ResponsAbility - Dialogues on Practical Knowledge and Bildung in Professional Studies

Michael Noah Weiss & Guro Hansen Helskog
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How can students and scholars in professional studies turn experience and ideas into practical knowledge and wisdom (phronesis)? How can critical and theoretical reflection on professional practice nurture practitioners' human development or Bildung, and help them develop the capacity to respond wisely in complex situations? How might world philosophies and intercultural dialogue inspire lived life and professional practice? With leading scholars as guests, hosts professors Michael Noah Weiss and Guro Hansen Helskog explore these questions at the intersection of philosophy, epistemology, education, and professional studies.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    #29 Etienne & Bev Wenger-Trayner | Communities of Practice and Uncertainty-driven Learning

    In this episode of the ResponsAbility Podcast, we are joined by Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner, leading voices in social learning theory and the development of communities of practice. Etienne is widely known for his foundational work on situated learning and the concept of communities of practice, while Beverly brings extensive experience in convening social learning systems across sectors and cultures. Together, they explore learning as a fundamentally social process shaped by participation, identity, and shared practice. The conversation challenges traditional views of education as knowledge transmission and instead highlights learning as engagement with uncertainty and the capacity to make a difference in practice. Drawing on examples from organizations and education, they reflect on the future of universities, the role of intuition and theory, and how communities of practice can foster practical wisdom in complex professional contexts. 00:01:23 – Origins of their work and intellectual journeys 00:06:07 – What are situated learning and communities of practice? 00:08:17 – Examples and real-life applications of communities of practice 00:10:23 – Implications for universities and how education could be redesigned 00:20:17 – Reflective practice research and identity formation 00:25:58 – Relationship between intuition and theoretical frameworks in practice 00:30:12 – Communities of practice and the development of practical wisdom / responsibility 00:32:25 – Final reflections and key message to listeners Literature:   Wenger-Trayner E., Wenger-Trayner B., Reid P., Bruderlein C.(2023): Communities of practice within and across organizations — a guidebook. Sesimbra: Social Learning Lab. Wenger-Trayner E. & Wenger-Trayner B. (2021): Systems convening a crucial form of leadership for the 21st century. Sesimbra: Social Learning Lab. Wenger-Trayner E. & Wenger-Trayner B. (2020): Value creation in social learning spaces. Oxford: Oxford University Press.  Wenger-Trayner E., Fenton O’Creevy M., Hutchinson S., Kubiak C. & Wenger-Trayner B. (2014): Learning in Landscapes of Practice Boundaries, identity, and knowledgeability in practice-based learning. Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge. Wenger, E. (1998): Communities of practice - learning, meaning, and identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Lave J. & Wenger E. (1991): Situated learning - legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    35 min

  2. 26 MAR

    #28 Bryan van Norden | Chinese Philosophy and Intercultural Dialogue

    In this episode, philosopher Bryan van Norden joins the ResponsAbility Podcast to explore the importance of intercultural philosophy in a globalized world. Drawing on decades of work in Chinese and comparative philosophy, he reflects on the persistent Eurocentrism of academic philosophy and the gradual shift toward a more inclusive canon. The conversation highlights how traditions such as Confucianism contribute rich insights into ethical cultivation, virtue, and practical wisdom, offering perspectives highly relevant to professional life. Bryan also discusses how dialogue across traditions deepens philosophical understanding, challenges assumptions, and fosters more responsible and meaningful ways of living. The episode ultimately invites listeners to rethink philosophy as a genuinely global, dialogical practice with practical implications for education, society, and personal development. 00:00:54 – Motivation and background: how Bryan became interested in Chinese philosophy 00:02:44 – Eurocentrism in philosophy: developments and changes in academia 00:06:05 – Why study Chinese philosophy today 00:08:33 – Intercultural philosophy: value of dialogue between traditions 00:11:44 – Comparative insights: what becomes visible across traditions 00:16:20 – Application: relevance of intercultural philosophy for professional studies 00:19:24 – Exclusion of non-Western philosophy: historical and philosophical reasons 00:22:45 – Global challenges: what intercultural philosophy can contribute 00:24:33 – ResponsAbility and virtue: shared ideas across traditions 00:28:04 – Anti-intellectualism: consequences of rejecting philosophy and science 00:32:52 – Living well: how philosophy can guide meaningful and responsible lives Literature:   van Norden, Bryan. 2019.Classical Chinese For Everyone:A Guide For Absolute Beginner. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2019. van Norden, Bryan and Justin Tiwald (eds)- 2014. Readings in Later Chinese Philosophy: Han to the 20th Century. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing,  van Norden, Bryan. 2011. Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2011. Van Norden, Bryan. 2009. Translator, The Essential Mengzi: Selected Passages with Traditional Commentary. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2009. Van Norden, Bryan. 2008. Translator, Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing. Van Norden, Bryan. 2007. Virtue Ethics and Consequentialism in Early Chinese Philosophy. New York: Cambridge University Press. Van Norden, Bryan and Philip J. Ivanhoe. (eds) 2005. Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy. Second ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing,  Van Norden, Bryan. (ed) 2001. Confucius and the "Analects": New Essays. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. Van Norden, Bryan (ed.) 1996. The Ways of Confucianism by David S. Nivison. Chicago: Open Court Press, 1996. Chinese translation published as 儒家之道 : 中国哲学之探讨 (Nanjing : Jiangsu renmin chubanshe, 2006).

