Making Decisions
Week of 7/25/10
When we make decisions we think we're in control, making rational choices. But are we? This is the central question posed by Dan Ariely, Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University, in his book
Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions.
GUEST: Join Ken and John as they discuss irrationality, its dangers, and perhaps also its benefits, with this philosophical and fascinating economist. (First broadcast 11/02/2008)
Social Reality
Week of 8/01/10
Few things affect our lives as much as the fact that we are citizens of one country rather than another. The government of, the economy of, and the rights recognized and opportunities provided by the country we live in shape our lives. But how real are any of these facts and things? Without human beliefs, and societies of humans, there would be no states, no facts of citizenship, no money, and few opportunities. Are our lives built on ontological fluff?
GUEST: Ken and John discuss the metaphysics of the social with famed philosopher John Searle, author of
Making the Social World: The Structure of Human Civilization. This program was recorded in front of a live audience at the Marsh theatre in Berkeley.
William James
Week of 8/08/10
William James is a great figure, historically important as a philosopher (pragmatism and radical empiricism), a student of religion (author of the monumental
Varieties of Religious Experience), and psychology.
GUEST: Ken and John examine the life and ideas of this towering figure with Russell Goodman, a leading scholar of Pragmatism and author of
Wittgenstein and William James. (First broadcast 11/09/2008)
Bodies for Sale
Week of 8/15/10
I can sell my house, the things I make, and the services I provide. So why can't I sell one of my kidneys? What is the philosophical basis for the taboo against selling parts of our bodies? There is an (illegal) market in body parts; shouldn't we trust the wisdom of the market and make it legitimate? Or would doing so undermine the very dignity of persons and human life?
GUEST: Ken and John dissect the issues with Stanford Philosopher Debra Satz, author of
Why Some Things Should Not Be For Sale: On The Limits of Markets. (First broadcast 12/06/2008)
Humanism
Week of 8/22/10
Humanism as a movement arose with the Renaissance. It took powerful expression with the Enlightenment, and deeply influenced the founding of the United States. But now "secular humanism" is widely decried and even derided. What was Humanism, and what has it become? In an age of appreciating the interconnectedness of all nature, is the Humanist enterprise out of date?
GUEST: Ken and John are joined by Jennifer Bardi, editor of
The Humanist magazine, for a program recorded in front of a live audience in San Jose.
Self-Deception
Week of 8/29/10
Self-deception sounds like a contradiction: intentionally convincing yourself of something you know to be untrue. But it is a pervasive aspect of human nature. What is the nature of self-deception, and what are its main patterns? Does it serve any purpose?
GUEST: Ken and John confront the truths of self-deception with Neil Van Leeuwen from the University of Johannesburg.
