The philosophy of religion and love with Alain de Botton and Alex O'Connor

The philosophy of religion and love with Alain de Botton and Alex O'Connor

Author: IAI November 25, 2025 Duration: 26:11
Join well-known public speakers and writers Alain de Botton and Alex O'Connor as they talk through what philosophy can offer us, why we should study love, and what the role of religion is in philosophy and in our lives.

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Philosophy For Our Times
Podcast Episodes
The end of materialism | Àlex Gómez-Marín [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:02
Alex Gómez-Marín reflects on the scientific evidence we have for near-death experiences and what they might mean for answering ultimate questions about the purpose of human existence.
Freedom and Fate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:14
Do we have free will or is everything we do predetermined? Explore these questions with leading thinkers, Paul Bloom, Robert Sapolsky and Lucy Allais.
How Words Warp Reality | Nick Enfield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:53
This episode explores how language shapes perception and reasoning, revealing that while it powerfully persuades and reframes reality, it often distorts truth—highlighting the importance of understanding language’s limit…