Episode 31, Ludwig Wittgenstein with Prof. Richard Gaskin (Part I - Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus)

Welcome to Episode 31 on Ludwig Wittgenstein (Part I of II) with Prof. Richard Gaskin.

Ludwig Wittgenstein was an Austrian-British philosopher whose work focused on the philosophy of mathematics, logic, the philosophy of mind, and most notably, the philosophy of language.

Wittgenstein’s influence on the world of philosophy has been phenomenal. The study of philosophy was immensely important to Wittgenstein, not only as an academic discipline but as a form of therapy. In Ludwig’s own words, he describes philosophy as, "the only work that gives me real satisfaction".

Wittgenstein’s work can be divided into an early period, exemplified by the Tractatus (our focus for Part I), and a later period, articulated in the Philosophical Investigations (which is our focus for Part II). Early Wittgenstein was concerned with the logical relationship between propositions and the world. He thought that by providing an account of this relationship, he had solved every philosophical problem. The later Wittgenstein rejected many of the assumptions of the Tractatus, arguing that the meaning of words is best understood as their use within a given language-game.

Wittgenstein’s life and work are astonishing. His mentor, Bertrand Russell, described him as "the most perfect example I have ever known of genius as traditionally conceived; passionate, profound, intense, and dominating".

This week in Part I, we'll be discussing Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus from 1921. 

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Part I. The Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (08:00 in Part I)

Part II. The Philosophical Investigations (start of Part II)

Part III. Further Analysis and Discussion (45:45 in Part II)

Episodes 29-31 are proudly supported by New College of the Humanities. To find out more about the college and their philosophy programmes, please visit www.nchlondon.ac.uk/panpsycast. 

Episode 30, Friedrich Nietzsche - with Mark Linsenmayer and Gregory Sadler (Part II)

Welcome to Episode 30 (Part II of II) on Friedrich Nietzsche with Mark Linsenmayer and Dr Gregory Sadler.

Born in Rocken, in Prussia in 1844, Nietzsche set out his career in philology but later turned to writing idiosyncratic philosophical treatise and collections of aphorisms. He directed these against the pious dogmas of Christianity and traditional philosophy. He saw both as self-serving veils drawn over the harsher realities of life. He felt we needed not a high moral or theological ideals but a deeply critical form of cultural genealogy that would uncover the reasons why we humans are as we are and how we have come to be this way. He believed that every great philosopher actually a kind of involuntary and unconscious memoir rather than conducting an impersonal search for knowledge. Studying our own moral genealogy cannot help us escape or transcend ourselves but it can enable us to see our illusions more clearly and lead a more vital, assertive existence. 

There is no God in this picture. The human beings who created God have also killed him. It is now up to us alone. The way to live is not to throw ourselves into faith but into our own lives, conducting them in affirmation of every moment, exactly as it without wishing anything was different and without harbouring resentment for others or our fate (Sarah Bakewell, The Existentialist Cafe, p.19-20).

This week in Part II, we'll be looking at what Nietzsche can teach us, as well as engaging in some further analysis and discussion. 

Share your thoughts and feedback @thepanpsycast.

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Part I. What is the philosophical underpinning of Nietzsche? (36:40 in Part I)

Part II. An Introduction to Nietzsche’s Thought (50:00 in Part I)

Part III. What can Nietzsche teach us? (00:05 in Part II)

Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion. (28:15 in Part II)

Episodes 29-31 are proudly supported by New College of the Humanities. To find out more about the college and their philosophy programmes, please visit www.nchlondon.ac.uk/panpsycast. 

Episode 30, Friedrich Nietzsche - with Mark Linsenmayer and Gregory Sadler (Part I)

Welcome to Episode 30 (Part I of II) on Friedrich Nietzsche with Mark Linsenmayer and Dr Gregory Sadler.

Born in Rocken, in Prussia in 1844, Nietzsche set out his career in philology but later turned to writing idiosyncratic philosophical treatise and collections of aphorisms. He directed these against the pious dogmas of Christianity and traditional philosophy. He saw both as self-serving veils drawn over the harsher realities of life. He felt we needed not a high moral or theological ideals but a deeply critical form of cultural genealogy that would uncover the reasons why we humans are as we are and how we have come to be this way. He believed that every great philosopher actually a kind of involuntary and unconscious memoir rather than conducting an impersonal search for knowledge. Studying our own moral genealogy cannot help us escape or transcend ourselves but it can enable us to see our illusions more clearly and lead a more vital, assertive existence. 

