Philosophy for the People

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Philosophy for the People’s mission is an educational program aimed at overcoming the paucity of serious, fair-minded, and accessible philosophical discourse available to a popular audience. Though we are ourselves dedicated to the Catholic intellectual tradition, we are likewise committed to exploring ideas from all rigorous traditions of philosophizing (scholastic, classical, analytic, and phenomenological). We pursue this mission by providing long-form guided readings of great texts, discussions with expert guests, our own open-ended philosophical discussions of issues and thinkers, live question and answer opportunities, in depth lecture courses, and our own articles and book-length writings. Philosophy for the People’s pedagogical materials will be provided either without charge or for minimal cost to assure provision of broad access to first-rate philosophical education.

Patrick Flynn


    • May 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 59m AVG DURATION
    • 125 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Philosophy for the People

    talking arguments for God (w/ Mike Schramm)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 42:53


    Pat  introduces Mike Schramm, new associate  editor for The Journal of Absolute Truth. They then  discuss the state of some argumetns for God. https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    The Philosophy of Freud (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 50:49


    Pat and Jim begin a new series on Freud. Live QnA at the end! More philosophy content on Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    Our Favorite Philosophy Books of 2024 (Plus Live QnA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 65:01


    Pat and Jim do a year in review, including discussing some of their favorite books. Also, live QnA at the end. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    Divine Hiddenness and Dogmatic Authority w/ Fr. James Dominic Rooney

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 55:06


    Fr. James Dominic Rooney returns to the podcast to discuss some of his recent work on divine hiddenness and dogmatic authority (two distinct topics!). For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    What Exactly Is a Brute Fact?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 12:01


    Let's talk about brute facts, baby! More on Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    Boethius, the Good, and Philosophy as Therapy w/ Dr. Tom Ward

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 62:00


    Pat is joined once again by Dr. Thomas Ward, this time to discuss his recent book After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher. You can check out his new book (which I highly recommend) here: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/after-stoicism?srsltid=AfmBOoq8MR4WeWFZ8S75xXQ5Cxc_uzDN96t1wXRCQlGxvT0oEhwOrxot For more philosophy content, subscribe to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/  

    Ratzinger's Notion of Person: a Thomistic Response w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 80:55


    Pat is joined by Dr. Gaven Kerr to explore the notion of personhood from a Thomistic perspective. This builds on Dr. Kerr's recent lecture Ratzinger's Notion of Person in Theology: a Thomistic Response. For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    Thomistic Metaphysics: an Introduction w/ Dr. Michael Gorman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 62:46


    Dr. Michael Gorman has authored an excellent new book: A Contemporary Introduction to Thomistic Metaphysics. In this episode, Pat interviews Dr. Gorman about some of the contents of that book, including how Aquinas thinks about composition, fundamentality, and God. To order the book: https://amzn.to/3BmsGP1 For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    Contingency, Grounding, and God w/ Dr. Kenneth Pearce

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 71:07


    Pat is joined by Dr. Kenneth Pearce to discuss some of his recent work related to metaphysical grounding, contingency, and the existence of God. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

    How God Knows He's Not a Brain In a Vat w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 52:12


    Pat and Gaven discuss cool things, like Aquinas's theory of existence and how God knows He's not a brain in a vat. More on Pat's Substack - https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/  

    Skeptical Theism w/ Dr. Perry Hendricks

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 37:29


    Pat is joined by Perry to discuss his work on Skeptical Theism. https://www.perryhendricks.com/ 

    The Best Arguments for God w/ Matthew Adelstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 117:04


    Pat is joined by Matthew Adelstein to discuss some of their (current) favorite arguments for God. 

    Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse w/ Jack Boczar

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 63:53


    Pat is joined by Jack Boczar to discuss his forthcoming paper, Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse.  Jack has published on Aquinas and Augustine and is currently working on medieval metaphysics. His PhilPeople page can be accessed here:  https://philpeople.org/profiles/jack-boczar

    The NEW Philosophical Case for Theism w/ Dr. Joshua Sijuwade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 85:48


    Pat talks with Joshua Sijuwade about his new book Analytic Theism. If you like this conversation, please comment, share, and subscribe. For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ 

    The Problem of Animal Suffering w/ Dr. Kyle Keltz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 82:45


    Pat is joined by Dr. Kyle Keltz  to discuss some of his recent work on the problem of evil with respect  to animal suffering. Also, to announce a new volume on the problem of animal suffering that Dr. Keltz is editting and that Pat is contributing to. 

