Recent Episodes

What Is Game Theory?

August 16, 2026

Game theory is a set of mathematical techniques for thinking about how people should choose when their choices interact. But real people aren’t exactly rational actors. Can a mathematical model explain real-world decisions? How can game theorists account for the fact that we don’t always…

What Is Religious Belief?

December 5, 2021

Many people profess to believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing, benevolent God. Yet psychological data shows…

Diverse religious symbols including a cross, Om symbol, Star of David, and hand of Fatima illustrate the concept of religious belief.

The Occult Philosophy

October 31, 2021

The occult is routinely dismissed in our times as the province of quacks, the irrational,…

Ancient celestial chart, possibly related to occult philosophy, showing constellations and astrological symbols.

Gandhi as a Philosopher

September 26, 2021

Gandhi is famous as the leader of the movement for Indian independence, which he based…

Gandhi, seated, contemplative expression. Philosophical leader of India's independence movement.

Authority and Resistance

September 12, 2021

Authority can refer to people or institutions that have the political power to make decisions,…

A stick figure boss points at a kneeling subordinate, illustrating authority and resistance.

Envy: Vice or Virtue?

August 22, 2021

Bertrand Russell said that envy was one of the most potent causes of unhappiness, and…

Art Deco illustration of a woman, titled "Envy & Other Sins in Highness

The Creative Life

August 8, 2021

Parents and students alike often think that a college major defines possible career options. Yet…

Infographic: How to lead a creative life. A flowchart illustrating steps and ideas for boosting creativity.

Foucault and Power

July 4, 2021

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

Michel Foucault contemplating power; "Foucault: Power

Does Reputation Matter?

June 27, 2021

We think about about our own reputation all the time, and we constantly reference the…

Woman checking phone, rating friends app. Does reputation matter?

Can Reason Save Us?

June 13, 2021

To an optimist, things are constantly getting better: disease and extreme poverty are down; life…

Sunbeams break through clouds, the word REASON is prominently displayed.

The Psychology of Cruelty

May 30, 2021

Throughout history, people have committed all kinds of cruel, degrading, and evil acts toward other…

Brain targeted by crosshairs, illustrating the psychology of cruelty.

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