The Institute for Philosophy in Public Life
Because there is no ivory tower.
Elvis Costello famously asked, “what’s so funny about peace, love and understanding?” It’s a really good question. The idea of peace is all-too-frequently dismissed. On this episode, philosopher Jack Russell Weinstein interviews peace-activist Kathy Kelly about her life’s work, and the meaning and nature of peace. …Continue reading “The Argument for Peace and Non-Violence” with Guest Kathy Kelly
We are living in a time of conspiracy theories that fuel a divisive and increasingly violent politics, even when they’re obviously untrue. They are spouted by our representatives; they’re believed by our neighbors. How do conspiracy theories ensnare people so effectively and why are believers so reluctant to change their minds? Can we assume that the truth will win out, or is there something else going on, something beyond logic and reason?…Continue reading “Why Do Conspiracy Theories Work?” with Guest Quassim Cassam
We are not living in a calm time. Coronavirus, police violence and protest, and climate change: they all seem to be coming from different directions, but are they? Might there be a common thread that unifies all of our current crises and is there a way of understanding them that helps us change things for the better? In this episode we explore the nature of radical ideas and consider what changes can be made to cultivate justice, and improve everyone’s quality of life before crises happen. …Continue reading “The Politics of Crisis: How Police Reform, Covid-19, and Climate Change are all Related” with Guest Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò
It seems like every business in the world uses consultants, but what do they really do and what makes one better than another? Are their overarching ethical standards that guide the industry or is the ultimate motivation profit? On this episode of Why? Radio we ask what makes a good consultant. We come face-to-face with the inherent conflict-of-interest in the industry, and examine the pros and cons of business education….Continue reading “A Philosophy of Consulting” with Guest Bob Colleran
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
It seems like Congress can do something one day, but not the same thing the day after. It often feels like the law is only about loopholes rather than a tool for everyday people. Are we wrong to think these things? Are we mistaken when we view legislation as a willy-nilly collection of self-interested victories from politicians with no true vision of justice? On this episode of Why?, we ask these questions and more, exploring the philosophy of law and it’s overlap will real-world legal decisions. …Continue reading “Is the law consistent?“ with guest P. Andrew Torrez
Jamaica is the home of a great musical tradition. Most people know about reggae, but before that, there was dancehall, rocksteady, and our host’s personal favorite, ska. It’s a rich and diverse dance music that mixes Caribbean sounds with jazz, R&B, and punk rock, to explore politics, history, and the legacy of slavery. Join Why? Radio and our guest Heather Augstyn as we explore how this little-known genre spread around the world, racking up hit, after hit, after hit….Continue reading “A Philosophical Look at Ska and Jamaican Music” with guest Heather Augustyn
Are the brain and mind really different things? If not, is there free will? Where does conscience come from? Is altruism a myth? These are question in neurophilosophy, research that uses the modern science of the brain to explore philosophical dilemmas. Join host Jack Russell Weinstein and his guest Patrician Churchland, the founder of nuerophilosophy, as they explore the boundaries between philosophy and cognitive science. …Continue reading “How Important is the Brain to the Great Philosophical Questions?” with guest Patricia Churchland
There is a fine line between political speech and propaganda, but where do we draw it, and are we always wrong to propagandize? Is there a natural division between spin and lies, and when is it acceptable to appeal to political emotions? On this episode, we cap off a tumultuous election by exploring the nature and morality of political speech, and ask how far is too far….Continue reading “How Does Propaganda Work?” with Guest Jason Stanley
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