Recent Episodes

Hildegard von Bingen

September 20, 2026

Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th century mystic, polymath, and composer whose work spanned visionary theology, philosophy, cosmology, medicine, botany, and music. Her extraordinary intellectual accomplishments belie her humble claim to be “just a woman”. Was her humility justified in the face of the divine,…

Ken Taylor Tribute

December 29, 2019

The Philosophy Talk team is deeply saddened by Ken Taylor’s untimely passing this month. Ken…

Ken Taylor speaking at a podium, giving a presentation.

Cognitive Bias

December 15, 2019

Aristotle thought that rationality was the faculty that distinguished humans from other animals. However, psychological…

Illustration of 'i' and π; 'i' says 'Be rational,' π says 'Get real,' illustrating cognitive bias.

Habermas and Democracy

December 1, 2019

Jürgen Habermas is regarded as one of the last great public intellectuals of Europe and…

Jürgen Habermas at a conference, "Habermas" nameplate visible.

Nonhuman Rights

November 24, 2019

Human rights—like freedom from discrimination and slavery— are fundamental rights and freedoms that every person…

Close-up of a chimpanzee's thoughtful face, advocating for nonhuman rights.

The Space-Time Continuum

October 13, 2019

Strange things are said about time: that it’s illusory, that it has no direction. But…

Two clocks in infinity symbol, space-time continuum background

Queerness

September 15, 2019

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual… it is safe to say that new ideas of gender…

Colorful portraits of diverse individuals, representing queerness and identity.

Freedom of Speech on Campus

August 25, 2019

In the last few years, conservatives and liberals alike have accused activists on college campuses…

Is free speech under fire on campus? Graphic with related terms: social justice warrior, trigger warning, safe space.

Philosophy Behind Bars

August 18, 2019

In 1994, Congress eliminated federal funding for college education in prisons. It was, they argued,…

Inmates and a female instructor participate in a prison philosophy class.

Magical Thinking

July 21, 2019

Have you ever avoided stepping on a crack, just in case you might break your…

Boy with crossed fingers, exhibiting magical thinking.

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