Drunken Philosophy

A very special episode of Drunken Philosophy. 

In addition to being the patron saint of cynicism, the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes is basically the patron saint of Drunken Philosophy. He was famous for living in an overturned wine barrel on the streets of Athens and generally thumbing his nose at the educated citizens of that old world metropolis. This week, Connor and Dan investigate Diogenes' whole deal and see if he had anything worth while to say. 

This week, Connor and Dan break quarantine in order to venture into the land of make believe. It's thought experiment time! Should people be free to do harmless actions? What if they're really gross? What if I'm just trying to get to work and they're being really gross? These are the pressing questions answered on this week's episode (sort of). 

Are we approaching end times or just a monumentally shift in the way we understand the world? If you were to ask European poet, philosopher, and student of culture Jean Gebser he would emphatically say it was the latter. This week, Connor and Dan discuss Gebser's various structures of consciousness to see where we've been, where we are, and where we're going.

This episode is going to require some imagination, some creativity, and some intuition on the part of the listener. Connor and Dan aren't quite sure they understand what Henri Bergson is talking about, but they like the cut of his jib and they like the way he makes them feel. Sometimes that's good enough.

The time has come to finally get analytical on this podcast and, in order to do so, Connor and Dan head straight to the source: The father of analytic philosophy, Bertrand Russell. We're talking logic, we're talking math, and we're talking paradoxes. But we're also talking about an anti-war atheist who managed to hang around on this Earth for a century. Pretty neat guy!

Where my science-heads at? This week, Connor and Dan do their best to wade through the murky waters of quantum theory and modern physics to see what kind of philosophical conundrums they can kick up. What will they find? An excuse to talk about the '90s TV show 'Sliders' of course!

All things must come to an end, including the brief saga of Leon Trotsky. The once central figure of a global revolution finds himself far from home and with very few friends. But Connor and Dan learn that, much like the other socialists of his ilk, Trotsky wasn't going down without a fight.

Continuing their series on Mr. Trotsky, the boys get into the nitty gritty of his particular brand of revolutionary socialism, i.e. Trotskyism. They also discuss Trotsky's military career and the first grumblings of discontent between him and a certain Joseph Stalin.

That "Part 1" in the title can only mean one thing. Connor and Dan are diving back into another miniseries, this time on the fiery Russian revolutionary who found himself on the wrong side of the border. This first episode covers Leon Trotsky's early life, his exposure to orthodox Marxism, and hopefully provides a little historical context for listeners not familiar with Russian revolutionary history.

Inspired by a recent re-watch of Seven Samurai, Dan descends into the dusty tomes of Japan's most notorious swordsman, who, when he wasn't beating guys down with a wooden stick, was scribbling out his unique philosophy and outlook on life. Connor's training begins today. Does he have what it takes to be the best? (Spoiler: he does not)

Happy 300th Episode! In celebration of this truly insane feat they never thought they would accomplish (and maybe shouldn't have), Connor and Dan decide to quit screwing around and finally decide once and for all who the Greatest Philosopher Of All Time is. Make your picks and play along at home!

These days, Zizek is a little difficult to ignore. He's a philosophical superstar, he's got manic energy, and he loves talking about movies. It seems only fitting that Connor and Dan dedicate an entire episode to discussing his background and thoughts on ideology and politics.

In a slight break from format, Connor and Dan spend a little time with a literary great who wasn't afraid of voicing his political and philosophical opinions. George Orwell's legacy stretches from 9th grade English classrooms all the way to the halls of Congress, but do people have the right idea about him? We'll find out! Also, spoilers for Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty Four. You should have read them by now.

To kick off the new year, Connor and Dan decide to restructure their personal education. And they do so by looking back at the revolutionary pedagogy of Brazilian philosophy Paulo Freire. The first thing Dan should probably learn is how to pronounce his last name!

Ho, ho, ho! Etc, etc. On this special (decidedly Christian) holiday, Connor and Dan decide to spend some time with one of the Four Horsemen of New Atheism. But they pick the one who happens to look like Santa Claus so it's all good. Regardless, it's time to talk science and religion all at once! Happy Holidays!

Italian philosopher and politician Gianni Vattimo thinks history is over with. Moreover, he thinks modernity is going out the window with it. This week, Connor and Dan contend with this idea and find themselves strangely comfortable with the uncomfortable nature of postmodernism.

Attention contrarians, here's an episode for you. This week, Connor and Dan discuss American philosopher Carl Cohen who isn't afraid to piss people off with his thoughts on controversial issues, including animal rights. This is an episode for all you devil's advocates out there or for any vegetarians looking to hone their debate skills.

In honor of the recent passing of contemporary philosopher Jaegwon Kim, Connor and Dan discuss the Brown University professor's thoughts on physicalism, the mind-body problem, and the difficult problems of philosophy. It's good stuff! But, as usual, they spend the opening ten minutes alienating everyone and everything.

