Philosophy For Our Times

Philosophy For Our Times

Author: IAI Language: English Episodes: 545
Each week, Philosophy For Our Times opens up a space for genuine conversation, moving beyond headlines to examine the deeper questions shaping our world. Produced by the IAI, this podcast naturally draws on a global roster of philosophers, scientists, and cultural critics who don't just offer answers but engage in substantive debates. You'll hear discussions that feel urgent and relevant, whether they're untangling the ethics of new technology, probing the tensions in contemporary politics, or exploring what art tells us about society. The aim is to apply rigorous thought to the issues that dominate the news and our personal lives, making complex ideas accessible without losing their depth. Tuning into this podcast is like having a front-row seat to the conversations that define our moment, delivered with the clarity and nuance that thoughtful examination requires. It’s a weekly invitation to pause and reflect, using philosophy not as a remote discipline but as a vital tool for understanding.
Episodes
More choice means less freedom | Psychologist Barry Schwartz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:32
Why more is lessWe're surrounded by choice - an endless sea of possible paths we might take. However, does the overwhelming range of choices leave us better off or worse? In general, we tend to think that more is better,…
Consciousness begins in the body | Antonio Damasio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
We tend to believe consciousness is purely mental. And since Descartes' "I think therefore I am", we've privileged the mind as the centrepiece of thought and consciousness. But such a view is mistaken argues award-winnin…
Being mindful in a mindless world | Ellen Langer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:46
The mindful body with Ellen LangerCan mindfulness be contagious?Ellen Langer's research certainly seems to suggest that's the case. As Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and the author of 'The Mindful Body', E…
The challenge to optimism | Angus Deaton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:34
The economy is a vital part of the way we understand our lives and our politics more generally. But after years of growth, development, and progress, on the surface everything is rosy. But as Nobel Laureate Angus Deaton…