Episodes

  • How will Cartesian Consequences impact you & What Are They?

    How will Cartesian Consequences impact you & What Are They?
    Jun 14 2023
    Join Rebecca in "Cartesian Consequences" as she explores the enduring legacy of Rene Descartes, one of the most influential philosophers of all time. Discover the rationalist epistemology and attempt to prove the existence of God, while examining the arguments against rationalism from empiricists and the limits of pure reason in achieving knowledge. Engage with the ontological argument and its criticisms, as well as the broader consequences of Descartes' philosophy, including his method of doubt and his dualism of mind and body. Share your own thoughts and perspectives on the relationship between reason and knowledge, the nature of reality, and the limits of human understanding.
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    9 mins
  • Why do we feel the need to justify our actions?

    Why do we feel the need to justify our actions?
    Jun 7 2023
    In this podcast, philosopher Rebecca Goldstein explores the Cartesian Demands of Justification, a set of criteria for evaluating the strength and validity of knowledge claims proposed by philosopher René Descartes. Goldstein delves into each of the four demands, including the requirement for evident clarity, indubitability, universal validity, and deductive certainty. She provides insights into how these demands provide a strict framework for evaluating the soundness of knowledge claims, while also acknowledging criticisms of their rigidity. With her expertise in philosophy of science and experience teaching at prestigious institutions, Goldstein offers a nuanced and intelligent perspective on Descartes's approach to justification.
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    10 mins
  • If Knowledge is Power, What is Knowledge?

    If Knowledge is Power, What is Knowledge?
    May 31 2023
    Rebecca Goldstein, a philosopher known for her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity, presents a thought-provoking exploration of the fundamental question of what constitutes knowledge in her latest Megaphone podcast titled "What Is Knowledge?" Drawing on the principles of epistemology, Goldstein discusses the various ways in which we acquire knowledge and how we can distinguish it from mere belief. Her video offers a nuanced and accessible examination of this complex and essential concept, inviting viewers to engage in deeper thinking about what it means to truly know something.
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    11 mins
  • Epistemology: Ideas that underpin How We Think, Explained!

    Epistemology: Ideas that underpin How We Think, Explained!
    May 24 2023
    Rebecca Goldstein's episode on Epistemology provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts and debates in this complex branch of philosophy. Through her engaging and relatable style, Goldstein explores the nature of knowledge, truth, and justification, and examines the challenges posed by skepticism and the relationship between knowledge and belief. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the nature of knowledge and the ways in which we can come to know the world around us.
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    9 mins
  • Things You Never Knew About Aristotle's "APPEARANCE vs REALITY" Question

    Things You Never Knew About Aristotle's "APPEARANCE vs REALITY" Question
    May 17 2023
    In “Aristotle and the Question of Appearance Vs. Reality” Rebecca Goldstein uses engaging and clear explanations to bring Aristotle's understanding of the relationship between appearance and reality to life. Goldstein emphasizes the need to look beyond surface-level observations and identify the underlying substance and purpose of things, and provides examples to illustrate Aristotle's approach to understanding appearance and reality.
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    12 mins
  • Did Plato Actually Believe in Mathematics?

    Did Plato Actually Believe in Mathematics?
    May 10 2023
    In "Platonism vs Mathematics", philosopher Rebecca Goldstein presents a clear and engaging overview of the Platonic philosophy of mathematics. She explores how Platonism emphasizes the existence of abstract, eternal concepts or "Forms" that exist independently of physical objects, and how this view extends to the realm of mathematics. Goldstein also discusses the implications of Platonism for the study of mathematics, including the development of formal axiomatic systems and the search for universal, abstract principles that underlie mathematical phenomena.
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    10 mins
  • From Plato To Platonism

    From Plato To Platonism
    May 3 2023
    In this episode Rebecca Goldstein delves into the life and philosophy of Plato, one of the most important figures in the history of Western thought. Goldstein provides an accessible and engaging overview of Plato's ideas, focusing on his theory of Forms, his conception of knowledge, and his views on ethics and politics. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of philosophy, Goldstein also explores the lasting impact of Plato's ideas on subsequent thinkers, and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world today. Through her thoughtful and insightful analysis, Goldstein offers listeners a deeper appreciation for the intellectual legacy of this towering figure in the history of philosophy.
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    12 mins
  • Why Socrates was So Successful

    Why Socrates was So Successful
    Apr 26 2023
    Discover the power of Socrates' superior perspective in "Why Socrates was So Successful". In this video, Rebecca Goldstein unveils the timeless Socratic method: still used today to uncover the underlying principles of ideas. Explore the relevance of Socrates' belief that morality cannot be based on arbitrary whim or divine command alone, but must have an independent standard. With an educational approach, Goldstein walks us through the Euthyphro argument and the impact it continues to have on discussions about ethics and morality. Get ready to be awakened by the brilliance of Socrates and his timeless brilliance. Watch the full video, and remember to share and subscribe!
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    8 mins