    37 min

  3. 20 MAR

    #27 Peter Adamson | Intercultural History of Philosophy

    In this episode, we speak with philosopher and renowned podcaster Peter Adamson, professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and King’s College London, and creator of the widely acclaimed History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, which has reached over 50 million downloads. Peter reflects on his ambitious project to rethink the history of philosophy beyond canonical narratives, integrating overlooked traditions, women philosophers, and global perspectives. Together, we explore how different philosophical traditions—European, Indian, and Chinese—offer both shared insights and striking differences in understanding knowledge, ethics, and the art of living. The conversation also addresses the limits of the philosophical canon, the role of Bildung and moral formation, and how philosophy can cultivate practical wisdom and ethical reflection in professional life. 00:01:11 – Meaning and ambition of “history of philosophy without any gaps” 00:03:46 – How the project has changed Adamson’s own understanding of philosophy 00:06:32 – Cross-cultural views on human self-understanding and the art of living 00:10:39 – Inclusion of women philosophers and gender gaps in the history of philosophy 00:13:18 – Whether women philosophers contribute distinct themes or perspectives 00:16:15 – Alternative epistemologies across cultures and challenges to the Western canon 00:21:35 – Rethinking and expanding philosophy curricula beyond the canon 00:26:14 – Philosophy and Bildung: shaping the self through philosophical traditions 00:28:49 – Cultivating practical wisdom / ResponsAbility across traditions 00:34:04 – Relevance of world philosophies for professional practice and applied fields 00:37:09 – Impact and applicability of the podcast on listeners and their lives Literature:   A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Africana Philosophy From Ancient Egypt to the Nineteenth Century (Book 7), Adamson, P., 2025, Chike Jeffers, Oxford: Oxford University Press. A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Byzantine and Renaissance Philosophy (Book 6), Adamson, P., 2022, Oxford: Oxford University Press. A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Medieval Philosophy (Book 4), Adamson, P., 2019, Oxford: Oxford University Press. A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Classical Indian Philosophy (Book 5), Adamson, P. & Ganeri, J., 2020, Oxford: Oxford University Press. A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Philosophy in the Islamic World (Book 3), Adamson, P. S., 7 Jul 2016, Oxford University Press. A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds (Book 2), Adamson, P. S., 2015, Oxford University Press. A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: Classical Philosophy (Book 1), Adamson, P. S., 2014, Oxford University Press.

    40 min

  4. 9 JAN

    #26 Lydia Amir | Transformative Philosophy and the Philosophy of Humor

    In this episode, we welcome Lydia Amir, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University, pioneer of philosophical practice, and a leading voice in transformative philosophy and the philosophy of humor. Lydia reflects on her lifelong commitment to bringing philosophy beyond the academy and making it responsive to the needs of communities and the challenges of our time. We explore her understanding of philosophers’ responsibility, the role of philosophical practice in professional education, and her distinctive claim that humor is a key bridge between theory and lived transformation. The conversation also highlights her work on philosophy as an alternative form of spirituality grounded in reason and dialogue. Sandra Radinger, guest researcher and philosophical practitioner, joins the dialogue, contributing perspectives from her work in philosophical practice and palliative care, and deepening the discussion on transformation, responsibility, and lived philosophy. 00:01:29 – Entry into philosophical practice & academic life journey  00:05:00 – Positioning philosophical practice among different approaches  00:06:53 – Responsibility of philosophers & philosophy beyond academia  00:11:23 – Philosophy and the “needs of the epoch” / unusable philosophy  00:13:16 – Philosophy’s contribution to professional education  00:15:05 – Relationship between philosophy and humor  00:19:31 – Necessity of humor for philosophizing  00:20:43 – Playfulness and the figure of the philosopher  00:25:05 – Transformative philosophy and its core ideas  00:29:18 – Role of the philosophical practitioner in personal transformation  00:32:57 – Current frontiers and future of philosophical practice  00:36:40 – Hopes for the future of lived philosophy  00:41:12 – Final reflections on promoting philosophy worldwide Literature:   Amir, L. (ed.) (2015): Humor and the Good Life in Modern Philosophy. Albany: State University of New York Press. Amir, L. (ed.) (2017): New Frontiers in Philosophical Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.  Amir, L. (2017): Rethinking Philosophers’ Responsibility. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.  Amir, L. (2024): The Legacy of Nietzsche’s Philosophy of Laughter. Routledge. Amir, L. (2025): Handbook of Transformative Philosophy. Springer.

