Drunken Philosophy

Y'all know what we mean when we say Dualism? Hopefully you will by the mid-way point of this episode because Connor and Dan go down some hippie dippy pathways this week to explore the non-traditional philosophy of Buddhist Dualism. Dip your mind back into the substrate consciousness for a minute and do some empirical research...baby!

Clanking chains! Creaking doors! Ghoooooost sounds! For this very special Halloween episode of Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan put on a brave face and explore the philosophy of horror. Specifically, they're talking about horror films and why audiences seem to enjoy them so much. American philosopher Noel Carroll has some thoughts, let's see if you agree!

After reading a recent paper from Professor of Philosophy at MIT Sally Haslanger, Dan decides to launch into a discussion about racism, ideology, and how progressive-minded people should go about enacting change in the world. Of course, because of recent news stories, the conversation turns from racism to sexism and ignorance of the patriarchy. But, don't worry, they manage to goof around somewher...

With Dan's move coming up and a dwindling backlog of episodes staring them in the face, Connor suggests doing an entire episode about the philosophy of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek. What could be high-minded discussion quickly devolves into a couple of fanboys talking about their favorite episodes. But whether you've seen the show or not, you'll be able to glean some fun info from this ep.

Our old pal Karl Marx stops by the studio to tell Connor and Dan about the not-so-sexy problem of commodity fetishism. What makes a bottle of Coke so special? Why do people go gaga over new Apple products? Why don't we ever think about the poor bastards in the factories making this stuff? All these questions will be pondered in this week's episode.  

Strap in ladies and gentlemen because it's time for the most epic roast battle in philosophical history. In one corner, the neo-Darwinist himself, Richard Dawkins. In the other corner, weighing in at 99 years of age, it's Newcastle University's Mary Midgley. Who will survive with their dignity intact? Certainly not your hosts, Connor and Dan.      

It's all about the process, baby! At least, it is this week on Drunken Philosophy where a very sleepy Connor and Dan discuss Alfred Whitehead's book 'Process and Reality' as well as the broader ideas behind process philosophy. Get out of here substance! We don't need ya anymore!

When did a fancy word for "equality" get hijacked by Men's Rights Activists and internet charlatans? This week, Dan goes off on one of his incredibly inelegant rants in an attempt to explain the true meaning of egalitarianism to young Connor (with a little help from American philosopher John Rawls). This episode is sponsored by the Committee To Eat Jeff Bezos and Steal All His Money.

Whoa dude. Let's get trippy. This week, Connor and Dan explore the possibility that, like, maybe we're all just one brain, man. Sort of. In reality, they discuss the thought experiment proposed by amateur philosopher David Yerle that questions what it means to have individuality and what effect technology can have on that meaning. Also, Connor drinks a dad beer!

Dan had big plans to do an episode all about different philosophers thoughts on police and how police should function in a well-run society. But he was dismayed to find that very few philosophers had even touched the subject over the centuries. So, instead, he and Connor delve into a wide-ranging discussion of why this might be the case, what a philosophy of policing might look like, and why it's...

Sure, you've heard of the Trolly Problem. But do you know anything about the woman who created it? This week, Connor and Dan explore the ethical philosophy of British philosopher Philippa Foot who stood apart from most 20th century philosophers by advocated for a return to virtue ethics. Also, Connor has a cat dilemma.

Exactly one year after promising to do a follow-up episode to their discussion of Gilles Deleuze, Dan finally delivers. Sort of. This week, he and Connor do their best to parse the incredibly dense, incredibly complex, incredibly intriguing philosophy of Deleuze and his longtime collaborate Guatarri. Fair warning, it is impossible to do this topic just in a single episode, but they tried.

They've talked Work. They've talked Post-Work. Now it's time to talk about a hip new thing that all the kids are raving about. It's called New Work and it's a philosophy developed my Austro-American philosopher Frithjof Bergmann. This week, Dan and Connor learn all about New Work and how it could one day save us from ourselves, if we want it to.

