Recent Episodes

What Is Gender?

June 14, 2026

Gender is a controversial topic these days, but people can’t seem to agree about what gender is. Is it an inner identity, a biological fact, or an oppressive system? Should we respect it or resist it? Should it even be a thing? Josh and guest-host…

Is Free Will an Illusion?

May 23, 2006

We like to think of ourselves as enjoying unrestricted freedom of the will.  But modern science…

A flock of birds in flight against a clear blue sky.

Neurocosmetology

May 2, 2006

Progress in neuroscience may soon make possible an age of neurocosmetology: the use of drugs…

Human brain with bright energy, illustrating neurocosmetology.

Aristotle

April 4, 2006

Aristotle’s philosophical doctrines have permeated and helped shape Western Culture in spheres as disparate as cosmology,…

Bust of Aristotle, ancient Greek philosopher

The Value of Truth

April 4, 2006

The pursuit of truth is often thought to be “intrinsically” valuable. Scientists and philosophers, who…

Torn paper revealing the word TRUTH. The value of truth.

What Are Numbers?

March 14, 2006

Plato claimed that numbers exist in some mind-independent abstract heaven. Nominalists claim that there is…

Colorful 3D numbers scattered haphazardly, showcasing variety and randomness

Nature vs. Nurture

February 21, 2006

The philosopher John Locke thought we had no innate ideas; our minds are blank slates,…

Four hands gently hold young plants, showcasing the nurture aspect of growth.

The Mystery of Mind

January 10, 2006

Modern science tells us that the mind is just the brain working. But science cannot yet…

Pink model of a human brain on a pink background. The mystery of mind.

What is Beauty?

December 27, 2005

Are there objective standards of beauty? Or is beauty in the eye of the beholder?…

Close-up view of the Mona Lisa, a famous painting exploring the concept of beauty.

The Existence of God

December 20, 2005

The question of whether or not God exists is profoundly fascinating and important. What are…

Bright sun shining through fluffy clouds.

Gender

November 15, 2005

Are gender roles and differences fixed, once and for, all by biology? Or is gender…

Wooden cube with male and female gender symbols.

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