Philosopher's Zone

ABC listen

4.7 (76)
PHILOSOPHY
UPDATED DAILY

The simplest questions often have the most complex answers. The Philosopher's Zone is your guide through the strange thickets of logic, metaphysics and ethics.

5 DAYS AGO

Sentience

Sentience is a puzzle - and an increasingly important one. The question of exactly what constitutes sentience, and which organisms possess it, is hotly contested. But with scientific evidence emerging in support of the theory that octopuses, bees and other invertebrates may be sentience candidates, moral questions of how we should treat them become more and more pressing. And then there's AI - could sentient robots be on the horizon?

31 min
OCT 30

Nationalism and immigration

Nationalism is often associated with rightwing politics and anti-immigration sentiment - but is that a necessary connection? This week we're looking at various forms of nationalism, and asking if there's something about the structure of the nation-state itself that fosters an exclusionary attitude to outsiders.

33 min
OCT 24

Philosophy, history and religion

With the launch this week of a new Centre for the History of Philosophy at Notre Dame University, we're talking about the value of philosophical insights from the past – particularly insights from a time when philosophy and theology were close cousins.

41 min
OCT 17

The 2024 Alan Saunders Lecture: Krushil Watene

Maori philosopher Krushil Watene is an outstanding scholar and part of a global leadership network working toward a sustainable future and a healthier planet. This week, delivering the 2024 Alan Saunders Lecture, she presents "Indigenous Philosophy and Intergenerational Justice".

42 min
OCT 10

Is there purpose in the cosmos?

To many people, the notion that the universe has consciousness and purpose belongs back in the pre-scientific era. This week we're exploring the possibility that cosmic purpose is defensible not only philosophically, but also scientifically.

37 min
OCT 3

Feminism and freedom

Is freedom the primary goal of feminism? It's popular these days to define feminism as something that frees women - from traditional gender roles, from social expectations and other restrictions. But the question remains as to whether or not "freedom feminism" is up to the task of helping - or even noticing - the most vulnerable and oppressed.

40 min
SEPT 25

Indigenous literature in Australia

As an academic discipline, Australian literature has been a largely white affair, with the canon of "great Australian authors" dominated by Anglo-European men. Indigenous writers are working to change this, and Australian indigenous literature is flourishing. But how comfortably does it sit within the traditional university structure?

28 min
SEPT 18

Deep ecology

With the climate heating up and our planetary support systems breaking down, how does an eco-philosopher manage to stay cheerful? This week's guest has been living and breathing these issues for many decades, which you'd think might make it difficult for him to get out of bed in the morning. But get out of bed he did, for a surprisingly upbeat conversation about optimism, pessimism and ecological identity.

28 min

See All (711)

4.7

out of 5

76 Ratings

A Gateway to Contemporary Ideas and Thought

2021-04-14

Emmevidienne

This podcast is an ideal entry for those interested in contemporary philosophical issues and debates, intelligently and congenially hosted by David Rutledge who invites interesting guests and authors, always resulting in stimulating yet accessible discussions. Just brilliant!
Accessible Philosophy

2021-02-28

Lea Learning

Interesting, erudite, understandable.

The simplest questions often have the most complex answers. The Philosopher's Zone is your guide through the strange thickets of logic, metaphysics and ethics.