of nudging and libertarian paternalism, addressing ethical concerns around manipulation and autonomy. He reflects on climate justice, the moral duties of high-emission countries, and global accountability in climate policy.

Learn more about Cass and read his books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work in particle physics, cosmology, and science communication. Krauss explores the idea of cosmic insignificance and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe, emphasising the importance of appreciating the rarity of life, whilst exploring fundamental questions about the universe and human existence.

Learn more about Lawrence and listen to The Origins Podcast

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and public intellectual renowned for his progressive ideas on social and economic reform. Rutger advocates for channeling ambition into social impact, encouraging career shifts toward solving major problems. He promotes ideas like universal basic income, effective altruism, and combating factory farming.

Watch the Profit For Good conference live stream from Amsterdam on June 11

Learn more about Rutger and read his books!

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Elizabeth Barnes is an author and Professor of philosophy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she reflects on her unconventional journey into philosophy, and her experience living with disabilities.

Learn more about Elizabeth and read her books!

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Keep up to date with Peter on Substack

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Nagel is an American philosopher known for exploring consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific explanation. He is best known for his essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" . Thomas discusses the challenge of understanding the subjective experience, and calls for a broader view of reality that encompasses both mental and physical dimensions. 

Beyond philosophy of mind, Nagel discusses ethical issues, such as the difficulty of comparing the suffering of different species and the tensions between impartial moral theories and personal loyalties.

Read: What Is It Like to Be a Bat?

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Arthur C. Brooks is an American social scientist, author, and speaker known for his research on happiness, philanthropy, and public policy, and for his work as a former president of the American Enterprise Institute. Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science.

Read Arthur's column in the Atlantic: How to Build a Life

Read 'There's a Lesson to Learn from Daniel Kahneman's Death' in the New York Times

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Antonio Damasio is a Portuguese-American neuroscientist and author renowned for his research on the brain, emotions, and consciousness. Antonio reflects on his groundbreaking work on the brain, the impact of brain injuries on behaviour, and the connection between physical states and mental processes.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Sigal Samuel is a writer, editor, and journalist known for her work on religion, technology, and ethics. Sigal shares her value-driven approach to life, offering insights into moral decision-making, ethical giving, and the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas.

Got an ethical dilemma? reach out to Sigal at her advice column Your Mileage May Vary

Read Future Perfect

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David Duchovny is an actor, writer, director, and musician, best known for his iconic role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in The X-Files. David explores the fine line between conspiracy and reality, the ethics of innovation, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence.

Listen to David's Podcast! Fail Better with David Duchovny

Read David's Book! Holy Cow

Listen to David's Album! Gesture Land

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland

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