Recent Episodes

Democracy By Numbers

November 1, 2026

Despite adhering to the principle of “one person, one vote,” elections in the United States are often highly contentious: presidents can be elected after losing the popular vote, there is widespread gerrymandering and voter purging, and not everyone has equal representation in the Senate. So…

Freedom of Speech on Campus

August 25, 2019

In the last few years, conservatives and liberals alike have accused activists on college campuses…

Is free speech under fire on campus? Graphic with related terms: social justice warrior, trigger warning, safe space.

Philosophy Behind Bars

August 18, 2019

In 1994, Congress eliminated federal funding for college education in prisons. It was, they argued,…

Inmates and a female instructor participate in a prison philosophy class.

Magical Thinking

July 21, 2019

Have you ever avoided stepping on a crack, just in case you might break your…

Boy with crossed fingers, exhibiting magical thinking.

Reparations

June 30, 2019

The United States brutally enslaved African Americans for its first hundred or so years of…

A metal can labeled "reparations" with a small American flag affixed.

This Is Your Brain on Art

May 19, 2019

Humans actively seek to create and consume art. Its compelling nature has been discussed in…

Nine colorful brain scans arranged in a grid, showcasing the brain's artistic representation.

More Than Pun and Games

April 7, 2019

Puns have been called both the highest and lowest form of humor. There is something…

Infographic: Six puns illustrated with playful graphics. Includes "Negative Space," "Scrambled Eggs," "Couch Potato," "Emotional Baggage," "Super Bowl," and "Laughing Gas.

The Mystery of Music

March 24, 2019

Most of us listen to music on a regular basis, but we don’t think much…

Sphere of musical notes and treble clef; the mystery of music.

Philosophy of Sleep

March 17, 2019

“Blessed are the sleepy ones,” writes Nietzsche, “for they shall soon drop off.” Sleep is…

Person sleeping peacefully in bed, showcasing the philosophy of sleep.

Altered States

March 3, 2019

Aldous Huxley explains his conception of the brain as a “reducing valve” of consciousness in…

Abstract cover art for Aldous Huxley's *The Doors of Perception*, featuring a multi-colored face.

The Philanthropy Trap

February 24, 2019

Many of us generally admire people who donate large sums of money to charity. Yet…

Forbes 400 cover: Titans of Philanthropy. The wealthiest Americans.

The 2019 Dionysus Awards

February 17, 2019

What movies of the past year challenged our assumptions and made us think about things…

A collage of actors and animated characters nominated for the 2019 Dionysus Awards.

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