Philosophical Currents

Jack Russell Weinstein, host of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, joins Main Street to discuss the philosophical aspects of current events.

When the Music Becomes Us: A Philosophical Look at Identity, Memory & Jimmy Cliff

How the music of our youth becomes part of who we are. Dr. Jack Weinstein reflects on Jimmy Cliff’s legacy and why deeply listening still matters in the digital age.

11-25
24:37

Morality vs. Legality: When Right and Law Collide

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein of UND examines the tension between what’s moral and what’s legal - how shifting boundaries challenge justice and democracy today.

10-29
22:40

Can Happiness Be Taught—or Shared—Across Cultures?

UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein asks: Is happiness about less suffering, more joy, or wealth—and can Finland’s model of well-being be shared across cultures?

09-26
23:39

Philosophy of NIH Cuts: Justice, Equity, and America’s Common Good

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines NIH funding cuts, health equity, and what these choices reveal about justice, politics, and America’s common good.

08-20
29:15

Philosophy Professor Unpacks the Purpose—and Price—of College

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores college’s purpose, rising costs, and lasting value, arguing it remains a transformative force despite modern pressures.

07-31
21:12

Ethics of War: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Morality in Conflict

Philosopher Jack Russell Weinstein explores how to uphold dignity, responsibility, and empathy in the midst of war and violence.

06-26
26:25

What Makes Life Meaningful?

Dr. Jack Weinstein joins Philosophical Currents to explore how philosophy helps us find purpose, fulfillment, and ethical guidance in the search for meaning.

05-29
24:36

De-Extinction

UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Professor of Philosophy, explores the ethics of de-extinction and whether reviving lost species is wise—or just scientific mimicry.

04-30
24:03

Who Decides When We Die? Ethics of Assisted Death

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores autonomy, identity, and the ethics of assisted death through the story of Alzheimer's advocate Sandra Demontigny.

03-27
29:38

The Value of Work

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the meaning of work, its role in human dignity, and how we should rethink labor, purpose, and income in an era of automation.

02-26
24:32

AI-powered "death bots"

On Philosophical Currents, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the ethics of AI "death bots," discussing consent, privacy, grief, and the risks of digital manipulation.

01-31
23:04

Community and Family Dynamics: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Thanksgiving

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores how Thanksgiving traditions shape family and community bonds, spark philosophical conversations, and influence identity in "Community and Family Dynamics.

11-29
23:14

Philosophy of Community and Connection

Philosophical Currents: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the philosophy of community and connection, examining the meaning of human relationships in a digital world.

11-04
24:51

Being Wrong: Understanding Human Fallibility and Learning from Mistakes

Being wrong - exploring the nature of human fallibility, examining why we make mistakes, how we can learn from them, and the ethical implications of embracing error.

10-02
21:14

Does the “sport” of politics undermine its importance?

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein is a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life. He discusses Politics as Sport.

09-04
23:52

Aging

In "Philosophical Currents," Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein discusses aging, societal attitudes, social structures, technology, and ethical responsibilities towards the elderly.

08-01
23:49

Farewell Reflections: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein & Ashley Thornberg on 'Philosophical Currents'

In their final "Philosophical Currents," Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein and Ashley Thornberg reflect on the segment's origins, their journey, and valuable lessons from exploring philosophy in daily life.

07-11
44:38

The philosophy of rest

With Memorial Day right behind us, it is officially the summer travel season. But if you have your cell phone with you and your cell phone is connected to your work email and your Facebook and your Insta and it's constantly dinging and you're constantly checking or maybe you're one of those people who brings a laptop on vacation or calls into the office.

05-30
24:06

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Impacts on Political Representation

NPR's Uri Berliner published an article calling into question some of NPR's reporting. In it, he says he fears NPR over-valued diversity in staffing, resulting in programming that alienates conservative listeners. For this month's Philosophical Currents, we talk with philosopher Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein about DEI, and the many layers of language.

04-29
21:11

Power, Gossip, and Celebrity: A Philosophical Dive

The evolution of celebrity, the role of gossip, and our societal fascination with public figures in this insightful "Philosophical Currents" conversation.

03-29
22:30

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