Chasing Leviathan

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Alison Knight discuss the history of biblical interpretation in early modern England, particularly how translators crafted apologetic approaches to explain difficult passages. Dr. Knight explores the profound impact that debates on interpretation had on the British crown and the whole of Britain, as well as the increasing skepticism towards attempts...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Ioana Jucan discuss how Cartesian metaphysics and capitalism have led to the "post-truth" world we currently find ourselves in. Dr. Jucan explores the potential of performativity, particularly theatrical performance, to bridge the gap between abstract thought and lived experience, offering a more embodied and emotionally resonant understanding of ou...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Philip Stern discuss the historical development of corporations and their integral role in shaping British colonialism. In examining the historical relationship between corporations and empire, Dr. Stern sheds light on how corporations have influenced daily life and political structures, from library cards to international diplomacy.  For a deep div...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. John Russon discuss what it means to be an adult. Dr. Russon explores the centrality of responsibility in delineating childhood from adulthood, as well as other key elements, such as the shift in how one engages with space.  For a deep dive into John Russon's work, check out his book: Adult Life: Aging, Responsibility, and the Pursuit of Happiness...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Philippe Huneman discuss one of humanity's most common questions: "Why?" Dr. Hunemann explores the various meanings of the question, complications in understanding it, and how to understand it within the context of evolutionary biology.  For a deep dive into Philippe Huneman's work, check out his book: Why?: The Philosophy Behind the Question 👉 htt...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Meg Leja discuss the transformation of medicine during the Carolingian empire, particularly how the practice of medicine became adopted as a Christian practice, despite its pagan associations. An often overlooked and misunderstood time of European history, Dr. Leja explains how these shifts in attitude towards medicine in Carolingian period reflect...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Jonathan Lethem discuss the themes and influences of Lethem's latest book, Brooklyn Crime Novel, as well as the process of writing hardboiled detective fiction. For a deep dive into Jonathan Lethem's work, check out his book: Brooklyn Crime Novel: A Novel 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSFSN49G/ Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who th...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Melanie Marotta discuss the integration of neo-slave narratives into contemporary works of young adult texts featuring female, adolescent protagonists of color. Dr. Marotta explores both slave and neo-slave narratives, shedding light on the evolution from the former to the latter. She also shares why understanding these particular works of young adu...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Gary Morson discuss the Russian literary tradition, particularly as it relates to the "accursed questions" of life, morality, and the transcendent.  For a deep dive into Gary Morson's work, check out his book: Wonder Confronts Certainty: Russian Writers on the Timeless Questions and Why Their Answers Matter 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674971809 Ch...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Robert Verchick discuss the adaptations we need to make, both globally and locally, to address the wide-sweeping effects of climate change. Though climate change presents us with an uphill battle, there is reason to be hopeful that we can make a positive impact for future generations. For a deep dive into Robert Verchick's work, check out his book: The...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Yvonne Chireau discuss religion, magic, and syncretism in the context of the spiritualities that arose among enslaved Africans in the US and Caribbean. Dr. Chireau also explores the role that the Conjuring tradition had in shaping the African American experience, as well as our assumptions about the differences between "magic" and "religion." For a...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Christina Katopodis discuss the need for new ways of facilitating learning that help students develop vital skills and process knowledge, rather than continuing to educate students to be mere retainers of facts. They also share personal stories from the classroom that point to challenges and opportunities for transforming learning. For a deep dive i...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Amy Kind discuss her written debate with Daniel Stolijar on the nature of consciousness. Dr. Kind walks us through the secular dualist position that she defends and explains Dr. Stolijar's ignorance hypothesis. For those wondering if dualism is a purely religious position, Dr. Kind offers several helpful examples for why one need not appeal to the t...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lewis Gordon discuss the intersections of philosophy, art, politics, and freedom. Dr. Gordon persuasively argues that art is a primary social good that has the power to elevate humanity, foster community accountability, and transform societies. For a deep dive into Dr. Lewis Gordon's work, check out his book: Black Existentialism and Decolonizing Kn...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Stephen Meawad discuss the reintegration of contemporary ethics with ancient Christian theology and practice. Dr. Meawad argues that virtue ethics alone is not sufficient to lead to a full life as it can only turn us inward, ultimately leading to failure and frustration. It is only in our pursuit of God that we can lead truly meaningful lives. For a...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Oliver Turnbull discuss real case studies of mistakes made in the caring for patients with neuropsychological needs. Dr. Turnbull shares about the need (and reluctance) to make such cases known and how hearing from the first-person experiences of these patients can impact the next generation of clinicians.  For a deep dive into Dr. Oliver Turnbull's...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Sarah Horton discuss philosophy of friendship, exploring how these particular relationships complement our finite existence. Dr. Horton also shares how friendship, though a source of tremendous risk, is worth facing the anxiety of the unknown. For a deep dive into Dr. Sarah Horton's work, check out her upcoming book: The Promise of Friendship: Fidel...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Michael Ruse discuss Darwin's theory of evolution, its history, and its continued impact on debates between science and religion. For a deep dive into Dr. Michael Ruse's work, check out his book: Understanding Natural Selection 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1009088327 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. John Colman discuss the impact of John Locke on the American Founding Fathers' conceptions of religious liberty. Following Locke, American thinkers such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin believed that rigid religious orthodoxy, particularly Christian orthodoxy, posed a significant barrier to the realization of religious liberty. Dr. Colman e...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Jack Zipes discuss how fairy tales offered a means to process the trauma of the world wars and criticize the dictators who instigated them. Dr. Zipes also explores the rich, intertwined history of European fairy tales and politics, including the surprising proto-feminist themes of French fairy tales. For a deep dive into Dr. Jack Zipes' work, check...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lixing Sun discuss the biological and psychological foundations for many of our commonly held assumptions about fairness and lying. Dr. Sun explores the fascinating ways in which organic life, even down to the individual cell, is hard-wired to "cheat" and "lie." Dr. Sun also invites us to rethink our ethics of truth-telling, particularly as some for...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Brent Waters discuss the importance of the mundane in loving our neighbors and families. Dr. Waters explores how Christian beliefs such as the Incarnation point to God's care for everyday, "boring" activities, as well as how regular play is vital to the pursuit of a flourishing life. For a deep dive into Dr. Brent Water's work, check out his book: C...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Anat Matar discuss the ways in which ethical theories often fail to improve human life and can even be used to justify atrocious actions, as seen in ongoing humanitarian violations against Palestinian children. Dr. Matar also explores the difference between the political and the moral, arguing that ethics ultimately "derive from leftist politics." F...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Eileen Ka-May Cheng discuss historiography and the complexities that surround theories of history-making. Though we are often raised to think of history as a series of facts about past events, Dr. Cheng challenges our preconceived notions of historical fact and narrative creation. Dr. Cheng also highlights the importance of historical pursuits to th...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Matt Traxler discuss the interdisciplinary field of language science. Dr. Traxler explores significant experiments in the study of language and cognition, both failed and successful, as well as the limitations of our understanding of language formation and how language science can help us find new appreciation for our humanity. For a deep dive into...