    43 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    #25 Donna Thomas | Researching extraordinary experiences with children

    In this episode we welcome Dr. Donna Thomas, co-director of ICreates@UCLan and Perrott-Warrick Senior Researcher administered through Trinity College Cambridge. Donna investigates children’s and adults’ extrasensory experiences within human development, bringing together psychological, social-scientific, and parapsychological perspectives. As she puts it: “Having a wider understanding of what it means to be human will inform how we develop services for people.” We talk with Donna about the kinds of unusual experiences children report, how creative and participatory methods allow them to express what lies beyond language, and why taking these experiences seriously matters for wellbeing. She also shares insights from her research on children’s near-death experiences in paediatric intensive care, and invites us to rethink dominant assumptions about consciousness, reality, and what it means to be human. 00:01:01 – Origins of Donna’s Research Interest 00:05:29 – Personal Extraordinary Experiences 00:11:04 – Children’s Unusual Experiences 00:16:35 – From Research to Services 00:22:59 – Post-Materialist Worldview 00:26:24 – Extrasensory Experiences and Development 00:29:59 – Children’s Epistemic Authority 00:34:01 – Creative Research Methods 00:39:06 – Philosophical Dialogue with Children 00:42:07 – Children’s Intuitive Wisdom Literature:   Thomas, D. M. (2025): Towards a natural semiotics for centralizing ‘out of this world’ images in research with children. In: Qualitative Research. Vol. 25(I). DOI: 10.1177/14687941241234284 Thomas, D. M. & O’Riordan, Z. (2025): “My mind is not my brain”: exploring consciousness with children using creative research methods. In: Qualitative Research in Pychology. 22:2. DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2024.2354338 Thomas, D. (2023) Children's Unexplained Experiences in a Post Materialist World. Collective Ink Publications. Thomas, D. M. (2022): Rethinking Methodologies in Parapsychology Research with Children. In: Journal of Anomalistics, Vol. 22.

    45 min

  6. 21/11/2025

    #24 Rupert Sheldrake | Re-enchanting Science and Nature

    In this episode, we welcome Rupert Sheldrake – biologist, author of over a hundred scientific papers and fifteen books, and one of the most original and influential thinkers in contemporary science. Educated at Cambridge and Harvard, and listed among the world’s most spiritually influential people for twelve consecutive years, Sheldrake is known for pioneering and provocative research on morphic fields, telepathy, and the re-enchantment of nature. Our conversation with him explores his critique of mechanistic science, his research on human and animal telepathy, the role of spiritual practices such as meditation, gratitude, ritual, and pilgrimage, and the formative influence of his years in India. Together, we discuss how science might evolve by embracing openness, lived experience, and wisdom traditions—inviting a more holistic and interconnected understanding of life. 00:01:15 – Origins of Morphic Fields 00:04:24 – Morphic Fields and Re-Enchantment 00:06:08 – Telepathy in Animals 00:10:31 – The “Science Delusion” Explained 00:14:46 – Morphic Fields and Other Fields 00:15:23 – Why Science Lost Interest in the Unexplained 00:20:13 – Seven Spiritual Practices 00:27:45 – Influence of India on Your Thinking 00:31:03 – Integrating Spiritual Practice into Research 00:33:50 – Pilgrimage as Research Practice 00:37:15 – Coincidences, Synchronicity and Guidance 00:40:08 – Reflective and Hermeneutic Research 00:41:41 – Wish List for the Future of Science Literature:   Sheldrake, R. (2017): Science and Spiritual Practices. Reconnecting through direct experience. Coronet Books. Sheldrake, R. (2012): The Science Delusion: Freeing the spirit of enquiry. London: Coronet Books. Sheldrake, R. (1999): Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home. New York: Crown. Sheldrake, R. (1988): The Presence of the Past: morphic resonance and the habits of nature, New York: Times Books Sheldrake, R. (1981): A New Science of Life: the hypothesis of formative causation Los Angeles: J.P. Tarcher.

