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…

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.

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.

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