Recent Episodes

The Scandalous Truth about Memoir

May 24, 2026

A memoir is a personal narrative written about a pivotal time in the author’s life. While the story is told from a particular perspective, the events recounted are supposed to be fact, not fiction. But what exactly counts as truth in memoir? Is the distinction…

The Morality of Food

September 21, 2008

Veganism, freeganism, organic, sustainability, simplicity, biofuel, animal rights, worker’s rights, nutrition, preventing hunger, reducing waste…

Blurred supermarket aisles with fresh produce and packaged goods. Exploring the morality of food choices.

Utilitarianism

September 7, 2008

Can morality be quantified?  Can the good be calculated?  Utilitarianism says the right action is…

Graphic illustrating the concept of Utilitarianism, split between black and white.

Separation of Powers

August 17, 2008

In America, there’s not just one governing body, there are three: executive, legislative, and judicial.…

Illustration of the White House, Capitol Building, and Supreme Court, representing the separation of powers in US government.

Philosophy and Pop Culture

August 3, 2008

From Star Trek and the Grateful Dead to South Park and Stephen Colbert, philosophical questions…

Comic book superhero revealing "Introducing Philosophy Through Pop Culture: From Socrates to South Park" t-shirt.

Believing in God

July 20, 2008

Some have argued that there aren’t any good arguments for believing in God. Is belief…

Mountains at sunset with text overlay: Believing in God

Language and Thought

June 15, 2008

You might think our thoughts simply determine what we say. But maybe the language we…

Two heads communicating, illustrating the relationship between language and thought.

The Problem of Evil

June 8, 2008

Many religions tell us that God is perfect: all-knowing, all-powerful, and beneficent.  Why then do…

Dr. Evil holding a hairless cat, pondering the problem of evil.

Liberty vs. Security

May 25, 2008

Edward Gibbon and James Madison both noted how liberties in Rome were among the victims…

Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither" graffiti on a wall

Jewish Philosophy

April 27, 2008

Rabbis and Talmudic scholars have spent centuries puzzling over theology, texts, and life.  In the…

Moses holding the Ten Commandments tablets, a depiction of Jewish philosophy.

Politics and Cognitive Science

April 13, 2008

Can cognitive science explain the difference between liberals and conservatives?  Do we elect our presidents…

Vote buttons with red, white, and blue patriotic design.

Athletic Beauty

April 6, 2008

Figure skating is athletic and beautiful.  How about a bone-crunching tackle?  Or a  spikes-high slide…

Silhouette of a person in an athletic pose, showcasing athletic beauty.

Philosophy of Wine

April 6, 2008

The discriminating wine palate: bouquet, nose, great vintages, genius vintners.  Are these just myths perpetrated…

Red wine being poured into a glass on a white wooden table. A corkscrew is nearby.

Now Offering Institutional Subscriptions to the Philosophy Talk Archive!

Subscribe to Philosophy Talk

As a member, you’ll gain access to hundreds of engaging episodes, exclusive content, and the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of curious minds.
Headphones