    47 min

  7. 07/11/2025

    #23 Nancy Sherman | Stoic Wisdom and the Soul of Moral Life

    Our guest in this episode is Nancy Sherman, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University and a leading expert on ancient ethics and modern moral psychology. Drawing on Aristotle and the Stoics, Nancy explores what it means to live well, to cultivate resilience without emotional suppression, and to nurture our capacity for connection in a fragmented world. She discusses how Stoic ideas have been both misunderstood and rediscovered—from Silicon Valley’s self-help culture to the search for calm and meaning among younger generations. Through themes of responsiveness, character formation, and moral self-knowledge, the conversation bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges in education, leadership, and mental health. 00:01:02 – Motivation and Driving Force 00:04:37 – Aristotle and the Soul 00:09:03 – Stoicism and Aristotle 00:11:46 – Stoicism and the Self-Help Industry 00:14:23 – Stoicism and Spiritual Practice 00:18:50 – Stoicism and Bildung 00:24:47 – ResponsAbility and Wise Response 00:28:24 – Responsiveness in Education and Professional Life 00:33:47 – Stoicism, Resilience, and Mental Health 00:37:06 – Stoic Exercises in Higher Education? Literature: Sherman, N. (forthcoming): How to Have a Soul: What Aristotle Teaches Us about Lasting Happiness. Yale University Press. Sherman, N. (2021): Stoic Wisdom – Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience. Oxford University Press. Sherman, N. (2015): Afterwar: Healing the Moral Wounds of Our Soldiers. Oxford University Press. Sherman, N. (2007) Stoic Warriors - The Ancient Philosophy behind the Military Mind. Oxford University Press. Sherman, N, (1991): The Fabric of Character: Aristotle's Theory of Virtue. Clarendon Press.

    39 min

  8. 24/10/2025

    #22 Peter Singer | Utilitarian and Buddhist Ethics

    Our guest in this episode is Peter Singer, one of the most influential moral philosophers of our time. Known for works like Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics, and The Life You Can Save, Singer has spent his career challenging us to rethink how we live and how we can reduce suffering for humans and animals alike. In his recent book The Buddhist and the Ethicist, co-authored with Venerable Shih Chao-Hwei, he explores what happens when Western utilitarian ethics meets the compassion and mindfulness of engaged Buddhism. In this conversation, we talk about living one’s philosophy, the role of compassion in ethical life, and what Buddhist thought can teach us about the ability to respond wisely to the challenges of our time. 00:00:53 – Living One’s Philosophy 00:02:52 – The Life You Can Save 00:06:40 – What’s Good About Utilitarianism? 00:09:14 – Ethics and Animal Welfare 00:12:58 – The Buddhist and the Ethicist: A Cross-Cultural Dialogue 00:17:00 – Why Dialogue? 00:18:32 – Insights from the Dialogue 00:21:30 – Spirituality Without Belief 00:25:29 – The Meeting of Compassion and Reason 00:25:32 – What Can Western Philosophy Learn from Buddhism? 00:27:40 – ResponsAbility and Ethical Dialogue 00:29:12 – The Responsibility of Philosophers Today 00:32:22 – Future Dialogues Between Philosophy and Contemplative Traditions Literature:   Singer, P. & Chao-Hwei, S. (2023): The Buddhist and the Ethicist: Conversations on Effective Altruism, Engaged Buddhism, and How to Build a Better World. Boulder, CO: Shambala. Singer, P. (2024): Animal liberation now. Vintage Publishing Singer, P. (2020): Why Vegan. So the only question is: Do any other animal other than man suffer? Penguin Classics.Singer, P. (2016): One World Now: The Ethics of Globalization. Yale University Press.Singer, P. (2015): The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically. Yale University Press. deLazari-Radek, K. & Singer, P. (2014): The Point of View of the Universe: Sidgwick and Contemporary Ethics. Oxford University Press.Singer, P. (1981, 2nd edition 2011): The Expanding Circle: Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress. Princeton University Press. Singer, P. (2009): The Life You Can Save: How to Do Your Part to End World Poverty. Random House.Singer, P. & Mason, J. (2007): The Ethics of What We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter. Harmony/Rodale/Convergent.

    35 min
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How can students and scholars in professional studies turn experience and ideas into practical knowledge and wisdom (phronesis)? How can critical and theoretical reflection on professional practice nurture practitioners' human development or Bildung, and help them develop the capacity to respond wisely in complex situations? How might world philosophies and intercultural dialogue inspire lived life and professional practice? With leading scholars as guests, hosts professors Michael Noah Weiss and Guro Hansen Helskog explore these questions at the intersection of philosophy, epistemology, education, and professional studies.

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