Phil in the Details

Stacy Cabrera
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Philosophy

Philosophy is behind the motivations of the great writers, novelists, artists, and producers--though listeners (and even some of the artists themselves) may not even know it! Follow Stacy Cabrera--educator and philosopher--as she takes you through some of her favorite works of art to discuss the ways in which continental philosophy infuses the literary and performance world. As always, its in the details.

  1. 10/10/2020

    Series 03, Episode 03: Unnatural Order Theory

    In this episode, we look at the second half of Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet with specific focus on some of the greater mistakes of reasoning made by Ransom throughout the text--specifically, his inability to rectify in his mind the fact that three species can exist in cohabitation without a forced power structure. We look at the philosophies of Aristotle and Aquinas, some more on memory as we return a bit to Paul Ricoeur and Plato as well. The episode sets up a discussion of Lewis's criticism of man, and some environmental philosophy as well!

  2. 10/02/2020

    Series 03, Episode 02: Remembering the Good Times

    In this second episode of the series, we look at a bit more of Lewis's philosophy (with even still more Tolkien!) from his work, Mere Christianity, in particular on the necessity of free will and the problem of Evil. This is then taken to the text of Out of the Silent Planet and the way it investigates Christian notions of Goodness and Sin. Finally, we look at less religious philosophies and their role on memory, a dominant theme in the novel,. particularly in its contrast to the philosophies of David Hume.

  3. 09/28/2020

    Series 03, Episode 01: Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and Aporia

    In this new series, I'll investigate the first of the science-fiction trilogy by C.S. Lewis, called Out of the Silent Planet--a good little exploration into metaphysical and linguistic themes through the mid-century modern lens of Christianity. In this first episode, I discuss the roll of fantasy through Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" as his friendship impressed upon Lewis's christian works, along with the roll of 'aporia' in learning, shown by the main character, Ransom.

  4. 05/28/2020

    Series 02, Episode 06: This is America?

    In this episode, I look at poetry about "America" from a multiplicity of sources--the Romantics, the Beat Generation, the Harlem Renaissance, and recently produced music. Then, the commentary on American society is applied through a discussion of being definer versus being defined recently explored in the chapters of Beloved, Book II.  The final episode of the series, next week, will look at the final book (III) of Beloved, with discussion of the ethics of story telling in and outside of one's cultural heritage. Resources: Walt Whitman's poem, "I Hear America Singing" Langston Hughes' poem, "I, Too" Allen Ginsberg's poem, "America" (with Ginsberg reading, over music by Tom Waits) Beat Generation, 'Cheat Sheet' Childish Gambino, "This is America"

  5. 05/28/2020

    Series 01, Episode 06: Political Murder He Wrote

    In a short "Where are They Now?" segment, I return to wrap-up some important narratives, including Lucy and Walter, while also looking at the relationship of Elinor and Webley as it presents a pawn in the chess match against God being played all novel by Spandrell.  This episode sets up the final chapter, where extensive analysis of Huxley's point will be concluded. Tune in next week for a conversation between me and my husband about the ending of the book, and what it means to us... and what we're still arguing about. Resources: Marx, 'Cheat Sheet' Communism vs. Fascism, 'Cheat Sheet'

  6. 05/22/2020

    Series 02, Episode 05: Experiencing the Art, Not Trying to Understand It

    This episode focuses on the issue of defining art and its experience, introducing some of the thoughts and philosophies of Tom Wolfe in his Painted Word and John Dewey in his Art as Experience. Also included are some ideas shared by my current students on defining 'art' and what types of things are considered are for what reasons. I then look at the issue of 'beauty' in aesthetics through some specific works, including Beloved, which rides the line of beauty and the horrible, and whether or not understanding is necessary to experience in art. Resources: Presentation Notes, Art as Experience (chapters 1, 3, 4)

  7. 05/21/2020

    Series 01, Episode 05: Idiots and Machines

    Hold onto your seats--this one is intense. I start with the famous rant by Rampion on page 300 of Point Counter Point, "Idiots and Machines" and connect to the various related philosophies and literary pieces alluded throughout the series, Erich Fromm's Sane Society, Camus' "Myth of Sisyphus" and more of Huxley's philosophies through his final novel, Island. I also introduce-- in a very reductive way--the dialectical model of Hegel's Phenomenology and its relation to the intellectual breakthroughs of Philip's Notebook.  Resources: text, from Point Counter Point p. 300 text, from Island, "The Notes on What's What" selections from Erich Fromm, Sane Society Camus, "The Myth of Sisyphus" Hegel, "cheat sheet" Hegel, lecture notes Hegel, supplementary text

  8. 05/15/2020

    Series 02, Episode 04: Poetic Justice in an Unjust World

    In this episode, I introduce the theory of ethical criticism through some of my favorite contemporary thinkers in Wayne Booth and Martha Nussbaum. I then get at the heart of the major reveal that ends the first book of Morrison's Beloved, addressing the ability--or inability--to pass ethical judgment on the moment through any of the standard meta-ethical approaches.  Resources Virtue Ethics, 'Cheat Sheet' Ethical Systems, 'Cheat Sheet' Cabrera, formal paper, "Author as Friend: a Defense of Intentionalism in the Ethical Criticism of Literature"

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About

Philosophy is behind the motivations of the great writers, novelists, artists, and producers--though listeners (and even some of the artists themselves) may not even know it! Follow Stacy Cabrera--educator and philosopher--as she takes you through some of her favorite works of art to discuss the ways in which continental philosophy infuses the literary and performance world. As always, its in the details.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacy Cabrera
  • Years Active
    2020
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stacy Cabrera
  • Show Website
    Phil in the Details