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…

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.

Legislating Values

June 24, 2007

How should we decide what laws to pass? Should majority rule, even when they are…

The United States Capitol building on a sunny day. Legislating values.

Intelligent Design

June 17, 2007

Is there any reason to think the cause or causes of order in the universe…

DNA double helix, illustrating intelligent design.

Summer Reading List 2007

June 10, 2007

Are there philosophers, philosophies, or philosophical issues you want to read up on over the…

Summer essentials: sunglasses, inflatable ring, ice cream cones, and a refreshing drink.

Kant

June 3, 2007

Immanuel Kant introduced the human mind as an active originator of experience rather than just…

Portrait of Immanuel Kant, prominent 18th-century philosopher.

Autonomy

May 6, 2007

Philosophers call a person autonomous if she is responsible not just for what she does…

Close-up of a woman's eye, showcasing its intricate details and natural beauty.

Ethics in Journalism

April 29, 2007

Freedom of speech tells us the government shouldn’t restrict the journalist.  But should anything restrict…

Hand writing 'Code of Ethics' with red marker; emphasizing journalistic integrity.

George Berkeley

April 8, 2007

Berkeley founded and defended idealism, the doctrine that there is not a material world; reality is the…

Portrait of George Berkeley, author of *Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous*

Friendship

April 7, 2007

Who do we call friends?  Do we need friends out of love for others or…

Four friends embrace at sunset, showcasing the strength of their friendship.

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