    Discussing Divine Simplicity w/ Dr. Gavin Ortlund

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 59:49


    Dr. Gavin Ortlund recently debated Dr. Ryan Mullins on divine simplicity. After, John DeRosa hosted Gavin and myself for a bit of a debrief and extended conversation on the topic. Here's the replay, from John's Classical Theism podcast.

    Fr. Thomas Joseph White on the Existence of God and the Rationality of Religious Belief

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 56:22


    Pat is joined by Fr. Thomas Joseph White to discuss some of the contents of his recent book Principles of Catholic Theology, Book 2: On the Rational Credibility of Christianity https://amzn.to/4dgsn78 

    Mathematical Objects Are Non-Physical (and You Are Too) w/ Dr. Selmer Bringsjord - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 25:15


    This converation was originally hosted for the Mind Matters podcast, but is now being shared here. 

    Classical Theism, Divine Simplicity, and Ultimate Explanation (replay from Classical Theism Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 73:00


    This episode -- focusing on classical theism, divine simplicity, and ultimate explanation -- is a special replay of a conversation with Dr. Christopher Tomaszewski as featured on The Classical Theism Podcast. Pat appears toward the end to engage Chris on what resources (if any) classical theism might afford to meta-epistemology. Check out John's Classical Theism Podcast (it's one of the best) and consider supporting him on Patreon: https://www.classicaltheism.com/support 

    The Problem of Divine Hiddenness | Is There Non-Resistant Non-Belief Belief? w/ Dr. Stephen Napier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 57:48


    Dr. Stephen Napier returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss his recent publication in response to the problem of divine hiddenness: Is There Non-Resistant Non-Belief?  https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/religious-studies/article/is-there-nonresistant-nonbelief/21F4527C7306B350D49B46E2CB8BDDD0 PS - Sorry for the "beeping" noise throughout. Is what it is.

    Philosophy QnA w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 70:18


    Gaven takes listener questions on philosophy, theology, and how to get published. 

    Substance Dualism w/ Dr. Stewart Goetz and Dr. Charles Taliaferro

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 66:37


    Please enjoy this conversation exploring substance dualism. Subscribe if you want. Or not! 

    Scripture and Metaphysics (plus QnA) w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2023 81:37


    Come hang with Dr. Gaven Kerr as we chat Scripture and Metaphysics. PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/48fhsYb 

    Catholicism and the Problem of God w/ Dr. Mark Spencer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 56:50


    Dr. Mark Spencer has a new Element out called Catholicism and the Problem of God. In this episode, we explore some of the contents of that book, including the apparent tensions that arise between Catholic claims concerning God and philosophy of God, or features of God and features of the world (i.e., problem of evil).  For more, check out Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com Also, Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3RFm8Ra 

    Is God the World's Soul? A Thomistic Critique of Panentheism w/ Fr. James Dominic Rooney

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 69:17


    Fr. James Dominic Rooney returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss his recent critique of panentheism. If you like the video, hit like and subscribe to Philosophy for the People for more!  More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QHzf2N 

    The Logical Problem of Evil - Is It Dead or Alive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 4:32


    Pat offers a brief introduction to the logical problem -- or better, logical argument -- from evil (against the existence of God).

    A Brief History of the Problem of Evil w/ Dr. Jim Madden

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 48:09


    Pat and Jim offer a brief history of the problem of evil, highlighting how this philosophical challenge to the existence of God, and various responses to it, have evolved over time. Share your thoughts on today's conversation below. All comments and perspectives welcome, just keep it courteous! If you like the video, hit like and subscribe to Philosophy for the People for more!

