Philosophy For Our Times

What can ancient philosophers teach you about exercise, economics, and the myth of celebrity?Join the team at the IAI for three articles about life, ideas, and status in ancient Greece. Written by Etienne Helmer, Steve Fuller, and Sabrina B. Little, these articles cover a range of thought-provoking concepts, including; why Plato wants you to go for a run, how Athenian values can improve our current economic predicament, and what we can learn from the (perhaps embellished) stories of Socrates and Jesus.Sabrina B. Little is an Assistant Professor at Christopher Newport University and the author of "The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners," published by Oxford University Press. Sabrina's research is in virtue ethics, classical philosophy, and moral psychology. She is also a 5-time US Champion and World Championship silver medallist in trail and ultramarathon running.Steve Fuller is a postmodern philosopher, Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick, and the author of "Popper vs. Kuhn," and "Dissent Over Descent: Intelligent Design's Challenge to Darwinism."Etienne Helmer is a philosopher at the University of Puerto Rico, specialising in the philosophy of economics, politics, and the sociology of ancient Greece.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What both religion and stoicism misunderstoodPhilosophy and religion appear alternatively dry and ascetic. But is that our misunderstanding? What role do the passions play in our intellectual and mystical life? Can it ever be removed?Join former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams (a deeply thoughtful theologian, writer, and poet) as he faces these questions head on, guiding us through his 2024 book Passions of the Soul, which focuses on the Eastern Christian tradition to help illuminate the role of passion, and the body, in early Christian teachings and in philosophy and religion more broadly. He is interviewed by public philosopher Angie Hobbes, who shares his fascination for ancient and medieval wisdom.To witness such topics discussed live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAnd don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Massimo Pigliucci | In-depth InterviewHow can philosophy play an active role in daily life? How can ancient philosophical traditions like stoicism help us navigate modern challenges? Why does scepticism remain relevant in a world dominated by technology and information overload? In this interview, Massimo Pigliucci explores these questions, advocates stoicism as a philosophy to live by, delves into the enduring value of stoicism, and reflects on the philosophers who have most profoundly influenced his thinking.Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster and philosophy professor at the City College of New York and former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast. His research interests include the Philosophy of Science and the Philosophy of Biology. Pigliucci is, and always has been, a vehement critic of creationism and pseudoscience and a central advocate for secularism and science in education. His most recent works include a FieldGuide to a Happy Life and How to be a Stoic. He has contributed to numerous TedTalks and his lectures are widely available on youtube. He is the author of several books including How to be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life (2017) and Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem (2013).To witness such talks live, buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stoicism reimaginedWith the modern revival of stoic philosophy, plenty of ancient wisdom has returned to the modern world - but what ideas have we consigned to history?These days, we think of stoicism as a philosophy that preaches a fearless self-reliance and detachment from the challenges of the world. However, distinguished philosopher Nancy Sherman argues that this is an incomplete understanding of Stoicism, and that the modern Stoic must also focus on cultivating strong relationships in the outside world.Nancy Sherman is professor of philosophy at Georgetown University, having previously taught at Yale University, John Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland. Nancy was also the inaugural Distinguished Chair in Ethics at the United States Naval Academy, and she has written six books, including; "Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons For Modern Resilience", "Stoic Warriors: The Ancient Philosophy Behind the Military Mind", and "Afterwar: Healing the Moral Wounds of Our Soldiers".To witness such talks live, buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why is stoicism one of the most well-known and read philosophical strains in the contemporary age? After 2000+ years, what is its continued appeal?Join philosopher Nancy Sherman, an expert in ancient philosophy, as she delves into her attraction to the topic and the ways she believes it applies to the contemporary age. A good introductory episode to the topic for those interested in learning more.To witness such topics discussed live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAnd don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to be a StoicWhat can Zeno of Citium teach you about going to the movie theatre?Join philosopher and author Massimo Pigliucci for part two of a series on the ancient practice of Stoicism, exploring and analysing ideas from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Zeno of Citium.Massimo Pigliucci is an American philosopher and biologist who currently works as professor of philosophy at the City College of New York. He is also the former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast, and former editor-in-chief for the online magazine Scientia Salon. He is a critic of pseudoscience and creationism, as well as an advocate for secularism and science education. Massimo's recent work has focused on stoicism, having written three books on the topic, including 'The Stoic Guide to a Happy Life' and 'How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life'.To witness such talks live, buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to be a StoicWhat can