Essential Reads - Philosophy and Ethics

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Essential Reads – Philosophy and Ethics delves into the timeless wisdom of thought and moral inquiry. Each episode distills influential insights from key texts—transforming great ideas into accessible, thought-provoking conversations. Whether you're exploring moral dilemmas, existential musings, or modern ethical debates, we break down abstract theories into practical lessons. Illuminate your mind, challenge your assumptions, and discover the deeper truths that shape our lives.

Episodes

  1. 06/12/2025

    Being and Time by Martin Heidegger

    This episode explores Martin Heidegger’s Being and Time, a seminal work in existential phenomenology that radically redefines the question of Being. We examine its historical and philosophical influences, including Heidegger’s connections to Husserl and Kierkegaard, and unpack the book’s structure and central themes. Key concepts such as Dasein (human existence), Being-in-the-world, care, authenticity, Being-toward-death, and temporality take center stage as we navigate Heidegger’s intricate framework. Additionally, we discuss the book’s enduring impact on philosophy, its challenges—including its notorious complexity—and the controversies surrounding Heidegger’s political affiliations. Join us as we uncover how Being and Time continues to shape philosophical thought across disciplines. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Being and Time by Martin Heidegger. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    17 min

  2. 06/04/2025

    A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell

    This episode explores Bertrand Russell’s A History of Western Philosophy, a landmark work that provides a broad yet accessible overview of philosophical thought. We examine the book’s three-part structure—Ancient, Catholic, and Modern philosophy—tracing Russell’s chronological approach and his critical assessments of key figures. The discussion highlights Russell’s emphasis on placing ideas within their historical context and exploring the intersections of science, religion, and philosophy. While the book is celebrated for its clarity and scope, we also address common criticisms, including Russell’s potential biases and the limited coverage of non-Western traditions. Join us as we reflect on the lasting influence of A History of Western Philosophy and its contribution to shaping philosophical discourse for both academic and general audiences. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    12 min

  3. 06/04/2025

    The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

    This episode explores Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, a foundational work in Western philosophy that examines human purpose and moral development. We discuss Aristotle’s empirical and teleological approach, unpacking key themes such as eudaimonia (flourishing), virtue formation through habituation, and the Doctrine of the Mean. Additionally, we delve into practical wisdom (phronesis), Aristotle’s perspective on friendship, and the role of contemplation in achieving the highest good. While Nicomachean Ethics continues to shape contemporary thought, we also address challenges and criticisms surrounding its ideas. Join us as we analyze the lasting impact of Aristotle’s ethical philosophy and its relevance today. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    13 min

  4. 06/03/2025

    Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

    In this episode, we dive into Viktor Frankl's timeless classic, Man’s Search for Meaning. Blending personal narrative with deep psychological insight, we explore how Frankl’s experiences as a concentration camp survivor shaped his development of logotherapy — the idea that our primary drive is not pleasure or power, but meaning. We unpack the psychological stages of camp life, the behaviour of prisoners under extreme conditions, and how even in suffering, individuals can find purpose. We also discuss the core pillars of logotherapy: meaning through creativity, experience, and attitude, as well as the power of choice and responsibility. This conversation is a powerful reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the universal need for purpose in our lives.

    14 min

  5. 06/03/2025

    Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

    In this episode, we reflect on Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy composed as personal writings by the Roman Emperor during a time of profound social and political upheaval. Though never meant for publication, Meditations offers powerful insights into self-discipline, virtue, the acceptance of fate, and the fleeting nature of life. We explore the book’s historical context, its introspective and fragmented structure, and the enduring relevance of its core Stoic themes in today’s world. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    12 min

  6. 06/03/2025

    The Republic by Plato

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into Plato’s The Republic, one of the most important works in Western philosophy. We explore the historical and philosophical context behind its creation, including the political turmoil in Athens and the trial of Socrates. The discussion covers the structure and key themes across its ten books — from Plato’s definition of justice and his Theory of Forms to the concept of the philosopher-king and his critique of democracy. We also reflect on the enduring significance of The Republic in modern philosophical and political debates. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on The Republic by Plato. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    19 min

  7. 06/03/2025

    Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche

    In this episode, we examine Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche, a provocative and influential text that challenged the foundations of Western morality and philosophy. Written during a time of intellectual transformation in Europe, Nietzsche responds to the “death of God” and critiques the prevailing moral assumptions of his time. We explore the book’s aphoristic style, its distinction between “master” and “slave” moralities, and Nietzsche’s powerful ideas like the “will to power” and the “free spirit.” Join us as we unpack the complex legacy of this bold and enduring philosophical work. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    18 min

  8. 06/03/2025

    Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant

    In this episode, we dive into Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, a monumental work that reshaped the course of Western philosophy. We explore how Kant sought to bridge the gap between rationalism and empiricism, arguing that the mind plays an active role in shaping experience. Key concepts such as the Transcendental Aesthetic (space and time), the Transcendental Analytic (categories of understanding), and the Transcendental Dialectic (limits of metaphysics) are unpacked. We also examine Kant’s distinction between the phenomenal and noumenal realms, and the profound impact of his ideas on epistemology, metaphysics, and modern thought. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    20 min

  9. 06/03/2025

    Walden or, Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau

    In this episode, we explore Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, a foundational text of American literature and the Transcendentalist movement. First published in 1854, the book reflects on Thoreau’s two-year experiment in simple, deliberate living at Walden Pond. We unpack the work’s 18-chapter structure, its blend of narrative and philosophy, and its central themes of simplicity, self-reliance, connection with nature, and critique of materialism. We also touch on Thoreau’s literary style, the book’s mixed early reception, and its lasting impact on environmental thought and mindful living—as well as the criticisms often levelled at Thoreau’s privileged context. Disclaimer: This episode provides an educational overview and commentary on Walden by Henry David Thoreau. All rights are reserved by the original author and publisher. Content is shared under fair use for discussion and learning purposes.

    17 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Essential Reads – Philosophy and Ethics delves into the timeless wisdom of thought and moral inquiry. Each episode distills influential insights from key texts—transforming great ideas into accessible, thought-provoking conversations. Whether you're exploring moral dilemmas, existential musings, or modern ethical debates, we break down abstract theories into practical lessons. Illuminate your mind, challenge your assumptions, and discover the deeper truths that shape our lives.

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