The relationship between mind and matter | Slavoj Žižek, Alenka Zupančič and Carlo Rovelli

The relationship between mind and matter | Slavoj Žižek, Alenka Zupančič and Carlo Rovelli

Author: IAI February 10, 2026 Duration: 50:50
Renowned philosophers Slavoj Žižek and Alenka Zupančič join physicist Carlo Rovelli to investigate the fundamental metaphysical tension between the conscious self and material reality, debating whether human beings are mere observers of the universe or an integral part of its physical structure.

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
Rehumanising science | Carlo Rovelli - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
Are electrons real? What is the connection between physics and Buddhism? Is now the time to rehumanise science?Eastern philosophies have been an integral part of scientific thought and the development of multiple fields…
Taking down the cultural elite | Catherine Liu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:02
What is managerialism? Why is the meritocracy sliding into technocracy? Does suffering make us seem more pure?We tend to think that today’s progressive politics advances equality through moral awareness and identity. But…
The secret history of cool | Joel Dinerstein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:21
Joel Dinerstein unpicks the surprisingly intricate history of coolness, from its roots in jazz, development as a term and explosion in usage throughout the 20th century.
The mind is not a machine | Iain McGilchrist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:45
Iain McGilchrist argues that to understand mind and matter, we need to restore the right hemisphere to its rightful primacy and move beyond matieralism.
Anxiety and the soul's itch | Sarah Wilson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:25
Social philosopher Sarah Wilson explores what anxiety - or the 'soul's itch' - can tell us about living life more meaningfully.