Marcus Aurelius teach you about the iPhone?Join philosopher and author Massimo Pigliucci for part one of a series on the ancient practice of Stoicism, exploring and analysing ideas from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Zeno of Citium.Massimo Pigliucci is an American philosopher and biologist who currently works as professor of philosophy at the City College of New York. He is also the former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast, and former editor-in-chief for the online magazine Scientia Salon. He is a critic of pseudoscience and creationism, as well as an advocate for secularism and science education. Massimo's recent work has focused on stoicism, having written three books on the topic, including 'The Stoic Guide to a Happy Life' and 'How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life'.To witness such talks live, buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Has contemporary philosophy colonised all philosophy with its preference for rationality over feeling, intensity, experience, and love? What can an open conversation about mysticism help us uncover about our philosophical tradition and ourselves?Join maverick Professor of Philosophy Simon Critchley as he talks about his new book On Mysticism and explores some of the mystical characters in the Medieval times, as well as ways in which we can access mysticism in our daily lives. To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAnd don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ways to go beyond: Why spiritual journeys draw non-religious people Did pilgrimage go out of fashion or did it simply take on a new form? Join biologist and psychic phenomena researcher Rupert Sheldrake as he analyses the history of pilgrimage, going all the way from its ancient roots in religious ceremony to its modern incarnation of tourism. Rupert Sheldrake is an English scientist whose research into parapsychology and evolution led to the theory of morphic resonance, expounded in the book 'A New Science of Life'. The theory posits that "memory is inherent in nature" which makes it possible for "telepathy-type interconnections between organisms." Other topics he has written and spoken on include precognition, the relationships between spirituality and science and the psychic staring effect. Sheldrake's most recent book is 'Science and Spiritual Practices'.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you ready to discover the true meaning of Christmas?Join the team at the IAI for three Christmas-themed articles, written by James Mahon, Tim O'Keefe, and the IAI editorial team. In this present, you'll find a scathing analysis of the Santa Claus lie, an Epicurean reflection on holiday traditions, and musings about Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and their relationship with Christmas!Tim O'Keefe is professor of philosophy and director of graduate studies at Georgia State University. He is also the author of 'Epicurus on Freedom' and 'Epicureanism'. James Mahon is chair of the CUNY-Lehman College Philosophy Department, He has written extensively on the ethics of lying and is the author of 'Kant On Lies'.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In search of oneselfShould we see self-knowledge as an aim not only misguided, but actively dangerous? Is self-knowledge in fact impossible for as Nietzsche argued we have to use the self to uncover the self? Or is self-reflection a vital and rewarding activity that uncovers meaning and improves our ability to act well in the world?Joanna Kavenna hosts this debate on how our contemporary culture is influenced, shaped and potentially misinformed by our most recent self-help culture. Joining her are Frank Furedi, an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Kent, John Vervaeke, an award-winning professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, and Isabel Millar, an associate resercher at Newcastle University.For hundreds more podcasts, talks and articles, visit https://iai.tv/To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAnd don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thinking set freeLook for part 1 of this episode from earlier this week! Join our panel of speakers (consciousness researcher Stuart Hameroff, evolutionary critic Subrena Smith, and psychologist Paul Bloom) as they explore the limits of rationality, while still defending its importance to how we think and live in the world.Do visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAnd we look forward to hearing from you! Email us at podcast@iai.tv with any thoughts or questions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thinking set freeIs the emphasis our modern society places on rationality well-placed? Does rationality help us think or should we be in tune with other ways of thinking/perceiving the world?Join our diverse panel of speakers as they discuss these questions: Stuart Hameroff, anesthesiologist known for the theory of consciousness he developed with Roger Penrose; Subrena Smith, philosopher and vocal critic of evolutionary explanations of behaviour; and Paul Bloom, professor of psychology and cognitive science (and staunch defender of rationality). To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesAnd don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can morality be objective?Whether or not moral ideas can be objectively true has divided philosophers for centuries. But can we ever find moral truths? How would we find them? And what can these truths tell us about the world? In this challenging interview, Peter Singer defends his turn to objectivity and argues morality doesn't need religion, that we should resist our intuitions and that the future of the Effective Altruism movement isn't as bleak as it may appear.Peter Singer is a prominent philosopher, author and academic. He a professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, and specialises in practical ethics. His is best known for his work on global poverty and animal ethics. His book Animal Liberation was a key to the early environmental movement. Interviewed by Senior Producer at the IAI Charlie Barnett.