Chasing Leviathan

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lee Braver delve into the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, focusing on his views on thinking, the evolution of his ideas, and the significance of wonder and dwelling in philosophical inquiry. They explore the relationship between courage and confronting nihilism, the nature of questions, and the limits of explanation, ultimately emphasizing the inter...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Mauricio Suarez discuss the evolution of scientific representation, the shift from syntactic to semantic views, and the importance of pragmatism and deflationism in understanding models in science. Dr. Suarez draws parallels between the practices of science and art, emphasizing the need for philosophy to be responsive to actual scientific practices....

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Rajbir Judge discuss the historical context of late 19th century Punjab, focusing on the figure of Duleep Singh. Dr. Judge delves into themes of myth-making, sovereignty, and the complexities of community and conversion within the Sikh tradition. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding loss, navigating fractured inheritances, and e...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Victor Kumar explore the evolution of morality, its components, and its critical role in human development. Dr. Kumar emphasizes the importance of moral emotions, norms, and reasoning, and how these elements have shaped human social structures and adaptability. They also touch on the evolution of altruism and the future moral challenges society face...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Wray Vamplew discuss the historical significance of sports from ancient times to the present. Dr. Vamplew emphasizes the importance of sports in society, its relationship with money and gambling, and how technology has transformed the way sports are played and perceived. They touch on the cultural and political implications of sports, the misconcept...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Michael Allen Gillespie explore the philosophical underpinnings of modernity, particularly focusing on nominalism and realism. Dr. Gillespie delves into the historical context of humanism, the evolution of social contract theory, and the contributions of figures like Hobbes and Eckhart to modern thought. Dr. Gillespie emphasizes the importance of un...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Carl Öhman discuss the implications of data privacy, especially after we die. Together they review the fragility of digital information, the ethical considerations surrounding data ownership, and the legal landscape of data privacy. Dr. Öhman also points to the cultural significance of digital remains, and the collective nature of data privacy in a...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Eyo Ewara discuss his article on white ignorance and anti-racism, exploring the complexities of anti-racist efforts and the importance of understanding the context in which they occur. Dr. Ewara emphasizes the need for self-critique and awareness of the potential dangers of well-meaning actions, as well as the significance of the right to opacity in...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Linda Alcoff discuss the life and work of Charles Mills, a radical philosopher who made significant contributions to the methodology of political philosophy. Dr. Alcoff explores Mills' emphasis on the importance of understanding the historical and political context in which ideas are developed, arguing for a shift from ideal theory to non-ideal theo...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Nima Bassiri discuss the intersection of psychiatry and capitalism. Dr. Bassiri argues that the concept of 'pathological value' is central to understanding this intersection, as it refers to the economic worth conferred upon madness. Dr. Bassiri traces the history of madness and capitalism, highlighting how certain forms of pathology can be seen as...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Melissa Reynolds discuss  the relationship between ordinary people and books in early modern England. She focuses on practical manuscripts that contain medical recipes and astrological wisdom, or "prognostications," which were accessible to a broader population.  Dr. Reynolds examines the consequences of putting common people at the center of the ne...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Peter Adamson discuss his book series ‘A History of Philosophy without any Gaps,’ which aims to provide a comprehensive and inclusive history of philosophy. The project initially focused on filling historical gaps in the teaching of philosophy, but it expanded to cover minor figures, non-Western philosophy, and female philosophers. Together they dis...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Peter Trawny discuss his book 'Freedom to Fail: Heidegger's Anarchy' and the relationship between philosophy, truth, and errancy. Dr. Trawny explores the concept of authenticity and the responsibility of philosophers. He suggests that learning silence and finding a place of seriousness can be a starting point for navigating the challenges of our cur...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Carolyn Laubender discuss the politics of psychoanalytic practice and the need to address its relationship to social justice. Dr. Laubender explores the historical and theoretical aspects of psychoanalysis, particularly in relation to the concept of neutrality. They delve into the concept of emotional security and its political implications. Their c...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Graham McAleer discuss his book Tolkien, Philosopher of War. The book explores the themes of war, hierarchy, and the analogy of being in Tolkien's writings. McAleer explains that his interest in the philosophy of war stems from his background in medieval philosophy and Thomas Aquinas' treatise on the problem of killing. He also discusses the influen...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Sarita Srivastava discuss her book, “Are You Calling Me a Racist?”: Why We Need to Stop Talking about Race and Start Making Real Antiracist Change. They touch on the need to shift the focus from individual guilt to systemic change in addressing racism. The conversation highlights recent examples such as racism claims within the British royal family...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Ryan Holston discusses his book, Tradition and the Deliberative Turn, which explores democracy and the importance of small-scale communities in fostering genuine deliberation. Holston draws inspiration from philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer, emphasizing the historical nature of communities and the need for shared practices and meanings. They also touch...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Michael Patrick Lynch discusses his book, The Nature of Truth, and the goal of creating an anthology on the question of truth. They explore common misconceptions about truth and the importance of understanding what it means when we talk about propositions being true or false. The conversation delves into the metaphysical and semantic aspects of trut...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Mark Roche discuss the practical, intrinsic, and moral value of a liberal arts education, as well as the role of educators in shaping the learning experience. The conversation delves into the Enlightenment and counter-Enlightenment, as well as the impact of education on individual growth and societal discourse.  For a deep dive into Mark Roche's wor...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Jeremy Begbie discuss the importance of integrating the worlds of art and theology. Dr. Begbie explores the concept of reductionism and its dangers, highlighting how the arts can resist reductionism and offer unique insights into human experience. They also reflect on the unique nature of music, and how it can be meaningful without specifically deno...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Jason Eberl discuss the questions of human nature, human personhood, and the mind-body relationship. Dr. Eberl highlights the field of bioethics and its intersection with philosophy and theology. Together, they explore conceptions of human nature including dualism, materialism, and hylomorphism. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consider...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. N. Gray Sutanto discuss the work of Dutch Calvinist theologian Herman Bavinck, particularly his work on the inescapability of Christian revelation in all philosophical knowing. For a deep dive into N. Gray Sutanto's work, check out his book: Philosophy of Revelation: A New Annotated Edition 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683071360/ Check out our blog...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Cynthia R. Wallace discuss the contradictions and impact of Simone Weil's life and work. Dr. Wallace explores the importance of embodiment in Weil's philosophy and the connection between obligations and the body. She highlights the impact of Weil's Christian convictions, particularly those related to self-sacrifice, and how they led to both pathways...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Amber Jamilla Musser discuss the concept of sensation and how it shapes our understanding of the world. She examines various works of art, including the film ‘Us’ by Jordan Peele and the dance piece ‘Shango’ by Katherine Dunham to explore the complexities of representation and authenticity. The conversation focuses on the importance of attunement an...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Ibe Liebenberg discuss the role of poetry in processing and expressing trauma. Ibe shares how his work as both a firefighter and lecturer at Chico State University inform his creative process. The conversation highlights the power of poetry in addressing societal issues and the importance of finding a supportive community for creative expression. For a...