Recent Episodes

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, which deprived people around the…

Judith Jarvis Thomson

October 4, 2026

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

Black and white portrait of philosopher Judith Jarvis Thomson.

Islamic Philosophy

September 27, 2026

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

Persian miniature painting depicting Islamic philosophers engaged in discussion.

Hildegard von Bingen

September 20, 2026

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

Medieval illustration of Hildegard von Bingen writing.

Why Be Reasonable?

August 30, 2026

“You’re being unreasonable.” “Reasonable doubt.” The “reasonable person” standard. Talk of reasonableness is everywhere we…

Red name tag that says "HELLO. I AM THE Reasonable Person.

What Is Game Theory?

August 16, 2026

Game theory is a set of mathematical techniques for thinking about how people should choose…

Rubik's cube, notebook, and game controller on a textured surface

Simone Weil

August 9, 2026

French philosopher and mystic Simone Weil was also an activist whose goal was to elevate…

Black and white photo of Simone Weil, wearing a beret.

How Do We Learn?

July 19, 2026

We’re all learning about the world all the time—not just as small children but all…

Stack of books with an apple, ABC blocks, and colored pencils on a desk

Emma Goldman

July 5, 2026

Activist and anarchist philosopher Emma Goldman fought for human liberation in every realm of life.…

Black and white portrait of Emma Goldman, famed anarchist and writer.

Jean-Paul Sartre

June 21, 2026

Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the first global public intellectuals, famous for his popular existentialist…

Jean-Paul Sartre, renowned philosopher, in a thoughtful pose.

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