The Spinoza Triad:Philosophy in our World

In this episode Dr Richard Miller, Dan Rowland and John Gibbs wonder if the hit Netflix series Squid Game is more than a Marxist critique of capitalism. We discover there is more to it and enjoy discussing the series.

Why Do People Fight for Their Servitude as If It Were Their Salvation? Spinoza In this episode of the Spinoza Triad John Gibbs, Dr Richard Miller and Dan Rowland are joined by Dougie Booth. Dougie is teaching at Kings College London and researching his PhD in Politics. We discuss the republican conception of freedom and Dougie's research into the impact of the pandemic and  climate change on...

In this episode the Spinoza Triad, John Gibbs, Dan Rowland and Dr Richard Miller reflect on the experience of podcasting in 2021 and the themes which have emerged in our discussions. We wonder about the power of data, the media and the quest for meaning. How can we celebrate the sacred and profound in a world of carnival? We conclude that the creative process of learning may be some kind of answer...

In this episode we discuss Plato's theory of Forms and consider if it is helpful in understanding art and beauty today. The theory of Forms or theory of Ideas is a philosophical, concept, or world-view, that the physical world is not as real or true as timeless, absolute, unchangeable ideas of forms. How can this theory be useful in our post modern world? Do we still have any belief in universal t...

In this episode of the Spinoza Triad John Gibbs, Dan Rowland and Dr Richard Miller discuss the concept of freedom and how it might be enhanced of diminished by digital technology and social media. With reference to Thomas Hobbs, Rousseau, Marshall McLuhan and Zizek the discussion considers the meaning of freedom today. If you wish to suggest ideas for future podcasts, submit a recorded comment or...

In this episode of the Spinoza Triad Dr Richard Miller, Dan Rowlands and John Gibbs consider the ideas of Edward Said and how these might be applied to the Olympics in their modern form. While acknowledging our admiration for the extraordinary achievements fort the athletes we took a critical view and tried to understand this vast global event form the point of view of post colonialism. Our discus...

In this episode of the Spinoza Triad, Dr Richard Miller, Dan Rowland and John Gibbs discuss Hegel’s theory of history, the end of history and the rise of China. Does China represent an alternative to western liberalism or a dead end? Will the progress of human history end and will it end well or badly? These are some of the questions discussed. jfgibbs105@gmail.com https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/...

In this episode the Spinoza Triad, John Gibbs, Dr Richard Miller and Dan Rowlands, discuss how the internet and social media may have contributed to the philosophical debates surrounding authenticity. In Hamlet, Polonius advises Laertes 'to thine own self be true'. It its possible to be true to yourself and true to others on social media. Do we have a 'true self'? Leave voice messages: https://anc...

In this episode we set ourselves the task of trying to use the ethics of Aristotle, the Epicureans, Stoics and Cynics to understand how to live the good and virtuous life in a consumer society. The following conversation was  the unscripted result. If you wish to leave a voice message, comment, question, correction or contribution we would be delighted to respond or include in future episodes...

In the third episode of the Spinoza Triad John Gibbs, Richard Miller and Dan Rowland consider the film V for Vendetta. V for Vendetta is a 2005 dystopian political action film  based on the 1988 graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd . The film is set in an alternative future where a   neo-fascist totalitarian regime has subjugated the United Kingdom . It centres on V (portrayed by...

In this episode of the Spinoza Triad, John Gibbs, Richard Miller and Dan Rowland consider conspiracy theories using the ideas of Carl Jung. In an age of unparalleled levels of education why do so many people believe theories which are so obviously absurd? Is it possible the concepts of the collective unconscious, cultural symbolism and architypes developed by analytical psychologist Carl Jung migh...

In this episode of the Spinoza Triad  Richard Miller, Dan Rowland and John Gibbs consider Michel Foucault's concepts of power and discourse and wonder if they help to understand the Pandemic. Richard Miller supplies the steel guitar. “The first task of the doctor is ... political: the struggle against disease must begin with a war against bad government." Man will be totally and definitively...