There is no God in this picture. The human beings who created God have also killed him. It is now up to us alone. The way to live is not to throw ourselves into faith but into our own lives, conducting them in affirmation of every moment, exactly as it without wishing anything was different and without harbouring resentment for others or our fate (Sarah Bakewell, The Existentialist Cafe, p.19-20).

This week in Part I, we'll be looking at the thinkers who influenced Nietzsche, as well as introducing you to his philosophy. 

Share your thoughts and feedback @thepanpsycast.

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Part I. What is the philosophical underpinning of Nietzsche? (36:40 in Part I)

Part II. An Introduction to Nietzsche’s Thought (50:00 in Part I)

Part III. What can Nietzsche teach us? (00:05 in Part II)

Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion. (28:15 in Part II)

Episodes 29-31 are proudly supported by New College of the Humanities. To find out more about the college and their philosophy programmes, please visit www.nchlondon.ac.uk/panpsycast. 

Episode 29, Stephen Law and 'The Evil-God Challenge' (Part II)

Welcome to Episode 29 (Part II), where we'll be interviewing Dr Stephen Law and discussing his 'Evil-God Challenge'.

Dr Stephen Law is a Reader in philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, and editor of the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal THINK. Amongst many other books, Stephen Law is the author of A Very Short Introduction to Humanism, The War for Children's Minds, The Philosophy Gym, and Believing Bullshit: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole.

Stephen Law has debated many Christian philosophers, including William Lane Craig, John Lennox and Alvin Plantinga. Our central focus today is Law’s main argument against the existence of God – 'The Evil-God Challenge'. The evil-god challenge can be stated as follows: why should we consider the hypothesis that there exists a good-god, significantly more reasonable than the hypothesis that there exists an evil-god?

This week in Part II, we'll be analysing the 'Evil-God Challenge'.

Share your thoughts and feedback @thepanpsycast.

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Part I. The Evil-God Challenge (start of Part I)
Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion (start of Part II)

Episodes 29-31 are proudly supported by New College of the Humanities. To find out more about the college and their philosophy programmes, please visit www.nchlondon.ac.uk/panpsycast. 

Episode 29, Stephen Law and 'The Evil-God Challenge' (Part I)

Welcome to Episode 29 (Part I), where we'll be interviewing Dr Stephen Law and discussing his 'Evil-God Challenge'.

Dr Stephen Law is a Reader in philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London, and editor of the Royal Institute of Philosophy journal THINK. Amongst many other books, Stephen Law is the author of A Very Short Introduction to Humanism, The War for Children's Minds, The Philosophy Gym, and Believing Bullshit: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole.

Stephen Law has debated many Christian philosophers, including William Lane Craig, John Lennox and Alvin Plantinga. Our central focus today is Law’s main argument against the existence of God – 'The Evil-God Challenge'. The evil-god challenge can be stated as follows: why should we consider the hypothesis that there exists a good-god, significantly more reasonable than the hypothesis that there exists an evil-god?

This week in Part I, we'll be introducing Stephen and setting up the 'Evil-God Challenge'.

Share your thoughts and feedback @thepanpsycast.

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Part I. The Evil-God Challenge (start of Part I)
Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion (start of Part II)
Episodes 29-31 are proudly supported by New College of the Humanities. To find out more about the college and their philosophy programmes, please visit www.nchlondon.ac.uk/panpsycast. 

Episode 27, Conscience (Part II - Saint Thomas Aquinas)

Welcome to Episode 27 (Part II/IV) on the conscience.

Most people understand conscience as something which tells us right from wrong. The conscience is that little voice in your head that tells you to do your homework, go to bed on time and eat 5 a day. In fact, the Oxford Dictionary defines conscience as: “A person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behaviour.”

We’re going to be questioning this definition extensively. What is conscience? Where does the conscience come from? Where does the word conscience come from? Is conscience fundamental in its own right, or is it acquired through our development? Does the conscience carry any moral authority, and if so, what should be the function of conscience in ethical decision-making? Is conscience just an illusion?

To aid our exploration of these questions, we’re going to be consulting C. S. Lewis’ Studies in Words in Part I, Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae in Part II and Sigmund Freud’s The Ego and the Id in Part III. In Part IV we’ll wrap up the show with some further analysis and discussion and the return of philosophical ultimatum. 

This week in Part II, we'll be discussing Saint Thomas Aquinas' view of the conscience.

Share your thoughts and feedback @thepanpsycast.

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Part I. The Etymology of Conscience. (start of Part I)
Part II. St. Thomas Aquinas and the Conscience. (start of Part II)
Part III. Sigmund Freud and the Conscience. (start of Part III)
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion. (start of Part IV)

Episode 24, The A. C. Grayling Interview (Part II)

Hello and welcome to Episode 24 (Part II/II) The A. C. Grayling Interview.

