Thinking Faith

Daniel Jepsen
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  • PHILOSOPHY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast is devoted to help you think through your intellectual and spiritual journey. Hosted by Daniel Jepsen and Nathan Beasley.

  1. Plato's Creation Myth and Christian Thought

    12/03/2024

    Plato's Creation Myth and Christian Thought

    In this episode, the Daniel and Nathan delve into Plato's creation myth and the concept of dualism, discussing how it has influenced both ancient and modern philosophical and theological thought. They explore the role of the Demiurge in shaping the physical world, contrasting it with Christian theology's understanding of creation. The conversation also touches on the effects of dualism in Neoplatonism and its impact on Christian practices, such as asceticism and views on the physical body. Finally, they talk about how Plato and Neo-Platonism have shaped Christian views of heaven and the afterlife. 00:00 Introduction to the Creation Myth 00:10 Plato's Demiurge and the Realm of Forms 02:09 Christian Theology vs. Neoplatonism 03:11 The Physical World: A Mistake or a Gift? 04:38 Asceticism and Indulgence: Two Roads Diverged 06:25 Sexuality and Spirituality 11:27 Resurrection vs. Immortality 13:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    15 min
  2. Plato, Dualism and Christianity

    11/27/2024

    Plato, Dualism and Christianity

    We may be surprised to learn that our concepts of spirituality and the spirit realm (and even Heaven) are formed as much by Plato as by the Bible. In this episode, Nathan and Daniel dive into one of Plato's most significant philosophical ideas, and the idea that has deeply influenced Christian thought: dualism. The discussion centers around understanding what dualism is, how it contrasts with monism, and also how it is similar to yet also very different from the dualism taught in the scriptures. 00:00 Introduction: No Script, Just Plato 00:37 Plato's Biggest Idea: Dualism 01:08 Understanding Dualism: Matter vs. Spirit 02:45 Pop Culture Reference: Stranger Things 03:41 Monism vs. Dualism 05:44 Pluralism? 06:52 Plato's Dualism and Christian Theology 12:57 Visualizing Plato's Dualism 15:03 Exploring the Concept of Value 15:13 Understanding the Realm of Forms 15:44 Physical vs Non-Physical Realms 16:48 Illustrating Plato's Theory with Examples 18:36 The Theory of Forms Explained 22:42 Ethics and Ideal Forms 24:19 Christian Dualism and Plato's Influence 28:38 The Interaction Between Realms 29:25 Conclusion and Future Discussions

    30 min
  3. Plato: Life and Influence (the History of Philosophy, part 12)

    11/06/2024

    Plato: Life and Influence (the History of Philosophy, part 12)

    Plato's Influence on Western Thought and Christian Theology In this episode, Nathan and Daniel dive into the life and legacy of Plato, one of history’s most influential philosophers. They discuss why Plato's ideas have had a profound impact on Western thought and Christian theology, outline the structure of upcoming episodes, and explain concepts like Platonism, Middle Platonism, and Neoplatonism. Additionally, they touch on the intertwining of Greek philosophy with early Christian thought and the role of Plato's Academy in shaping intellectual history. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Plato’s philosophies and their enduring influence. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:15 Introducing Plato 01:54 Plato's Influence and Importance 03:48 Plato's Systematization of Philosophy 11:46 Plato's Life and Background 13:00 Plato's Academy and Works 17:11 Platonism and Its Evolution 18:42 Neoplatonism and Its Impact 23:25 Conclusion and Teasers for Next Episode

    25 min
  4. Understanding Socrates (The History of Philosophy, part 11)

    10/22/2024

    Understanding Socrates (The History of Philosophy, part 11)

    Socrates, Plato, and the Legacy of Greek Philosophy In this episode, the Daniel and Nathan return after a brief hiatus to explore the life and philosophy of Socrates and his profound impact on his pupil Plato. They discuss the Socratic method of questioning, its influence on Western thought, and how it shaped Plato's works and ideas, particularly in his early dialogues. The dialogue also delves into the historical context of Socrates' life, his opposition to the Sophists, concepts like absolute truth, justice, and the philosopher king. Additionally, the episode examines Socrates' influence on early Christian theology through Plato and Aristotle, the spread of Hellenistic culture, and its enduring impact on contemporary interpretations of the Bible. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:43 Transition to Socrates Discussion 02:36 Socrates: Historical and Literary Figure 05:16 Socrates' Influence on Plato 07:48 Socratic Method and Dialogues 12:43 Socrates' Life and Death 16:11 Exploring Plato's Socratic Method 16:21 The Immortality and Transmigration of the Soul 16:56 Socrates' Dialogue on Justice 21:13 Socrates' Intellectual Humility 22:15 Plato's Philosophical Contributions 25:05 Upcoming Discussions on Plato and Aristotle 26:05 The Influence of Greek Thought on Christian Theology

    33 min
  5. The Sophists: Foundations of Skepticism and Relativism (The History of Philosophy, part 10)