If you do one really bad thing, but a bunch of really good things, are you still a good person? How important is public perception to our individual ethical decisions? This week, Connor and Dan interrogate the idea of moral equilibrium in the case of corrupt lobbyist Jack Abramoff who reportedly gave millions to charity while swindling millions from a corrupt system. Towards the end their offer th...

How do you define something that defies definition? That's the question Connor and Dan face down on this week of Drunken Philosophy as they discuss the anti-philosophy, pseudoscience, art movement known as 'Pataphysics (the apostrophe is on purpose). Founded by French avant garde writer Alfred Jarry, 'Pataphysics has continued to live on in the numerous artists and thinkers interested in exploring...

Hope you're ready for the audio version of trust fall because this week Connor and Dan are discussing the philosopher Onora O'Neil and her thoughts on humanities relationship with trust. Unfortunately, it's up to these two podcast hosts to determine what news sources are competent, reliable, and honest. God help us, they're going to try their best.

What does it mean to live post-work? How will society function when not everyone needs a job? Essentially, how can Connor and Dan get paid to be unemployed podcasters? Some of these questions will be answered on this weeks Drunken Philosophy which covers Michael Cholbi's recent article "The Desire To Work As An Adaptive Preference." Also, we an announcement regarding our back catalog!

Inspired by the recent discussions about "civility" in political discourse, Connor and Dan dive head first into the sticky world of Karl Popper's Paradox of Tolerance. Is there a danger of being too tolerant? Do you have a responsibility to be intolerant to those expressing intolerant views? Where do you draw the line? Yes you! We're asking you! Seriously, we don't know. We need you to tell us.

Let's talk about death, baby. Let's talk about you and me (dying)!" That's right all you Salt n Pepa fans, this week on Drunken Philosophy Connor and Dan are talking death. Their spiritual guide on this journey is none other than Alan Watts, the rascal guru of the SF Bay Area. If you're afraid of dying and wish you could live forever, this may be the podcast you need to hear. Also, if you're into...

Every so often on Drunken Philosophy, Dan decides to deliver a double whammy to Connor. This week, they discuss a topic Connor hates (Time) through the lens of something Dan barely understands (Quantum Physics). How will our two intrepid heroes fare on this rocky journey? Not well probably! But damnit, they're trying their best. And, at the end of the day, all the time you spent listening to the e...

Inspired by a random mention he made himself a few episodes ago, Dan decides to dedicate an entire episode to talking about the Church of John Coltrane and the spiritual, philosophical tradition of music. The resulting podcast is, admittedly, a bit light on the philosophical insights. But you're a straight up jazz-head (or an aspiring jazz-head) this is the ep for you! Also, you get to hear Connor...

In this extra special, semi-sloppy episode of Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan revisit an old nemesis, Australian utilitarian philosopher Peter Singer. They discuss the Melbourne-born man's thoughts on charity, animal rights, and infant euthanasia. Spoiler alert: they don't hate everything he has to say. But Singer certainly lives up to his title of "Controversial Philosopher In Residence." Hand...

Remember the first Gulf War? No you don't! At least, not according to French postmodern philosopher Jean Baudrillard, who wrote a series of essays during and after the Gulf War explaining why it wasn't happening. At least, it wasn't happening the way we all thought it was. It has something to do with simulacra and hyperreality and a bunch words none of us understand, but Connor and Dan try their d...

Looking for someone to give you permission to be a little selfish? Look no further than ancient Chinese philosopher Yang Zhu. This week, Connor and Dan take a trip to the far east to learn all about this slightly obscure ancient thinker who was all about looking for Number One and never plucking your eyebrows (or something like that, it definitely has to do with hair). Also, if you're a history bu...

Is there a better way to learn about feminist philosophy than hearing two straight men drunkenly discuss it on a podcast? Probably. But this is how you've chosen to spend your day. This week, Connor and Dan revisit the philosophy Simone de Beauvoir—a philosopher and writer they haven't discussed in years—to see how well her most famous text, A Second Sex, holds up all these years later. Also discu...