The Philosopher's Arms

BBC Radio 4

4.8 (23)
PHILOSOPHY

Matthew Sweet examines philosophical problems with a live audience in a pub

02/28/2017

Swearing

Matthew Sweet examines knotty philosophical conundrums in an abstract pub.

28 min
02/28/2017

Cake or Biscuit?

Is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? A tough question for Matthew Sweet and the drinkers at The Philosopher's Arms, a pub offering both beer and philosophy. Among those helping him resolve this important conundrum are a Cambridge professor of philosophy and a former winner of the Great British Bake Off, who will be turning up in the pub with a very large, and possibly quite tasty, Jaffa Cake. Producer: David Edmonds.

28 min
02/28/2017

Hypocrisy

What's wrong with hypocrisy? The Philosopher's Arms, everyone's favourite abstract pub, is back with a pint and a philosophical conundrum. This week, presenter Matthew Sweet is joined at at the bar by philosopher Lisa Bortolotti and political scientist David Runciman. Plus human rights activist, Peter Tatchell, who in the past has publicly exposed people whom he has accused of hypocrisy. Producer: David Edmonds.

28 min
12/21/2015

Future People

The Philosopher's Arms, presented by Matthew Sweet, asks what sort of people should we bring into the world. In the pub this week are, among others, Oxford University professor Jeff McMahan and disability studies expert Tom Shakespeare. Producer: David Edmonds.

28 min
12/14/2015

Hate Speech

The Philosopher's Arms, presented by Matthew Sweet, asks whether speech can harm. Helping us come to an answer, we have a philosopher, cartoonist and a man who was arrested for hate speech.

28 min
12/08/2015

Weakness of Will

The Philosopher's Arms asks how we can, at the same time, both want and not want a cream cake. In the pub we have a philosopher, neuroscientists and champion dieter. And a lot of sugar.

28 min
11/30/2015

Lying and Misleading

The Philosopher's Arms, presented by Matthew Sweet, asks whether there's a moral difference between lying and misleading. In the pub, to help us reach an answer, we have a philosopher, psychologist and political spin-doctor.

28 min
10/06/2014

Sex Equality

Pints and philosophical problems with Matthew Sweet. Each week the programme examines a knotty philosophical issue: this week, sex equality and pay. Should we expect women to make up 50% of senior positions and, if they do not, is that evidence of discrimination? In the pub for this episode is the philosopher Janet Radcliffe Richards. Producer: David Edmonds.

28 min

See All (23)

4.8

out of 5

23 Ratings

Philosophy made fun

12/24/2017

SquareBiz539

Very accessible and fun show about philosophical issues and problems that never gets too brainy or academic. Set In a pub with normal people as well as pro philosophers, it demystifies a lot of theories and brings a lot of relevant real world examples and stories to head. Matthew Sweet is a great host and I do love the bar host Gladys ringing her bell at the end of the show, telling everyone to leave.