Recent Episodes

Emma Goldman

July 5, 2026

Activist and anarchist philosopher Emma Goldman fought for human liberation in every realm of life. While she opposed the women’s suffrage movement, she was a staunch advocate for women’s rights. So why did she think the right to vote was so unimportant? What did she…

Judith Jarvis Thomson

March 16, 2025

Judith Jarvis Thomson is best known for arguing that abortion is morally permissible, even granting…

Black and white portrait of philosopher Judith Jarvis Thomson.

Why Trust Science?

March 9, 2025

According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans…

In Science We Trust: graphic with science icons

W.E.B. Du Bois

February 23, 2025

Sociologist, historian, philosopher, editor, writer, and activist, W.E.B. Du Bois was one of the most…

W.E.B. Du Bois portrait; The Souls of Black Folk

How to Create Virtuous Leaders

January 19, 2025

Ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato believed that an education focused on developing good character…

A man in a suit stands before a group of robed figures, symbolizing virtuous leadership.

Who Owns Culture?

January 5, 2025

Fashion designers, musicians, and Halloween costume wearers have been accused of engaging in cultural appropriation.…

Abstract Southwestern-style textile pattern with the question, "When is it OK?

The Examined Year: 2024

December 29, 2024

What happened over the past year that challenged our assumptions and made us think about…

2024-year-inside-magnifier-glass-yellow-background-focus-preparation-new-year-change-start-new-business-target-strategy-concept_50039-4796

Is Optimism Rational?

December 8, 2024

When the odds are against you, believing in yourself can be a source of strength—but…

Animated boy standing in floodwater, looking optimistic.

Spinoza

November 24, 2024

Baruch Spinoza was a 17th century Dutch philosopher who laid the foundations for the Enlightenment.…

Two portraits of Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), philosopher.

What Is Ideology?

October 13, 2024

Political polarization seems to be deepening, both in the U.S. and around the globe. Some…

Word cloud showing various "-isms" including nationalism, feminism, and capitalism, illustrating different ideologies.

Cancel Culture

September 29, 2024

Revoking support or a platform from someone who is perceived to have behaved badly has…

Abstract image depicting tangled speech bubbles, illustrating the complexities of cancel culture.

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