Category: Emotions

“Why do we Dehumanize People?” with guest David Livingstone Smith

The history of humanity is an endless cycle of identifying us versus them: of violence between people who look down on one another as subhuman and monsters; of not just killing, but brutalizing, maiming and massacring in the name of superiority. On this episode, we explore the philosophical foundations of this phenomenon and its roots in culture, ideology, psychology, and history. We ask who makes these monsters and how they are made….Continue reading “Why do we Dehumanize People?” with guest David Livingstone Smith

“How to Give Sex Advice” with guest Dan Savage

For over 30 years the columnist and podcaster Dan Savage, has been giving frank and explicit sex advice to people who send in questions. Is there a philosophy behind his counsel? How does he or any of us deal with the radical changes in sexual behavior that have been triggered by technology and increased permissiveness? On this episode, we explore consent, polyamory, kink, fluid sexuality, and even answer a few listeners’ sex questions….Continue reading “How to Give Sex Advice” with guest Dan Savage

“Consolation, Solace, and Leadership” with Guest Michael Ignatieff

Human life is fleeting. We lose loved ones, our youth, and, well, everything else. What most people need more of is consolation: solace in the face of loss. On this episode, we explore the intellectual history of consolation, looking at how philosophers, artists, and even some politicians address the need for private and public comfort. From Cicero, to Abraham Lincoln, to Camus, we ask how the idea has evolved over time to be culture specific and, idiosyncratic….Continue reading “Consolation, Solace, and Leadership” with Guest Michael Ignatieff

“Philosophy of Depression” with guest Andrew Solomon

What is going on with depression? How much of it is mind and how much is body? How should people manage the unjustified guilt that often comes with it? There is a worldwide epidemic of depression but surprisingly few philosophical investigations on its nature and meaning. On this episode, we change that. We ask the deep and nuanced questions, moving past the stigma and disrespect that burdens victims who seek help. We also explore the value of caregivers and explain why a “crazy” friend is sometimes the best friend to have. Joined by a guest who has written an astonishing memoir, analysis, and history of the illness, we push past the philosophical tradition that dismisses illness as a lack of virtue or a deviation from perfection….Continue reading “Philosophy of Depression” with guest Andrew Solomon

Danielle LaSusa

“A Philosophy of Motherhood” with Guest Danielle Lasusa

Motherhood. It seems both complicated and simple. The most natural thing in the world, but also the biggest responsibility one can imagine. The history of philosophy has largely ignored motherhood, so where does one start, and what does it look like under a philosophical lens? Can a philosopher help coach and guide mothers in their journeys? Can they work together to find meaning and commonality in the more difficult aspects of parenting?…Continue reading “A Philosophy of Motherhood” with Guest Danielle Lasusa

“Can there be a philosophy of hate?” with guest Berit Brogaard

Hate groups, hate mongers, hate crimes. Self-hatred. Being stuck between love and hate. No emotion inspires as visceral a reaction as hatred. It is, after all, a plague on society that divides people and stokes violence. But does it have to be? Is hate irredeemable? Could it not serve important moral and social purposes if we only knew more about it? Listen to this episode to find our, and to see how hate relates to our other emotions and even our some of our mental disorders…Continue reading “Can there be a philosophy of hate?” with guest Berit Brogaard