Philosopher and master of the New College of the Humanities professor A. C. Grayling is considered by many to be amongst the greatest and most influential philosophers of our time. Professor Grayling has published around 40 books in philosophy, history of ideas, human rights and ethics. These include the Refutation of Scepticism, The Future of Moral Values, Wittgenstein, The Meaning of Things, The God Argument and The Age of Genius. Professor Grayling is an exceptional example of someone who has lived the examined life. In this fascinating interview, we ask Professor Grayling about a broad range of philosophical topics. This is a must listen for anyone interested in philosophy.

This week in Part II, we'll be discussing A. C. Grayling's views.

Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast.

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Part I. The Examined Life (Start of Part I)
Part II. A. C. Grayling: The Philosopher (Start of Part II)

Episode 19, Mind, Body and Consciousness (Part II)

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Welcome to Episode 19 (Part II of II) on Mind, Body and Consciousness.

For Episode 19, I'm joined by Gregory Miller and Dr Thom Atkinson from the University of Liverpool. As well as introducing the questions and problems surrounding consciousness and mind; we'll be discussing substance dualism, materialism and panpsychism.

This week in Part II, we'll be talking about panpsychism and enjoying some further analysis and discussion.

As always, you can find the main texts as well as links to additional content at the bottom of the page. Please help support the show by subscribing on iTunes, Android or tunein. Thank you!

Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast or email us at jack@thepanpsychist.com.

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Part I. Substance Dualism (09:20)
Part II. Materialism (33:45)
Part III. Panpsychism (00:10 in Part II)
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (16:40 in Part II)

Episode 19, Mind, Body and Consciousness (Part I)

Welcome to Episode 19 (Part I of II) on Mind, Body and Consciousness.

For Episode 19, I'm joined by Gregory Miller and Dr Thom Atkinson from the University of Liverpool. As well as introducing the questions and problems surrounding consciousness and mind; we'll be discussing substance dualism, materialism and panpsychism.

This week in Part I, we'll be talking about substance dualism and materialism.

As always, you can find the main texts as well as links to additional content at the bottom of the page. Please help support the show by subscribing on iTunes, Android or tunein. Thank you!

Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast or email us at jack@thepanpsychist.com.

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Part I. Substance Dualism (09:20)
Part II. Materialism (33:45)
Part III. Panpsychism (00:10 in Part II)
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (16:40 in Part II)

Episode 16, Søren Kierkegaard (Part III)

Welcome to Episode 16 (Part III of III) on Søren Kierkegaard.

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Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a man who did not consider himself a philosopher but rather a poet. He showed distain to the rigid academic systems that theology and philosophy were producing during his time, and his writings were often in complete opposition to their way of thinking. For Kierkegaard, the importance of philosophy lay with self-discovery; developing into a true, authentic self.

This week we talk about Sickness Unto Death and engage in some further analysis and discussion.

As always, you can find the main texts as well as links to additional content at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening! Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast!

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Part I. The Life of Kierkegaard (11:11)
Part II. The Basis of Kierkegaard's Philosophy (32:35)
Part III. The Three Spheres of Life (00:10 in Part II)
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (00:10 in Part III)

Episode 16, Søren Kierkegaard (Part II)

Welcome to Episode 16 (Part II of III) on Søren Kierkegaard.

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Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a man who did not consider himself a philosopher but rather a poet. He showed distain to the rigid academic systems that theology and philosophy were producing during his time, and his writings were often in complete opposition to their way of thinking. For Kierkegaard, the importance of philosophy lay with self-discovery; developing into a true, authentic self.

This week we dive into Kierkegaard's 'Spheres of Life', focusing on his books Either / Or and Fear and Trembling.

As always, you can find the main texts as well as links to additional content at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening! Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast!

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Part I. The Life of Kierkegaard (11:11)
Part II. The Basis of Kierkegaard's Philosophy (32:35)
Part III. The Three Spheres of Life (00:10 in Part II)
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (00:10 in Part III)

Episode 16, Søren Kierkegaard (Part I)

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Welcome to Episode 16 (Part I of III) on Søren Kierkegaard.

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a man who did not consider himself a philosopher but rather a poet. He showed distain to the rigid academic systems that theology and philosophy were producing during his time, and his writings were often in complete opposition to their way of thinking. For Kierkegaard, the importance of philosophy lay with self-discovery; developing into a true, authentic self.

This week we take a look at the life of Kierkegaard and the basis of his philosophy.

As always, you can find the main texts as well as links to additional content at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening! Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast!

