Philosophy? WTF??

This week join Danny, Nesso and Dr Mike as they explore patronage, the nature of art and the melting point of ice cream. Yes, we are on the prowl looking for sweet, sweet patronage. Let’s face it, why should artists get all the cash and the rock n roll life style? Surely Philosophers deserve a slice of the good life?? But what is the cost of “working for the man”? Was the Renaissance art world the better for it support from wealthy fat cats such as the Medici family? Status, better working conditions, expense accounts, what’s not to like about the system, am I right? I mean, it’s not like anyone is compromising anything, their creative vision for example. Okay, so the patron might stipulate what to paint, how to paint, what materials to use, how much time to take and where to display the finished work but it’s still the artists work, yeah? I wonder if Amazon are looking for an in house philosopher, I could sell out…

This week join us as we plot each other's downfall with...with...I don't know, some sort of devious political strategy designed to gain support by unscrupulous means while, and at the same time, disposing of our enemies with cold, calculating dispassion. You know, there ought to be a word for that. Anyway, listen in as Danny tries to convince us that he is modeled after Michelangelo's David and Nesso puts up a frankly ludicrous argument for why Australia represents the Renaissance ideal. Oh yes, we also talk a bit about Machiavelli. Yes, this weeks cast has no relation to morals.

This week, join Mike, Danny and Nesso amongst the smell of burning libraries and the acrid taste of scorched scrolls. Alexandria, Constantinople, the local high street, what exactly is lost when a library bites the dust? Wither the bespectacled and cardigan clad librarian of yesteryear? Who are the gatekeepers of todays knowledge archives? Does it matter if the knowledge comes to us or we go in search of the knowledge? Is a Renaissance even possible anymore? Listen in as Nesso invites Machiavelli to a dinner party, see him hog all the after dinner mints and serve the port in the wrong direction. Stare on in mute horror as Danny tries to strike up a post prandial conversation with the Vittruvian man while indelicately commenting on his lack of underwear. Yes, Renaissance Humanism is in full swing amongst our wondering WTF team. All this and why Game of Thrones got rubbish real quick

This week join Mike and Danny as they jump aboard their lambrettas and say “ciao” to the rebirth of Classical Greek antiquity. Yes, over the next few weeks follow our instructions and list of ingredients carefully and you too can create your own Renaissance: First take one act of warlike aggression, then sprinkle in a goodly amount of scorched library and burned books. Next fold in a liberal quantity of refugees fleeing into Europe, add diseased rats to taste and let the whole thing brew until you produce a nice heavy pandemic. Next, question the whole basis of Western religious authority, pour in a substantial quantity of newly rediscovered thought and top it all off with mercantile patronage and nascent capitalism. Serve with a rich Medici and enjoy. Yes, the Renaissance, a tasty treat for one and all but where are we ever likely to find all those ingredients again?

This week join Mike and Danny as they take a final bus tour of philosophical Greece. Yes friends, this is the big one, for a mere €100 each we hit the road and take in the authentic sights of ancient Hellenistic culture - no well trodden and shabby tourists traps for us, this is the real thing! We are talking Socrates’ wine bar, THE original cave that Plato spoke of and Aristotles Lyceum. Seriously folks, you are either on the bus or off the bus, it is time to go further. I for one am hugely excited about this whole … oh, you know what, I can’t keep this up. Seriously? I have no idea what’s going on here, I mean, I think Danny is losing it. You don’t believe me? Tune in this week and tell me I’m being paranoid, go on, I dare you!

This week join Mike and Danny in duty free as they stock up on cheap booze and last minute tacky gifts and souvenirs. Danny picks up a rather jolly statuette of Apollo made entirely out of shells while Mike settles for a plastic image of Dionysus that vomits when you press its head. Yes, it’s class all the way with WTF on tour as we wave goodbye to the birthplace of philosophy and take our leave of Nesso, the itinerant antipodean philosopher. Seriously though, don’t hang about waiting in the departure lounge to wave us off, I hate long emotional farewells, it’s hardly a tragedy, you’ll see us again next week. I mean, as Hegel tells us, you need arrivals and departures to form a meaningful dialectic. Nobody is at fault here, right? Nobody has to gouge their eyes out, nobody is pointing the finger at anyone. Then again, I personally think that the Greek evzones is not a good look for Danny. There are very few places where tassels work, am I right?

This week, knowledge is power, ignorance is bliss and the truth will set you free. Let’s face it, who knows? Clearly Mike, Danny and Vanessa have no clue. Yes, we are still in Greece meeting with those kings of tragedy Euripides and Sophocles. We all know that, according to Aristotle tragedy engages us in catharsis and catharsis is a blend of pity and fear but aren’t we really just talking about high minded voyeurism here? The spectacle of other peoples misery with a chorus chanting out "Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!” while we all pass the popcorn round. So, listen in as Vanessa and Danny ruin classic Disney movies for all time and Mike taints Vanessa’s engagement joy by pointing out the tragic possibilities of romantic opportunities missed. All this and Danny blaming the Large Hadron Collider for our living in the darkest timeline. Don’t blame me, it’s you guys who come here week after week - what is the matter with you people??

Ok, we get it, it's not your fault. You're getting on with your life, right? You stumble across this podcast, you have no idea about its character or background, you have very limited information, we totally get that. The chances of you bumping into this podcast in this place at this time? Well, it's all in the hands of the fates and the ample laps of the gods. Who could foresee the tragic consequences of your listening to Mike and Danny this week? As for Nesso, how could you know that she was even going to be there? All we can say for certain is that we are pretty sure that none of us are your mother or father...unless ...nah...the universe isn't that messed up surely? Any way, join us for more Greek tragedy this week, how can you possibly be held responsible?

This week, join Mike and Danny in shock and surprise as we, entirely by accident, and with no forward planning, bump into Nesso the Australian philosopher, wine drinker and all round top Sheila. Yes it is time to confront the tragic nature of human existence so settle back, pour yourselves a glass of retsina and enjoy this weeks exploration into accidents and misunderstandings that litter our lives. Just how much control do we really have over our own existences? Once the gods have finished messing with us and circumstances out of our control have had their way. By the time environmental variables have impacted upon the warp and weft of the tapestries of our lives and the fates have slipped a stitch and decided it would be too much hassle to go back and unpick everything, how much of “us” actual goes into our existence? To be honest, when all is said and done are we really our fault? Seriously, I can’t be held responsible for me man, I mean, I am just a scapegoat for my own existence (By the way, look out for Danny’s joke). Anyway it is time for us to engage in a joint cathartic scream, ok, on 3. 1…2….

This week join Mike and Danny as they take to the skies on the start of their much anticipated world tour. Yes, come fly with us, let's fly, let’s fly away. If you can use some exotic philosophy come and join us on Wednesday. Come fly with us, let’s fly, let’s fly away. I’m not going to lie to you, we know each other far to well for that now, but quite honestly, I think Danny has gone a bit funny. He’s put all our funds in a duffle bag, along with his 12 copies of the Tractatus, and mumbled something about tragedy and Grease… yeah, I think that was what he said. Anyway, I’m pretty sure he’s booked tickets for a Bee Gees tribute band. I’m just going to play along with him, after all, it will be cathartic for us both. I mean, weather-wise it’s such a lovely day, right?