From Nowhere to Nothing

Progress vs Evolution

In this episode, we examine an article written by Adam Neiblum in Philosophy Now regarding the conflation of Progress and Evolution.

Friendship

In this episode, we dissect the moral, transactional, and social elements of what constitutes Friendship.

Passion

In this episode, we discuss multiple dimensions of Passion: conceptual clarity, internal vs external influences, temporal stability, and much more. 

The Paranormal

In this episode, we attempt to take a look at the Paranormal from a balanced viewpoint, with neither dismissal nor abandoning critical reflection.

Giving

In this episode, we look at the nuanced interactional effects of internalized states and contextually contingent external Giving behaviors when examining virtuosity.

Somebody Should Do Something

In this episode, we talk about the individual capacity for social change with authors Michael Brownstein and Daniel Kelly, as discussed in their book, Somebody Should Do Something. 

Horror

In this episode, we discuss the nature of Horror, including both its existence in real life, and as a media aesthetic.  

Modal Realism

In this episode, we tackle the unintuitive and nuanced idea of Modal Realism and possible worlds.
Stay tuned for bonus content at the end of the episode!

Attention

In this episode, we discuss Attention, its relationship to consciousness, and our interpretation of reality.

James Geary: Aphorisms

In this episode, author James Geary dives into the philosophy of aphorisms with us in preparation for his new book, The World in a Phrase.

Dr. Wind Goodfriend: Cults

In this episode, special guest Dr. Wind Goodfriend helps us discuss the philosophy and psychology of Cults.

Fear!

In this episode, we contrast the ideas of Fear and anxiety, looking at philosophical as well as physiological and psychological facets in determining their constitution. 

Society

In this episode, we parse apart Society, including pithy discussions of culture, language versus communication, and the role of individuals.

John Searle

In this episode, we discuss the life and work of John Searle, visiting his philosophies of mind, language, and society from a critical context.

Brute Facts

In this episode, we discuss Brute Facts: concepts that defy explanation in causal terms. 

Bruce Schneier: Rewiring Democracy

In this episode, we discuss Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sander's upcoming book,  Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship.

Antinomy

In this episode, we ask some difficult questions about Antinomy: when a concept has multiple logical explanatory theories that are contradictory. 

Substantivalism

In this episode, we present the cases for Substantivalism and Relationalism as we discuss space and time.

Ableism

In this episode, we wrestle with the discriminatory notion of Ableism.

Friluftsliv

In this episode, we discuss the phenomenological, ontological, and ethical aspects of the Norwegian concept Friluftsliv.

Tarab

In this episode, we explore the idea of Tarab from the Arabic world: an enchantment with music and its ability to provide deep meaning.

Yugen

In this episode, we discuss the Japanese notion of Yugen, drawing on metaphorical and personal examples to demonstrate the concept. 

Ubuntu

In this episode, we explore Ubuntu: a concept from southern Africa regarding the relationality and communal nature of humanity.

A Treatise on Challenges from Nature to Anthropocentric Ontology

In this episode, the duo switches seats, as Norm interviews Joel about his newly released book, "A Treatise on Challenges from Nature to Anthropocentric Ontology."

Ontological Closure

In this episode, we delve headlong into the end of being, interweaving established philosophical positions with anecdotal experiences.