During the Islamic Golden Age, a learned judge that we know as Averroes flipped the world on its head with his commentaries on Aristotle. Why don't we know more about him? The normal stuff: banishment, book burning, and probably some racism.

Sexual politics, radical feminism, and anti-pornography campaigns. Those are just three topics Connor and Dan are completely ill-equipped to discuss in this episode. But they give it their best shot with a little guidance from law scholar and feminist philosopher Catherine MacKinnon

Because everyone seemed to like their discussion of the philosophy of property a couple months back, Connor and Dan revisit their old friend and star of Lost, John Locke, to see what his thoughts on the matter are.

Based off the suggestion of a listener, Connor and Dan reluctantly dig into the modern, hate-fueled nihilism that seems to be dominating a certain subsection of the internet. But first, they give a brief refresher course on nihilism in general and discuss whether any of it has any validity.

Clanking chains! Creaking doors! Rattling bones! Those sounds can only mean one thing. It's time for the annual Halloween-adjacent philosophy discussion here on Drunken Philosophy. This year, Connor and Dan quit beating around the bush and just talk about their old pal Franky-stein. If you've never read the book, don't worry. Neither has Dan.

Philosophy isn't just something you do while reclined in your armchair, smoking a pipe, scribbling your notes. Philosophy can be something you put into action along with 50 of your weird friends on a farm in Indiana. This week, Connor and Dan examine the successes and failures of various American utopian communities. These are places where the road meets the rubber in terms of economic, cultural, and spiritual philosophy.

At the behest of a longtime loyal listener, Connor and Dan venture up to Canada to discuss some modern philosophy coming from the indigenous people of the Nova Scotia area. Dan does his best to pronounce some words and probably fails while Connor sits pondering the fact that we're all doomed because of climate change. Enjoy!

Inspired by a recent bout of apartment hunting, Connor and Dan sit down for a tour of philosophical conceptions of property and ownership. How do we define something as specific and at the same time abstract as "property"? Well, turns out it's hard. Also, maybe it's theft. Find out for yourselves!  

You have to a be special kind of person to have your last name turned into an adjective centuries after your death. But, then, Machiavelli was a pretty special guy. This week, Connor and Dan determine whether there is any worth to this conniving little rat man's philosophy or whether he is just a product of some, particularly brutal times. 

After spending a few weeks in Italian art museums, Dan decides to subject Connor to a discussion about the complexities of art criticism. Luckily, they've got Arthur Danto to guide their way through the lengthy history of art philosophy, from the Ancient Greeks to Andy Warhol and beyond.

This week, Dans in Italy with his beautiful wife eating a slice of 'Za, and taking a picture of him holding up the leaning tower of Pisa. If you came for philosophy this week, Think again! Connor dresses down Drunken Philosophy's new editor Joe trying to figure out if he is part clown. We also find out that he would rather be cheated on then do the cheating. We will be back next week with that sweet philosophy you have come to enjoy!

As a direct follow-up to their previous episode on Arthur Danto, Connor and Dan dig into the contemporary aesthetic philosophy of cultural critic Sianne Ngai. Specifically, they're talking about things that are cute, zany, and interesting. These three categories are launching off points to discuss the commodification of art in modern society. Also, it's a way to talk about Star Wars.

Identity is a complex issue, and, obviously, two drunk white straight guys are the most equipped to talk about it. Kidding, of course. This week Connor and Dan look to the contemporary philosophy of Kwame Anthony Appiah and his thoughts on identity, race, nationality, and our lives as global citizens. Spoiler alert: It's about taking that middle road, baby!

As a way of wrapping up their discussion of Kant, Connor and Dan complete their whirlwind tour of the famous Critique before turning their attention to Kant’s famous moral philosophy. This means, of course, a rehashing of the categorical imperative and whether or not it’s ok to help murderers. Also, they reflect on their new friend Mr. Kant and his influence.

In part-two of their Kant trilogy, Connor does his best to stay awake and engaged while Dan explains one of the more complex and influential books in modern philosophy: The Critique of Pure Reason. Hopefully, you all like terminology because the first half of this episode covers the damn table of contents!

At the start of their next ambitious three-parter, the boys turn their attention to a figure who looms large not just in their lives, but in the lives of all philosophers. That little, persnickety gentleman from Konigsberg, Immanuel Kant. This week, Connor and Dan learn a little about Kant’s life and try to figure out if he was the ultimate townie.

It's easy to stay in your own philosophical bubble and only ever learn about things from people who look and talk like you. But, as Connor and Dan learn in this loosey-goosey episode, there is an inherent value in learning about philosophy from other cultures, countries, and times. "But how do we do it?" you might be asking. Listen and find out you dummy! (Note: Apologies for the slightly worse audio quality this week. We recorded in slightly different locations and it didn't work!)

