Socratic Smarts

Socratic Smarts

By numaticJSociety & CulturePhilosophy
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Socratic Smarts episodes

  • Religious FUNdamentalism - Socratic Smarts EP6

    As a partial response to the Joe Rogan Experience #1428 w/ Brian Greene - this episode explores (traditionally) religious questions, examining the transcendent benefits often associated with religious beliefs from a philosophical and metaphorical perspective. We look at the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece, unpacking how Athens integrated the Olympic Pantheon from the Ancient Greek myths. Moreover, we spend the final segment looking at the Euthyphro dilemma - observing the difficulties and challenges which surround any interpretation of a "divine" text.



    Primary Material:

    Carlos Gómez - The Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece

    J. W. Roberts - City of Sokrates: An Introduction to Classical Athens

    Plato - Euthyphro (in Complete Works by J. M. Cooper)

    47 min
  • Humouring Humour - Socratic Smarts EP5
    This episode examines the concept of humour - looking at the morality and usefulness of humour. We juxtapose today's ideas about humour with the plays of Athens, exploring the connections between comedy and tragedy. The defamed reputation of Socrates also poses interesting questions, as he is misportrayed by Aristophanes in his play Clouds.
    Moreover, we attempt to convey a deeper use for humour - a letter from Seneca underscoring how one may use humour to endure serious hardships in life.
    For enquires: [email protected]
    Primary Material:
    City of Sokrates - J. W. Roberts
    On Facing Hardships - Tao of Seneca
    Elephant in the Brain - Kevin Simler, Robin Hanson
    35 min
  • Rules 4 Rhetoric - Socratic Smarts EP4
    This episode investigates the concept of rhetoric, an essential skill of speaking aimed at eliciting an emotional response. We look at how rhetoric is employed in modern media & politics - juxtaposing this with how the art of speaking was viewed in Athenian society.
     
    In the last segment, we also examine some excerpts from the Phaedrus - demonstrating how Socrates deals with arguments which are merely rhetorical.
    For enquires - [email protected]
    40 min
  • Mind Your Elephant - Socratic Smarts EP4

    This episode looks at some philosophy of mind, going deep on just some of the arresting questions that relate to consciousness. In the first segment, we discuss the mystery of consciousness - and perhaps more crucially - what consciousness feels like from the first-person perspective. Could consciousness be an epiphenomenon?

    Additionally, we notice the elephant who lives in our conscious world - our tendency to self-deceive about our actions and motives. Could we tame the elephant? Using the Socratic method, can we dispel delusive thoughts and inhibiting emotions?


    Primary texts:

    The Elephant in the Brain - Simler, Hanson.

    Philosophy of Mind - Kim.

    36 min
  • Transcendent Conversations - Socratic Smarts EP3
    This episode looks at the tool of conversation, exploring how humans have developed the ability to share ideas and arguments in compelling ways. In the first segment, we unpack what a conversation is and it's potential to radically change our minds and expose our own ignorant beliefs. The last two segments look at excerpts from The Republic, whereby Socrates and Thrasymachus debate the nature of what "justice" is. We also briefly examine a Buddhist scripture on the power of conversation to dramatically transform one's character - making a monk out of a murderer.
    For feedback and enquires contact [email protected]
    44 min
  • Does Life Lack Meaning? - Socratic Smarts EP2
    This episode examines the philosophy of Nihilism and it's connection to death. Exploring the feelings of emptiness that we can all experience in this life - Jay takes a look at more of Nagel's arguments on the topic of The Absurd, and in the last segment Seneca and Stoic philosophy are also investigated as possible remedies to the "problem" of nihilism.
    37 min

About Socratic Smarts

From the publisher's feed

Socratic Smarts is a podcast by numatic J (Jay Scott-Brown), exploring the arguments which express compelling philosophical dilemmas. With musical interludes and amateurish attempts at humour, we aspire to present the most immersive philosophical content.