    The Value of Knowing: Myth or Reality? The Epistemic Value Question w/ Dr. Jonathan Fuqua

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 47:29


    Most of us strongly assume that knowing is valuable. Moreover, that it is valuable to come to truth truth apart from instances of luck. Why? Can we give a good philosophical accounts of this? Dr. Fuqua argues we can, in his recent article "Proper Functionalism, Perfectionism, and the Epistemic Value Problem." That is what we discuss today! More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP 

    Read Philosophy Like a Pro: Simple Techniques for Deep Understanding

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 21:01


    Whether you're new to philosophy or looking to deepen your understanding, this video is your guide to tackling philosophical texts with confidence. In this episode, Pat offers tips on everything from having the right mindset when engaging philosophical texts to practical approaches for absorbing the most from them.  More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/47Djn89 

    The Power of Why: What Philosophy Is and Why Do It

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 6:20


    Welcome to Philosophy for the People, where deep thinking meets practical insight. In this episode, we delve into the fundamental nature of philosophy and its significance in our daily lives. Our discussions aim to illuminate how philosophical thinking shapes our understanding of the world. If you find value in our content, please support us by liking this video and subscribing to our channel. We encourage you to join the conversation by commenting below: What got YOU interested in philosophy?  For more philosophy action, head to Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  Also, check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QFrHxt 

    Unlocking Reality: Aristotle's 4 Causes Explained!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 6:50


    Dive into the ancient wisdom of Aristotle as we unravel the mysteries of existence with his theory of the Four Causes. In this brief (but hopefully enlightening!) video, we'll explore the fundamental questions that have captivated thinkers for centuries: What is the essence of being? Why do things occur the way they do? Aristotle's answers lie in his Four Causes – Material, Formal, Efficient, and Final. These causes offer a timeless framework that has shaped philosophical thought and our understanding of the world around us. Don't forget to hit 'Like' if you find Aristotle as fascinating as we do, and 'Comment' with your thoughts or questions to join the conversation. Finally, if you're eager for more philosophical explorations, make sure to 'Subscribe' to our channel and turn on notifications to never miss a discussion. MORE RESOURCES Subscribe to Pat's "Journal of Absolute Truth" philosophy Substack at https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  And if you're into philosophy of religion, check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/467wXQd 

    Mind Meets World: A Thomistic-Kantian Approach to Understanding Reality w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 58:21


    Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss the (surprising) harmonies between Thomism and Kantianism concerning theories of knowledge and mind-world relations. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!  PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God at: https://amzn.to/47lhEnX 

    The Essence of Being: Philosophical Inquiries into Existence

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 7:05


    In today's episode, we examine the two-sense theory of existence, and confront one of the paradoxes purported to afflict the commonsense view of existence, where existence is taken to be attribute of individuals. Comment below with your thoughts, questions, or the next philosophical enigma you want us to unravel. Don't forget to hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell to join our community of thinkers and stay updated with our weekly explorations into philosophy. Your support helps us bring philosophy to the people and makes our content more discoverable for others seeking answers to life's big questions. PS - Check out Pat's  new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/46WtK79 

    Can We Rule Out Immortality?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 34:44


    Pat and Jim discuss William James' essay Human Immortality: Two Supposed Objections to the Doctrine.  PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God https://amzn.to/3Q5qBuz 

    The One Has the Many: A Synthesis of Aquinas, Scotus, and Palamas w/ Dr. Spencer and Fr. Kirby

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 74:38


    Pat is joined by Dr. Mark Spencer and Fr. Matthew Kirby to discuss their recent paper The One Has the Many: A Further Synthesis of Aquinas, Scotus, and Palamas. Link to paper: https://www.academia.edu/108261668/_The_One_has_the_Many_A_Further_Synthesis_of_Aquinas_Scotus_and_Palamas_Co_Written_with_Fr_Matthew_Kirby_International_Philosophical_Quarterly_62_2_June_2022_161_187  Link to Dr. Spencer's academia page: https://stthomas.academia.edu/MarkSpencer  Link to Dr. Spencer's book The Irreducibility of the Human Person: https://www.amazon.com/Irreducibility-Human-Person-Catholic-Synthesis/dp/0813235200  Please like, share, comment, and subscribe!