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Part I. The Life of Kierkegaard (11:11)
Part II. The Basis of Kierkegaard's Philosophy (32:35)
Part III. The Three Spheres of Life (00:10 in Part II)
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (00:10 in Part III)

Episode 13, Religious Experience (Part III)

Welcome to Episode 13 (Part III of III) on Religious Experience. Praise the lord! This week we wrap up religious experience with some analysis and discussion.

You can find the main text we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast

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Part I. Mystical Experience (in Part I, 10:35)
Part II. Conversion Experience (in Part I, 39:40)
Part III. Ways in which individual religious experience can be understood (in Part II, 25:40)
Part IV. Criticisms, Analysis and Discussion (start of Part III)

Episode 13, Religious Experience (Part II)

Welcome to Episode 13 (Part II of III) on Religious Experience. This week we take a look at conversion experience and the ways in which religious experiences can be interpreted.

You can find the main text we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast!

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Part I. Mystical Experience (in Part I, 10:35)
Part II. Conversion Experience (in Part I, 39:40)
Part III. Ways in which individual religious experience can be understood (in Part II, 25:40)
Part IV. Criticisms, Analysis and Discussion (start of Part III)

Episode 13, Religious Experience (Part I)

Welcome to Episode 13 (Part I of III) on Religious Experience. This week we introduce the topic of religious experience. We take a look at William James, mystical experience and conversion experience.

You can find the main text we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

Any thoughts? Please tweet us @thepanpsycast

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Part I. Mystical Experience (in Part I, 10:35)
Part II. Conversion Experience (in Part I, 39:40)
Part III. Ways in which individual religious experience can be understood (in Part II, 25:40)
Part IV. Criticisms, Analysis and Discussion (start of Part III)

Episode 11, Guest Daniel Hill on Plantinga's Reformed Epistemology (Part II)

Welcome to Episode 11 (Part II of II) on Alvin Plantinga's reformed epistemology. In this section we question and challenge Dr Daniel Hill and Plantinga's reformed epistemology.

You can find the texts we will be discussing  at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

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Part I. Plantinga's Reformed Epistemology (Episode 11, (Part I)).
Part II. Analysis and discussion (Episode 11, (Part II)).

Episode 11, Guest Daniel Hill on Plantinga's Reformed Epistemology (Part I)

Welcome to Episode 11 (Part I of II) on Alvin Plantinga's reformed epistemology. Is belief in God rational? Do we all have a sense of the divine?

In this instalment guest Dr Daniel Hill from the University of Liverpool talks us through Plantinga's reasoning. 

You can find the text we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

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Part I. Plantinga's Reformed Epistemology (Episode 11, (Part I)).
Part II. Analysis and discussion (Episode 11, (Part II)).

Episode 10, the Problem of Evil (Part III)

Welcome to Episode 10 (Part III of III) on the Problem of Evil! In this final instalment on the problem of evil we wrap up our thoughts and play some philosophical ultimatum!

New episodes are released every Monday... to be sure not to miss new eps. make sure you've subscribed to us on iTunes!

You can find the texts we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

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Part I. The Problem of Evil (start of Episode 10, (Part I)).
Part II. Theodicies (start of Episode 10, (Part II)).
Part III. The Free Will Defence (34:oo in Episode 10, (Part II)).
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (start of Episode 10, (Part III)).

Episode 10, the Problem of Evil (Part II - Theodicies and Defences)

Welcome to Episode 10 (Part II of III) on the Problem of Evil! In this second instalment we focus on theodicies and the free will defence!

New episodes are released every Monday... to be sure not to miss new eps. make sure you've subscribed to us on iTunes!

You can find the texts we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

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Part I. The Problem of Evil (start of Episode 10, (Part I)).
Part II. Theodicies (start of Episode 10, (Part II)).
Part III. The Free Will Defence (34:oo in Episode 10, (Part II)).
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (start of Episode 10, (Part III)).

Episode 10, the Problem of Evil (Part I)

Welcome to Episode 10 (Part I of III) on the Problem of Evil! In this first instalment we focus on Mackie's logical problem and Rowe's evidential problem.

New episodes are released every Monday... to be sure not to miss new eps. make sure you've subscribed to us on iTunes!

You can find the texts we will be discussing at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening!

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/attempts to disprove the existence of an all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing God.
Part I. The Problem of Evil (start of Episode 10, (Part I)).
Part II. Theodicies (start of Episode 10, (Part II)).
Part III. The Free Will Defence (34:oo in Episode 10, (Part II)).
Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion (start of Episode 10, (Part III)).