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

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

In this episode, we explore Albert Camus, a pivotal figure in 20th-century French philosophy, who introduced the concept of "the absurd," a fundamental conflict inherent in the human condition. His philosophy asserts that life is devoid of intrinsic meaning, yet humans instinctively seek order and purpose, leading to an inevitable clash with the indifferent universe. Camus' exploration of the absurd challenges individuals to embrace this tension without resort to false hopes, advocating for a life of integrity and defiance despite existential uncertainties.

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In this episode, we explore Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism, offering a revolutionary view on death that continues to influence modern existential thought. Central to his philosophy is the assertion that "death is nothing to us." For Epicurus, this was not a mere dismissal of life's value but a profound statement about the nature of existence and non-existence. He argued that all sensations, including pain and pleasure, are rooted in experience; since death signifies the end of all sensory experience, it should not be feared. 

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In this episode, we explore the branch of philosophy known as philosophy of mind.  We'll discuss famous thinkers on the subject, areas of inquiry as well as important theories.  Lastly, we'll talk about the important implications of this field and its future development.  

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In this episode, we look the moral philosophy of one of the most influential thinkers in history, Confucius.  We'll discuss  his key concepts of Ren, Li and Junzi, his influence on Asian society and cultural values, as well as, the difference between his views and those of the Ancient Greek philosophers.  Lastly, we'll talk about some of the criticisms of his philosophy and the attempt to overturn his influence on Chinese thought during the end of the 20th century.  

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In this episode, we explore Michel Foucault's view of power, which diverge significantly from traditional theories that conceptualize power as a commodity or structure possessed by certain entities (e.g., the state, ruling classes).  Power, in Foucault's view, is exercised rather than owned, manifesting itself through practices, institutions, and discourses that condition human behavior and thought.  Such an example demonstrates Foucault's insight that power is everywhere, not because it embraces everything, but because it comes from everywhere. 

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Aristotle's metaphysics, a foundational branch of Western philosophy, delves into the fundamental nature of reality, exploring concepts such as substance, essence, form, matter, and the causes of being. Through this inquiry, Aristotle establishes a comprehensive framework that addresses the relationships between potentiality and actuality, form and matter, and the hierarchical structuring of the natural world, laying the groundwork for subsequent metaphysical thought.

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In this episode, we'll explore Hannah Arendt's theory of totalitarianism.  Hannah Arendt, a prominent 20th-century political theorist, explored the nature and origins of totalitarianism extensively. She argued that totalitarian regimes, exemplified by Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union, thrived on isolation, terror, and the eradication of individual freedoms, aiming to dominate every aspect of life and to obliterate the distinction between public and private spheres. Arendt highlighted the unprecedented nature of totalitarianism, emphasizing its use of ideology and the mobilization of mass support to achieve total control over both the state and the individual, leading to the total domination of human beings.

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In this episode, we discuss John Searle's famous thought experiment, the "Chinese Room" and examine its implications for the theory of mind, AI and consciousness.  

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