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 Future of Philosophy

March 23, 2008

Ken and John discuss the future of philosophy with three rising stars in American philosophy:…

Close-up of Rodin's "The Thinker," contemplating the future of philosophy.

Stoicism

March 9, 2008

People who don’t seem affected by emotions are often called “stoic.”  But there’s a lot…

Bust of Epictetus, a key figure in Stoic philosophy.

Race, Class, and Inequality

February 10, 2008

The concept of equality is as important to America’s self-conception as it is confusing.  What…

Side-by-side comparison: a polished brown dress shoe and a worn, dirty work boot. Illustrates class disparity.

Leadership

December 23, 2007

At certain crucial times, such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World War…

Person holding a sign asking "Leaders?

Concept of God

December 9, 2007

What does “God” mean?  Is God a concrete thing like a chair or a human;…

Golden sun rays breaking through dark clouds over a calm sea. Concept of God.

The Science of Humor

November 25, 2007

Being funny isn’t easy. Figuring out what makes things funny is even harder. Still, a…

Three emojis expressing humor; The science of humor.

The Philosophy of Hoops

November 4, 2007

Basketball, an American invention but a world-wide phenomenon, is sometimes characterized as the most athletic…

Plato and Aristotle discuss basketball, illustrating the philosophy of hoops.

Philosophy and the Law

September 23, 2007

With what right do governments make and enforce laws? To what extent are citizens obligated…

Math and the Mind

September 16, 2007

How does a bunch of grey matter in our skulls have the ability to solve…

Blackboard filled with complex mathematical formulas and equations. Illustrates the beauty of math.

What Is Art?

September 9, 2007

Anything someone wants to call art?  Or are there some objective criteria, that not every…

Abstract painting in vibrant colors; reds, pinks, blues, and yellows. Explores the definition of art.

The Value of Art

September 9, 2007

An art lover will argue that art brings beauty to our surroundings and provides occasions…

People viewing black and white photography in an art gallery. The value of art is evident.

Marriage and Monogamy

September 2, 2007

Monogamy is traditional in most cultures, and it is the law throughout America since Utah…

Various illustrations of marriage and monogamy, showing different couples.

Suicide

August 26, 2007

Taking human life is wrong. But what if it is one’s own life? Is suicide…

Sad woman sitting on the floor, head in hands. Suicidal ideation.

Existentialism

August 5, 2007

Being and Nothingness, the for-itself and the in-itself, bad faith, and the existential predicament; these…

Edvard Munch's The Scream; a figure with hands over its ears, expressing anguish against a swirling, blood-red sky. Existential dread is palpable.

Philosophy of Science

July 15, 2007

Is philosophy the queen of the sciences, with the job of synthesizing, interpreting and evaluating…

Abstract image of scientific glassware and molecular structures, illustrating the philosophy of science.

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