232. Unity of Subject and Object

232. Unity of Subject and Object

Author: Nick Jamell June 29, 2021 Duration: 34:05

In today's episode, I want to talk more about the marriage of object and subject in the human person, and what that means.

Find out more here: Unity of Subject and Object

We are Body & Soul Composites

We experience the objective world and we have a subjective lens. In order to understand that, we must remember what I discussed in the last two episodes on objective reality and our subjective experience. We have bodies that are objects in the world, but we also have a mind and soul that allows us to relate to one another, think abstractly, communicate ideas, and create art.

We can influence the world around us

It is possible to influence the world around us. Here are some of the ways we do that. We can:

  1. create, destroy, move, and manipulate objects
  2. persuade people logically
  3. influence people’s emotions
  4. have relationships with a whole person

But we can't dictate reality

This doesn't mean we can dictate everything around us. The laws of nature are beyond our control, although we can use them to our advantage. There are many things we cannot change or influence, and there are some that we have some sway over, but many are out of our control. That is something many subjectivists cannot admit: that our  feelings about the world don't necessarily change it.

Related episodes: 

147. Book Review | Fools, Frauds, and Firebrands by Roger Scruton

124. Our Pornographic Culture

What is Objective Reality?

What is Subjective Reality?


Nick Jamell hosts Conversation of Our Generation, a space where urgent contemporary questions meet enduring ideas from history and philosophy. Rather than reacting to the noise of daily headlines, this podcast deliberately steps back to examine the deeper currents shaping our society and culture. Each episode is a long-form dialogue that treats topics like politics, religion, and social change not as fodder for debate, but as puzzles to be understood with patience and intellectual humility. The aim is to move beneath entrenched partisanship and surface-level takes, searching instead for clearer perspectives and foundational truths. What you’ll hear are thoughtful explorations that connect modern dilemmas to the wisdom of ancient and modern thinkers, asking how we might navigate today’s complexities with a more grounded sense of principle. This isn’t about quick answers; it’s about cultivating a more meaningful and less reactive way of engaging with the world. For anyone feeling adrift in a polarized age, this podcast offers a sustained, earnest conversation that values depth over speed, and understanding over winning an argument. Tune in for a respite from the frantic news cycle and a chance to consider what it means to be part of this particular moment in time, armed with the best ideas from across the ages.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 245

Conversation of Our Generation
Podcast Episodes
229. What is Objective Reality? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:11
Shownotes: What is Objective Reality? A major problem I see in our society is that we've divorced objective reality and subjective experience. Instead of recognizing the world around us as it is and trying to relate to i…
227. You're Not A Monk | Unexpected Advice From a Priest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:29
"You're not a monk." That was the reaction I got from a priest as I confessed that I'd slipped in my prayer life. And it struck me. He pointed out that my duty is not to spend X amount of time in prayer, but to be a good…
226. Nicomachean Ethics Book 2, Class 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:22
Because I'm not feeling great today, I'm posting class 2 from my course on the Nichomachean Ethics. I wanted to still have something for you today. So, tune in to hear more from the class. Class 1 of the Nichomachean Eth…
225. Suffering For The Truth & The Importance Of Integrity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:16
The importance of integrity cannot be overstated. If we want to be good, honest people, we have to act out of integrity. We must find a way to uphold our beliefs and act in accord with what we claim to be true. That's wh…
224. When Civil Disobedience Is Justified [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:28
Civil disobedience is a popular way of changing laws without violence. This is an option when we can no longer use the normal channels like legislation or petitions to update our laws. If an unjust law persists on the bo…
223. Human Nature In Stories | Lessons From The Lord of the Flies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:29
What can we really know about human nature? I think one of the best ways to understand it is through stories. Sure, biology can tell us how our body works. But, only narrative, philosophy, and theology can help us unders…
222. We Should Ban Abortion | Why We Should And How We Do It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:05
The Supreme Court is taking up a case that could seriously limit abortion. Mississippi banned abortion after 15 weeks, and now the Supreme Court is considering the case. While I have fears this may not turn out how I'd l…
220. The Most Beautiful Place I've Ever Been & More Mailbag Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:35
Today's episode will be a mailbag episode with 4 really good questions from people in the Conversation of Our Generation community. I really appreciate the feedback I've been getting and wanted to hear what's on people's…