Recent Episodes

The 2026 Dionysus Awards

July 26, 2026

Now that the dust has settled from the Oscars, it’s time to think about what movies of the past year challenged our assumptions and made us think about things in new ways. Josh and guest co-host Jorah Danenberg present our annual Dionysus Awards for the…

Biracial Identities

February 20, 2011

Many people identify strongly with the ethnic or racial group to which they belong –…

Four baby dolls of diverse ethnicities, showcasing biracial identities.

The 2011 Dionysus Awards

February 13, 2011

It’s the third annual Philosophy Talk Dionysus Awards show!  With the help of listeners and…

Psychedelic illustration for the 2011 film, The Movie Show.

Too Much Information

February 6, 2011

“We’re just never going to catch up,” writes David Weinberger in Everything Is Miscellaneous.  That…

Frustrated businessman overwhelmed by stacks of paperwork. Too much information!

Philosophy of History

December 26, 2010

Is history just a series of events, or an interpretation of those events?  Is there…

Woman presenting a large historical timeline chart illustrating the philosophy of history.

Levels of Reality

November 14, 2010

Are there levels of reality, with each level emerging from the other in a way…

Abstract face formed from green digital code, suggesting levels of reality.

The Idea of the University

November 7, 2010

Is a university a research institute with students, or and educational institution with research around…

Collage of various university logos; showcasing the idea of the university.

Bargaining with the Devil

October 24, 2010

Compromise is the condition of peace and progress.  But there are times when we should…

Two businessmen shake hands, each secretly holding a baseball bat behind their backs. A deal with hidden agendas.

Creativity

October 17, 2010

What makes an idea or work of art creative?  Can creativity be measured?  Can a…

Lightbulb inside a head, symbolizing creativity and new ideas.

Digital Selves

October 10, 2010

Second Life and dozens of other online adventures involve creating digital selves, and millions of…

Animated woman wearing an "I ♥ Nerds" shirt. Digital self representation.

Dualism

September 19, 2010

What is the relationship between the mind and the brain?  Monists believe that there is…

Man in bowler hat, back to camera, gazing at a seascape reflected in a second, transparent man. Illustrates dualism.

Meaning and the Revolution

September 12, 2010

The American Revolution was saturated with meaning and ambiguity, from the words of the Declaration…

John Trumbull's painting, "Declaration of Independence," depicts the Continental Congress signing the document. The scene is filled with historical figures, signifying the momentous meaning of the American Revolution.

Bodies For Sale

August 15, 2010

I can sell my house, the things I make, and the services I provide.  So…

Three emaciated men with visible ribs, possibly victims of human trafficking or exploitation.

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