    09/19/2024

    The Sophists: Foundations of Skepticism and Relativism (The History of Philosophy, part 10)

    Understanding Sophism: Background, Impact, and Critiques In this episode, the discussion focuses on the Sophists, their role in ancient philosophy, and their impact on subsequent thought. We delve into their characteristics, methodologies, and goals, exploring how they served as both a culmination and a reaction to earlier philosophical ideas. Daniel summarizes their teaching under the three headings of: skepticism, relativism, and pragmatism. The conversation ultimately highlights the critical role the Sophists played in setting the stage for the great philosophers Plato and Aristotle. Through an analysis of Sophist principles and the response by Socrates and Plato, the episode offers a comprehensive understanding of this significant yet often misunderstood philosophical movement. 00:00 Introduction to the Topic 00:36 The Role and Influence of Sophists 02:06 Sophists' Business Model and Teaching Methods 04:58 Protagoras and His Teachings 06:53 Skepticism in Sophist Philosophy 11:23 Relativism Explained 18:24 Pragmatism in Sophist Thought 18:49 The Concept of Enlightened Self-Interest 20:00 Pragmatism and Societal Values 21:50 Cultural Practices and Moral Relativism 23:34 Custom vs. Nature: The Debate 25:26 Sophocles' Antigone: A Case Study 27:59 Socrates and Plato: Challenging Relativism 33:04 The Legacy of the Sophists 36:01 Conclusion and Next Steps

    37 min
  6. Physics and God: Exploring the Fine-Tuning Argument with Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer

    09/06/2024

    Physics and God: Exploring the Fine-Tuning Argument with Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer

    Exploring the Fine-Tuning Argument with Physicists and Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer In this episode of Philosophy and Faith, the hosts welcome Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the podcast Physics to God, to discuss arguments for the existence of God, specifically focusing on the teleological and fine-tuning arguments. Elie, an orthodox rabbi and mathematician, and Aaron, a modern Orthodox rabbi with a background in physics and commodities trading, detail their journeys in faith and academia. They explain the fine-tuning argument, which posits that the constants of nature, such as the fine structure constant and the cosmological constant, are precisely calibrated to allow the universe to support life and complex structures. They argue that this precise tuning suggests an intelligent cause. The discussion also critically evaluates the multiverse theory as an alternative explanation and emphasizes the importance of recognizing when physicists are doing philosophy instead of science. The episode also touches on the importance of understanding philosophy in interpreting scientific data and the potential limitations of atheistic naturalism. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Ellie's Faith and Academic Journey 02:32 Aaron's Faith and Career Path 07:47 The Fine Tuning Argument 11:43 The Mystery of the Constants 19:08 Scientific Discoveries and Fine Tuning 28:27 Philosophical Foundations of Intelligence 29:13 Fine-Tuning and Intelligent Design 30:03 Challenges to Fine-Tuning Argument 35:25 The Multiverse Theory 38:56 Philosophical Implications of the Multiverse 44:50 The Future of Science and Philosophy 49:40 Personal Reflections and Future Directions 56:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1 hr
  7. The First Materialists (The History of Philosophy, part 9)

    09/03/2024

    The First Materialists (The History of Philosophy, part 9)

    Exploring the Roots of Materialism: The Atomists In this episode, Daniel and Nathan delve into the philosophy of materialism by exploring the early atomists, Leucippus and Democritus. They discuss the historical context of these philosophers, their main ideas about atoms and the void, and how these concepts form the basis of materialism. The conversation also touches on the implications of materialistic determinism, the challenges it poses for ethics and rationality, and its lasting impact on modern thought. The episode sets the stage for future discussions about Socrates and his opponents, the sophists. 00:00 Introduction 00:50 The Predominant Worldview: Materialism 01:26 Introduction to Atomists: Leucippus and Democritus 03:16 The Concept of Atoms and the Void 06:19 Mechanistic Explanations and Determinism 13:09 Challenges and Implications of Materialism 20:15 Transition to Socrates and Future Topics

    23 min
  8. Mind over Matter (The History of Philosophy, part 8)

    08/15/2024

    Mind over Matter (The History of Philosophy, part 8)

    In this episode, Daniel and Nathan dive into the lives and philosophies of Empedocles and Anaxagoras, who serve as stepping stones to understanding Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. They explore Empedocles' idea that all things are composed of four elements and two forces, love and strife. Meanwhile, Anaxagoras introduces the concept of 'mind' as a guiding force over matter, sparking deeper philosophical questions. The discussion ends by discussing why Socrates and Aristotle were excited but then disappointed in the answers Empedocles and Anaxagoras gave. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:46 Empedocles: The Four Elements 05:35 Empedocles' Life and Legends 13:30 Anaxagoras: Mind Over Matter 18:09 Anaxagoras' Contributions and Critiques 24:57 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

    27 min
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About

This podcast is devoted to help you think through your intellectual and spiritual journey. Hosted by Daniel Jepsen and Nathan Beasley.

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Jepsen
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Daniel Jepsen
  • Show Website
    Thinking Faith