Chasing Leviathan

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Nicolas Cornell discuss his book 'Wrongs and Rights Come Apart,' exploring the complex relationship between rights and wrongs in moral philosophy. Dr. Cornell delves into real-life and literary examples to illustrate how rights and wrongs can diverge, emphasizing the importance of understanding these concepts in a nuanced way. The discussion also to...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Michael B. Gill discuss his book on Shaftesbury's philosophy of beauty, exploring the historical context, the artistic nature of Shaftesbury's writing, and his influence on moral philosophy. The discussion delves into the concepts of integrity, human motivation, and the importance of positivity in philosophy. Dr. Gill also contrasts Shaftesbury's vi...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Graham McAleer discuss his book Security Ethics: Commerce and Crime in a Polycentric World, which explores the complex interplay between organized crime, business ethics, and philosophical perspectives on security. Dr. McAleer emphasizes the often-overlooked role of non-state actors in maintaining order and the ethical dilemmas posed by the intersec...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Eric Nelson discuss his book 'Heidegger and Dao,' exploring the intersections between Heidegger's philosophy and Daoist thought. Dr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of charitable reading and intercultural hermeneutics, critiques the influence of technology on philosophical discourse, and highlights new documentation that reveals Heidegger's deeper...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Linda Zagzebski discuss her book "Omnisubjectivity: An Essay on God and Subjectivity." Together they explore the concept of divine knowledge and its implications for understanding God. Dr. Zagzebski introduces the idea of omnisubjectivity, which posits that for God to be truly omniscient, He must have a complete grasp of the conscious states of all...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Mark Usher discuss his book 'Following Nature's Lead,' and explore the intrinsic connection between humanity and nature. Together they explore the importance of living in harmony with the environment, the false dualism that separates humans from nature, and the need to respect natural limits. Dr. Usher draws on classical literature and indigenous wi...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Nathaniel Adishian discuss his book 'Josef Pieper on the Spiritual Life.' Together they discuss Pieper's accessible writing style, his engagement with philosophical and theological concepts, and his influence on understanding the relationship between leisure, labor, and virtues. The conversation also touches on the role of universities, the shift in...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek discuss her book 'Loving to Know' and her concept of Covenant Epistemology. They explore the nature of knowing, the importance of philosophy in everyday life, and the journey of understanding through half understanding and discovery. Dr. Meek emphasizes the need for philosophy to engage with the ordinary world and discusses the...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Michael Allen discuss his book, 'The Fear of the Lord,' exploring the themes of theological method, resourcement, and the importance of engaging with historical theologians. Dr. Allen emphasizes the need for community in the practice of self-denial and the balance between active and contemplative life. Dr. Allen also addresses misconceptions in theo...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Barry Lam discuss his book 'Fewer Rules, Better People,' exploring the tension between discretion and bureaucracy in modern society. Dr. Lam argues that the increasing reliance on metrics and rules diminishes human judgment and decision-making. Together they cover the evolution of bureaucracies, the role of AI, and the implications of legalism, emph...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Joel Harrington discuss his book, 'The Faithful Executioner,' which explores the life of Frantz Schmidt, an executioner in 16th century Nuremberg. They discuss the complexities of Schmidt's profession, the societal perceptions of executioners, and the historical context of law enforcement and torture. Dr. Harrington emphasizes the importance of unde...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Ema Sullivan-Bissett discuss her book 'Irrationality.' Together they explore the nature of irrationality, its implications in everyday life, and how desires can shape beliefs. Dr. Sullivan-Bissett discusses the complexities of human cognition, the phenomenon of akrasia (weakness of will), and common misconceptions surrounding irrationality. They exp...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Shoumita Dasgupta discuss her book 'Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins,' focusing on the intersection of genetics and bias. Dr. Dasgupta emphasizes the importance of understanding implicit bias, the role of social structures in perpetuating inequities, and the misconceptions surrounding genetics and race. She advocates for a more equitable approach...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Tiffany Beechy discuss her book Aesthetics and the Incarnation in Early Medieval Britain. Together they explore the challenges of interpreting artifacts from this time using classical models, emphasizing the importance of vernacular traditions and the role of heteroglossia and oral traditions. Dr. Beechy reviews the complexities of Christ's incarnat...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Mazviita Chirimuuta discuss her book, The Brain Abstracted, exploring the relationship between neuroscience and philosophy. Dr. Chirimuuta delves into the simplifications inherent in scientific models, the evolution of neurophilosophy, and the implications of AI and deep learning on our understanding of the brain. The discussion also touches on the...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Christopher Yeomans discuss his book, The Politics of German Idealism, focusing on the philosophical underpinnings of Hegel, Fichte, and Kant. Together they explore the estate structure in Hegel's philosophy, the impact of the French Revolution, and the evolution of social classes in Germany during a time of significant transition. Yeomans emphasize...

In this second part of their conversation, PJ and Dr. Thomas Raysmith continue to discuss his book: Hegel and the Problem of the History of Philosophy: The Logical Structure of Exemplarity. Together they explore the methodologies in philosophy, the historical context of Hegel's thought, and the misconceptions surrounding his ideas. Dr. Raysmith emphasizes the importance of understanding Hegel's lo...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Thomas Raysmith discuss his book: Hegel and the Problem of the History of Philosophy: The Logical Structure of Exemplarity. Together they explore the methodologies in philosophy, the historical context of Hegel's thought, and the misconceptions surrounding his ideas. Dr. Raysmith emphasizes the importance of understanding Hegel's logical structure a...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Iain Thomson discuss his book: Heidegger on Technology's Danger and Promise in the Age of AI. Together they explore the essence of technology, its historical implications, and the philosophical underpinnings that shape our understanding of technological advancements. The discussion delves into the relationship between technology, metaphysics, and ed...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Melissa Moschella discuss her book Ethics, Politics, and Natural Law: Principles for Human Flourishing. Together they explore the concept of natural law as a guide for human flourishing, the role of common sense morality, and the integral nature of flourishing that encompasses both individual and community aspects. The discussion also touches on the...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Jennifer Herdt discuss her book 'Forming Humanity' and explore the concept of Bildung within the context of Christian ethics and modernity. The discussion highlights the interplay between human agency and divine influence, particularly in the works of thinkers like Herder. In this conversation, PJ and Dr. Herdt explore the complexities of cultural c...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Joseph Stramondo discuss his work on the ethics of choosing disability, emphasizing the complexity of the topic and the importance of narrative identity. They also explore how societal structures and perceptions shape the experiences of individuals with disabilities, and the implications of these factors on ethical decision-making. The discussion al...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Viren Murthy discuss Pan-Asianism, exploring its historical roots, ideological implications, and the roles of various Asian nations, particularly China and India. He delves into the geographical, cultural, and ideological aspects of Pan-Asianism, critiques its historical interpretations, and examines the influence of Hegelian philosophy on Pan-Asian...

PJ shares a brief update on the channel and what's next for the show. Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud.  These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasin...

On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Christian Miller discuss his book on honesty, exploring its neglect in philosophical discourse. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of honesty, its metaphysical nature, and the empirical evidence surrounding human behavior. The discussion also touches on the degrees of virtue, the role of perseverance, and the implications of c...