    The Perennial Importance of Thomistic Philosophy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 31:30


    Pat is joined by Fr. Irenaeus for an introductory conversation on Thomistic philosophy and its modern day relevance. Check out Aquinas 101 at https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute... Support Philosophy for the people by, 1) Liking, sharing, and commenting on this video and, 2) Snagging a copying of Pat's new book The Best Argument for God at https://www.amazon.com/Best-Argument-God-Patrick-Flynn/dp/1644137801/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E6PXZ6FPMCEJ&keywords=the+best+argument+for+God&qid=1697456782&sprefix=the+best+argument+for+god%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1 

    Philosopher Vs. ChatGPT: Respectful Debate on the Ontological Argument!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2023 70:12


    In today's episode, Dr. Daniel Vecchio engages ChatGPT in a measured and insightful discussion about his version of Anselm's Ontological Argument. Who says that calm and composed conversations can't be deeply enriching? If you appreciate the content of Philosophy for the People, please like the video and share it with those who enjoy philosophical explorations. Also, consider subscribing for more philosophical discussions in the future. For additional content, check out Pat's philosophy Substack at https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com 

    Pt.3: Fresh Perspectives on The Mind-Brain Debate | Roundtable on Philosophy of Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 51:39


    Pat finishes his conversation with Dr. Angus Menuge, Dr. Robert Markts, and Brian Krouse around the contents of a new volume released in philosophy of mind called Minding the Brain: Models of Mind, Information, and Empirical Science.

    Pt.2: Fresh Perspectives on The Mind-Brain Debate | Roundtable on Philosophy of Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 42:03


    Pat continues his conversation with Dr. Angus Menuge, Dr. Robert Markts, and Brian Krouse around the contents of a new volume released in philosophy of mind called Minding the Brain: Models of Mind, Information, and Empirical Science.

    Fresh Perspectives on The Mind-Brain Debate | Roundtable on Philosophy of Mind, Pt. 1.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 43:46


    Pat is joined by Dr. Angus Menuge, Dr. Robert Markts, and Brian Krouse for an extended conversation around the contents of a new volume released in philosophy of mind called Minding the Brain: Models of Mind, Information, and Empirical Science.

    Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition w/ Dr. Jim Jacobs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 57:44


    Pat is joined by Dr. Jim Jacobs, author of Seat of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy in the Catholic Tradition. Seat of Wisdom is available here: https://www.cuapress.org/9780813234656/seat-of-wisdom/  Please like, comment, share, and subscribe

    Phaedo by Plato | What Is It Really About?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 33:59


    Pat and Jim summarize and discuss Plato's Phaedo.

    Aquinas's Theory of the Atonement w/ Dr. John Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 53:03


    Pat is joined by Dr. John Joy to discuss Aquinas's theory of the atonement.

    Discussing Religious Epistemology w/ Dr. Tyler McNabb

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 30:49


    Pat is joined by Dr. Tyler McNabb for a discussion on religious epistemology. PS - check out the new Cambridge Handbook of Religious Epistemology: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-handbook-of-religious-epistemology/1F03540692F28C8EB49AF0B5A8367CBB

    The Best Argument for God INTERVIEW REPLAY

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 71:36


    Pat was recently interviewed by Dr. Anythony Alberino about his forthcoming book The Best Argument for God.  https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-best-argument-for-god/  Link up with Dr. Alberino at https://www.youtube.com/@thinkforchrist 

    The Primordial Free Will Defense to The Logical Problem of Evil

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 59:47


    Pat and Jim discuss a very creative and provocative response to the logical problem of evil from philosopher Mark Johnston. Want to support the channel? Consider pre-ordering Pat's forthcoming book The Best Argument for God: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-best-argument-for-god/ 

    It's Almost Here! (Major Book Announcement)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 14:29


    Pat's forthcoming book, The Best Argument for God, is now available for pre-order at all the usual places, with an official release of Oct 17th. The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3s9WsSA  To inquire about scheduling an event or interview with Pat around the book, please use the contact form here: https://www.philosophyforthepeople.com/contact 

    Dr. Brian Miller on Science and Natural Theology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 49:58


    Please like, share, comment, and subscribe. God's Grandeur: https://amzn.to/4793ZB2   More philosophy content on my Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ 

    The Feser-Lofton Tiff and the Case for Intellectual Populism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 47:57


    Pat and Jim try to bring out an important lesson from a recent online controversy. 

    Thoughts on Joe Rogan, Stephen Meyer, and Intelligent Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 54:40


    Pat and Jim reflect on a recent podcast between Rogan and Meyer on Intelligent Design.

    Can the Gospels Be Trusted? w/ Gary Michuta

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 40:41


    Pat talks with Gary Michuta about his new book The Gospel Truth: https://stpaulcenter.com/product/the-gospel-truth-how-we-can-know-what-christ-taught/ 

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