Philosophy Talk Podcast

This Week’s Episode

Liberty and Justice for Who?

October 11, 2026

Many democracies are founded on the ideals of 18th- and 19th-Century British Liberalism: the idea that human beings deserve the right to self-government because we are born free, equal, and capable of rationality. Yet Liberalism was used to justify colonialism,…

Allegorical painting of the British Empire, circa 1900, showing flags and coats of arms. "An Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets" is inscribed.

Recent Episodes

Judith Jarvis Thomson

Judith Jarvis Thomson is best known for arguing that abortion is morally permissible, even granting…

October 4, 2026

Black and white portrait of philosopher Judith Jarvis Thomson.

Islamic Philosophy

Some of the many topics discussed in Islamic philosophy are the Qur’an, knowledge, dreams, justice,…

September 27, 2026

Persian miniature painting depicting Islamic philosophers engaged in discussion.

Hildegard von Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th century mystic, polymath, and composer whose work spanned visionary…

September 20, 2026

Medieval illustration of Hildegard von Bingen writing.

This Month’s Playlist

National Arts & Humanities Month logo with stylized star figure

Arts, Humanities, and the Well-Lived Life

October is National Arts and Humanities Month, a collective celebration of culture in America and an opportunity to raise public awareness about the arts and humanities. Of course that’s part of our basic mission around here, but it’s also an opportunity to spotlight conversations that have tackled questions about how specific arts and humanistic studies contribute to a well-lived life, both for individuals and society more broadly. Click on the image for episodes that touch on everything from music and poetry to comedy and dance.

Michel Foucault and Power

October 18, 2026

Michel Foucault was a 20th century philosopher known for his work concerning power and knowledge.…

Michel Foucault contemplating power; "Foucault: Power

Nachman of Breslov and the Obligation to be Happy

October 25, 2026

Nachman of Breslov was an 18th-century spiritual rabbinic leader, mystic, and storyteller, known particularly for…

Illustration of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov with arms raised in joy, emphasizing happiness.

Democracy By Numbers

November 1, 2026

The United States has prided itself on being “the world’s greatest democracy,” which adheres to…

US map composed of dots, text overlay: ONE PERSON ONE VOTE. Illustrates democracy by numbers.

Philosophers’ Corner

July 16, 2026

Lifetimes of Learning

If you’re like anything the typical philosopher, your response to the title of this week’s...

June 4, 2026

My Body, My Perception

Maurice Merleau-Ponty was a 20th century French philosopher who had all kinds of theories about...

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