With all that science mumbo jumbo out of the way, Connor and Dan turn their attention to something they're much more interested in: Leisure time, baby! But we're not just talking about vacation here. Save that for the parrot heads. We're talking about the genuine pursuit of genuine interests. Take a break! It's important! (Note: Sorry about the slightly worse audio quality this week. We recorded in different locations and it didn't work!)

Science and philosophy go hand in hand like Connor and Dan. This week, your hosts take a look back at how these two disciplines have evolved and diverged over the centuries, complementing one another and improving one another. What role does the philosophy of science play in the year 2019? Listen to find out what these two idiots think! Also, listen to hear Connor's loud cat! (Note: Sorry about the slightly worse audio quality this week. We recorded in different locations and it didn't work!)

She was dubbed the "most dangerous woman in America" in her time, but who exactly was Emma Goldman and what did she believe? This week, Connor and Dan dive back into the pool of American anarchism to learn about Goldman's early feminism, fiery speeches, and violent tactics. Was she right about a lot of stuff? Yup. Did she have her problems? You bet. Do I regret putting so many questions in this description? You know it.  

Now that we know who Kropotkin was, let's spend part two discussing what he was all about. That involves some pretty detailed discussions of various anarchist frameworks during which Connor's arguments get totally freaking dunked on by a long-dead Russian intellectual. Hope you're ready to start a revolution! Because it's coming, baby!

We hope you're ready to tear down some capitalist infrastructure, because for the next two weeks we'll be discussing the philosophy of Peter Kroptokin aka the father of anarcho-communism. In this first episode, Connor and Dan go deep on where this bearded weirdo came from, his various run-ins with the law, and how he was influenced by contemporary thinkers.

Now that we know who Husserl was and what he did, it's time to look at who came after him. The man's influence on the world of philosophy is perhaps more impressive than anything he actual wrote in his lifetime, but many of the thinkers who came after him would not shy away from criticizing the old man. Connor and Dan peruse the philosophical burn book on this week's episode. 

With a bit of biographical context out of the way, Connor and Dan dig into the particulars of Husserl's phenomenological process. What does he mean by Intentionality? How does this whole "bracketing" thing work? What's with this dude and Greek words??? Hopefully you'll have a better understanding of some of this stuff by the end of the episode.

Strap in, folks! We're about to go deep on our boy Edmund Husserl (aka Eddy Hoos.) (aka Ed Casserole) (aka the Father of Phenomenology). This first episode takes a look at Husserl's biography, his educational background, and the philosophical runway that was laid before him at the start of the 20th century. Where my Cartesians at? Here, I hope.

Don't panic! This week, Connor and Dan dig into the humorous philosophy at play in Douglas Adams' celebrated science fiction farce, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. If you haven't read the book, you will be spoiled, but, then again, this isn't really a book that can be spoiled in any way. It's always a fun read and it has a lot to say about the ridiculous venture of philosophy.

Despite our fancy clothes, ability to use forks, and love of dragon-filled fantasy shows, human beings are just animals. That's the essence of the argument put forth by Animalism and it has implications for how we understand our personal identity and how we choose to interact with other sentient beings in the world. How will Connor react to being called a dirty, filthy animal? Pretty well, actually.

Long before your mom was ditching her Lit 101 class to burn her bra in the school parking lot, Mary Wollstonecraft was laying down the basis for all feminist philosophy to come. This week, Connor and Dan delve into the life of this controversial figure who took no guff and spared no one in her campaign to give equal rights and education to the young women of Europe. Also, you've probably heard of her daughter!

Sure, you've heard of Old Confucianism. But this is NEW Confucianism a.k.a. Confucianism in sunglasses a.k.a. Confucianism that's into Bitcoin now. This episode is 50% history and 50% philosophy as Dan tries is best to provide context to this early-20th century movement that tried to marry antiquity with the modernity and possibly failed. No spoilers! (But China is still communist, so minor spoilers)

In the mid-20th century, the European philosophy scene became enamored with a little Romanian depressed guy by the name of Emil Cioran. This week, Dan tries his best to get Connor to feel the love for this sad weirdo. Their discussion drifts from Catcher In The Rye to continental philosophy to Cioran's unfortunate history with fascism. TW: There are a lot of jokes about suicide in this ep, but if you feel like you need help please seek it out! Also, Patreon.com/Drunkenphilosophy!

The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of culture, art, and philosophy in Black America. At the head of one of the many movements dominating the conversation during that time was a Jamaican-born, controversial figure named Marcus Garvey. This week, Connor and Dan dig into Garvey's particular brand of pan-Africanism and how he clashed with other black intellectuals of his time. They also talk about how Connor cried at Hamilton because that is always relevant.

As members of global capitalists societies, we're all well aware of what economic capital is and how it effects our lives. But did you know there are other kinds of capital? Pierre Bourdieu knew that, and he outlined them over the course of his sociological career. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the various forms and functions of Cultural Capital, Social Capital, Symbolic Capital, and Tom from MySpace.