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/And don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What can African philosophers teach us about history, the modern world, and the good life? And can their ideas and teachings cross cultural boundaries?Join the IAI team for a reading of three articles about African philosophy, written by professor of communication Omedi Ochieng and professor of political theory Katrin Flikschuh. From the apparent divide between the philosophies of Africa and the Western world, to advice on how we can lead happier, more fulfilling lives, these articles provide an excellent foundation for anyone interested in learning more about the ideas and voices that have shaped Africa.Katrin Flikschuh is professor of political theory at the London School of Economics. Her research interests relate to the political philosophy of Immanuel Kant, metaphysics and meta-level justification in contemporary political philosophy, global justice and cosmopolitanism, and the history of modern political thought. Omedi Ochieng is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Denison University. His areas of specialization include the rhetoric of philosophy; comparative philosophy; and social theory. He has published articles in the International Philosophical Quarterly, Radical Philosophy, and the Western Journal of Communication. To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Land, ownership and hypocrisy with Peter Singer, Dale Turner, Tommy J. Curry and Janne TellerSince Magna Carta, the right to property is seen as universal, yet this principle often favours the strong. While nations like Ukraine are supported in reclaiming invaded land, Indigenous peoples in North America—who lost 99% of their land after European invasion—face severe inequalities and little restitution. Despite the belief in inalienable rights, almost no one advocates returning land to Native Americans. Is this principle applied hypocritically? Or is our attachment to universal rights genuine and should we be returning a major part of the land in North America to its original inhabitants?This episode, hosted by Barry C. Smith, features a panel of distinguished experts exploring justice, rights, and ownership. Peter Singer, a leading ethicist renowned for his work in bioethics and animal rights, has received accolades including the Berggruen Prize and the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award. Dale Turner, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, specializes in Indigenous politics and postcolonial thought, with a highly anticipated novel, Vision, on the horizon. Tommy J. Curry, Chair in Africana Philosophy and Black Male Studies at the University of Edinburgh, is the award-winning author of The Man-Not: Race, Class, Genre, and the Dilemmas of Black Manhood. Janne Teller, an acclaimed writer of fiction and essays, has been celebrated for her works promoting peace and understanding. Together, they bring unique perspectives to this timely conversation.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/And don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Philosophy at the end of the worldIs humanity looking at its demise in the face? Has it always been? And how can philosophy help us?Join philosopher Ben Ware, Co-Director of the Centre for Philosophy and Art at King’s College London, as he interrogates how to philosophically, and humanly, confront the end of the world. Ware traces the idea of extinction across many authors - philosophers, writers and the scientists who influenced them - to chart a path to his own ideas of how we can cope with the possibility of the End, of extinction. Without defeatism or denial or excitement, but with strength and possibility.Read more about Ben's 2024 book On Extinction: Beginning Again at the End here: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/2604-on-extinction. There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The metaphysics of naturalism - PART TWOHave we completely abandoned the idea of the supernatural? Could there still be important truths that lie outside of the natural world?Join philosopher Fiona Ellis as she explains her version of naturalism, arguing that there is still some middle ground to be found between the world of the natural and the realm of the supernatural.Fiona is professor of Philosophy and Religion at University of Roehampton, and also the former president of the British Society for Philosophy of Religion. Her work focuses on the relationship between experience and physical things, as we;; as the nature of value. She rejects the narrow limits of experience that have been brought about by the monopoly of science on reality.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The metaphysics of naturalism - PART ONEHave we completely abandoned the idea of the supernatural? Could there still be important truths that lie outside of the natural world?Join philosopher Fiona Ellis as she explains her version of naturalism, arguing that there is still some middle ground to be found between the world of the natural and the realm of the supernatural.Fiona is professor of Philosophy and Religion at University of Roehampton, and also the former president of the British Society for Philosophy of Religion. Her work focuses on the relationship between experience and physical things, as we;; as the nature of value. She rejects the narrow limits of experience that have been brought about by the monopoly of science on reality.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Consciousness predates lifeDid consciousness exist before life? Could such a counter-intuitive idea, in fact, be the answer to the hard problem of consciousness?Join anaesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff as he puts forward his theory that consciousness came before the origin of life on Earth, using quantum mechanics and his research with Sir Roger Penrose to support his claim.Stuart is a professor at the University of Arizona, and he is known for his studies of consciousness and his controversial contention that consciousness originates from quantum states in neural microtubules. He is also the lead organizer of the Science of Consciousness conference.To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.