Today we talk about the relationship between philosophy and religion. We talk about the duck-rabbit as a metaphor that may have something useful to teach us about the way we experience reality. We talk about the enormous difficulty of fully addressing the question: what is religion? We talk about Schelling's historical view of revelation and its connection to a possible new era of Christian religious practice. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: Harry’s: https://www.harrys.com/PHILOSOPHIZE Nord VPN: ...
Mar 03, 2025•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the philosophical themes around love in The Brothers Karamazov. We talk about Dostoevsky's existential, tragic form of Christianity. Family as a microcosm of society. Active love as an experiential framing. The Grand Inquisitor. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Rocket Money: http://www.RocketMoney.com/PT Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://w...
Feb 16, 2025•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the book The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky. We talk about the curse of sainthood. The connection between beauty and morality via his moral-aesthetic spectrum. Realism vs. Idealism. And how beauty can save the world. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis....
Feb 01, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we discuss the philosophical themes of the book Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky. We talk about western liberalism, the lack of moral leadership, the promises of Nihilism, the Madman and the Saint, and Dostoevsky's complicated relationship to faith. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www...
Jan 13, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the philosophical themes that Dostoevsky had in mind when writing Crime and Punishment. We talk about Russian Nihilism and its consequences. Rational Utilitarianism and Egoism. A common misunderstanding of Raskolnikov as an embodiment of Nietzsche's work. Confession. Guilt. Affirming life through consent. And much more. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https:...
Dec 23, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the philosophical themes of one of Dostoevsky's most famous books: Notes From Underground. We talk about contemplative inertia, the "stone wall" of rationality, utopian socialism, the tension between love and freedom in the modern world, self-loathing as a defense mechanism, and much more. Hope you enjoy it. :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Aura Frames: https://www.AuraFrames.com use promo code: PT Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you...
Dec 17, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about expanding our view of what a religious quest includes. The limits of dualistic thinking. Technological enframing and obsession with utility. Self-emptying. Consciousness, Nihility and Sunyata. Sunyata as immanence. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: Aura Frames: https://www.AuraFrames.com use promo code: PT Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://...
Dec 06, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we look at the work of Keiji Nishitani. We examine Nihilism in a deeper way than we've ever covered on the podcast before. We talk about The Great Doubt. Zen Buddhism. Sunyata. The self as similar to structural linguistics. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: Lumen: https://www.lumen.me/PT Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophi...
Nov 18, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about whether it's possible to achieve not just freedom of the will, but freedom from the will. The technological enframing of reality from the perspective of Heidegger. Misconceptions about Mysticism. The ways that modern life prevents us from having more of a connection with Being. Some ways to start practicing mystical types of experiences using the resources that we have available to us. We do all of this via some points made by Simon Critchley in his new book On Mysticism: The...
Oct 30, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we look at Heidegger's critique of metaphysics and the traditional subject-object framing in philosophy. How multiple framings are necessary for a fuller picture of our being. His challenge to thinkers like Nietzsche and Descartes. Dasein, the limitations of objectivity. Phenomenology as an alternative focusing on the importance of lived experience. And his ideas on temporality and death as a horizon of our being. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Bette...
Oct 21, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about Deleuze's interpretation of Nietzsche's work. We talk about difference taken to radical new levels. The image of thought from the history of philosophy. Nietzsche framed as the enemy to the dialectic. Active vs Reactive forces. Deleuze's thoughts on art as a vehicle for the creation of the new instead of our typical approach via acquiring more information. Hope you love it! Be well. :) Sponsors: Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS AG1: https://www.DrinkAg1.com/ph...
Oct 13, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we begin by talking about Nietzsche's concept of life-affirmation. Contrasting it with the renunciative, rational traditions of Western thought. The episode then delves into Greek tragedy through the lens of Simon Critchley's work; making a case for how these ancient plays offer a life-affirming perspective by embracing the ambiguity of human existence. Sponsors: MUD/WTR: https://www.mudwtr.com/PTS Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Tha...
Sep 30, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about Nietzsche's views on the decay of western society. We talk about his problems with Socrates. The genealogy of Egalitarianism that has led to our modern societies, and how to contextualize his concept of the Ubermensch within modern culture. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: Lumen: https://www.lumen.me/PT AG1: https://www.DrinkAg1.com/philo Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://ww...
Sep 22, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast We talk about Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed. His critique of the banking model of education. The importance of critical consciousness. His Existentialist influence. The dialectic between oppression and liberation. The problem-posing model of education. The role of dialogue in learning and the co-creation of knowledge. Marx's influence on Freire. The flexibility of Freire’s pedagogy. And some response to critics of Freire. Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Better Help: ...
Sep 12, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about Peter Singer's response to an anticapitalist critique of his work. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek's thoughts on the wrong ways to be thinking about ethical terminology. Philosophy in schools. Creative activism. The ongoing impact of the Effective Altruist movement. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Chubbies: https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/pt Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this w...
Aug 26, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode, we track the changes in Peter Singer's ethical views throughout his career. We talk about Emotivism. R.M. Hare's Prescriptivism. Nozick's Experience Machine. Some thought experiments from Derek Parfit. Henry Sidgwick and Objectivist Hedonistic Utilitarianism. Hope you enjoy it! Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO LMNT: https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/philo Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help...
Aug 18, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk more about the work of Martha Nussbaum and her book The Monarchy of Fear. We discuss emotions as important appraisals of reality. The comparison of shame and guilt and their social implications. The prevalence of fear and its toxic impact on democracy. The importance of practical hope in fostering democratic participation. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: Rocket Money: http://www.RocketMoney.com/PT Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Nord VPN: https://www.NordVPN.com/ph...
Aug 01, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the concept of Technofeudalism as described by Yanis Varoufakis. We talk about the comparisons of our world to the feudal system, the origins in the economic policy of 2008, and a few potential paths forward centered around important questions to be revisiting. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: LMNT: https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/philo Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Rocket Money: http://www.RocketMoney.com/PT Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this wi...
Jul 21, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the dark side of meritocracy, the effects it has on the way people see each other, the dialectic of pride and humility, education reform, and a rethinking of the way we see government officials. Hope you enjoy it. :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://www.NordVPN.com/philothis Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophize...
Jul 01, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about some of the benefits of being a practitioner of philosophy. Michael Sandel's view of the three main approaches to justice throughout the history of philosophy. The strengths and weaknesses of all three. The consequences of replacing social norms with market norms. And the importance of the common good as a piece of a just society that is able to endure. Hope you enjoy it! :) Sponsors: Rocket Money: http://www.RocketMoney.com/PT Nord VPN: https://www.NordVPN.com/philothis Bett...
Jun 24, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we continue developing our understanding of the ideas that have led to what Mark Fisher calls Capitalist Realism. We talk about tolerant relativism, postmodern artwork, the slow cancellation of the future, Hauntology and Acid Communism. Hope you enjoy it! :) Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X...
Jun 17, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we begin our discussion on the work of Mark Fisher surrounding his concept of Capitalism Realism. We talk about the origins of Neoliberalism, it's core strategies, some critiques of Neoliberalism, and the hyperfocus on individualism and competition that has come to define a piece of our thinking in the western world. Hope you enjoy it and have a great rest of your week. :) Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Pat...
Jun 03, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about a potential way to find meaning for someone prone to postmodern subjectivity. We talk about surplus enjoyment. Zizek's alcohol use, or lack thereof. Resisting surface level consumption. Love. And failure. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Fac...
May 06, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about several different common versions of the postmodern subject in contemporary culture. Hope you enjoy it! :) Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...
Apr 27, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk about the distinction between left and right. Lacan's thoughts on desire. How Capitalism captures desire and identity. I would prefer not to. Moderately conservative communism. Hope you enjoy it! :) Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Find the podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/philosophize-this/id659155419 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Shpxw7dPoxRJCdfFXTWLE RSS: http://www.philosophizet...
Apr 15, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we go into a deeper explanation of ideology and dialectics. Liberal democratic capitalism is featured as a special guest. Hope you enjoy it! :) Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ...
Mar 24, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we regularly do on this program-- we steelman different philosophical positions. Hopefully the process brings people some joy. Today we go from ideology, to New Atheism vs Creationism, to Aristotle, to Thomas Nagel, to Phillip Goff's new book called Why? The Purpose of the Universe. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phi...
Mar 10, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we give an introduction to the thinking of Slavoj Zizek-- at least as much as is possible in ~35 mins. The goal is for this to be a primer for the rest of the series. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow...
Feb 24, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we talk more about anarchism. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 10, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we answer some questions about the potential security risks of an anarchist society. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 27, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
