Podcasts by Egg Timer Philosophy

147: Thomas Malthus on Population from 2023-12-04T10:55

Today's episode of the egg timer takes a look at Thomas Malthus's ideas about population and the significant influence that they had on 19th century thought.

If you have comments,...

146: Hardin on The Tragedy of The Commons from 2023-11-09T23:21:07

in 1968 Garrett Hardin published 'The Tragedy of the Commons' and since that time his ideas have proved highly influential to a wide range of thinkers including philosophers, political s...

145: The Commons from 2023-10-19T20:22:27

This episode of the egg timer takes a critical look at what the commons are and why they matter to the history of ideas.

Send you comments, questions, and ideas for future episodes to egg...

144: Confirmation Bias from 2023-09-29T00:28:12

Tune into today's episode to learn more about confirmation bias. What is it? Why do we have it? What can be done about it?

Send you comments, questions, and ideas for fut...

143: Bioethics and Organ Donation from 2023-09-04T23:10:47

Tune in for a discussion of ethical issues related with organ donation and specifically what a system of organ donation ought to be like.

Send your questions, comments, and ideas for futu...

142: Philosophy and 1984: Part 4 from 2023-08-12T17:32:01

This fourth and final installment of the Summer Series takes a look at the philosophical themes from the last quarter of 1984. Winston is being interrogated by O'Brien and what ensues in the...

141: Philosophy and 1984: Part 3 from 2023-07-28T21:52:35

This third installment of the Summer Series returns to 1984 where Winston and Julia are becoming increasingly entangled in a dangerous conspiracy against The Party.

A free copy of 1984 ca...

140: Philosophy and 1984: Part 2 from 2023-07-12T18:16:27

This installment of the Summer Series takes a look at some of the more important philosophical and social themes from the second quarter of 1984. Winston visits the proles section of the city an...

139: Philosophy and 1984: Part 1 from 2023-06-29T00:56:51

This first installment of the Summer Series takes a look at philosophical themes from the first quarter of Orwell's classic, 1984. Tune in to hear ideas about totalitarian dystopia, power an...

138: Philosophy and 1984 Summer Series Announcement from 2023-06-13T18:57:31

The 2023 Summer series will highlight themes from George Orwell's classic dystopian creation, 1984. The initial episode covering the first quarter of the book will be released June 28th, the...

137: Leibniz on Monads from 2023-05-17T22:45:43

What is the fundamental element of reality? In 1714 Leibniz published the Monadology and gave a very interesting answer to this question. There he argued that a non-physical part less basic subs...

136: Duties Owed to Future Generations? from 2023-04-26T21:13:18

Can we owe duties to people who do not yet exist? Tune in as this vexing philosophical and ethical question gets scrambled up.

135: Ethics And The Law from 2023-04-11T22:28:33

This episode of the egg timer offers some introductory questions and themes about the relationship between ethics and the law.

Send you questions, comments, and ideas for future episodes ...

134: Camus's 'The Stranger': Part 2 from 2023-03-29T20:03:07

This episode of the egg timer scrambles up existential themes from the second half of Albert Camus's 'The Stranger'.

You can find the full text of 'The Stranger' here:...

133: Camus's 'The Stranger': Part 1 from 2023-03-21T18:08:26

This episode of the egg timer scrambles up existential themes from the first half of Albert Camus's 'The Stranger'.

You can find the full text of 'The Strange...

132: Camus's 'The Stranger' Preview from 2023-03-14T14:18:11

This episode of the egg timer previews Albert Camus's 20th century classic novel 'The Stranger'.  The next two episodes of the podcast will be devoted to taking a look at the major philosop...

131: Hannah Arendt on the Banality of Evil from 2023-03-03T13:00:01

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at Hannah Arendt's thoughts about the banality of evil.  Arendt's treatment of evil was one of the most important and controversial ideas within 2...

130: Isaiah Berlin's 'Two Concepts of Liberty' from 2023-02-21T13:00:31

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at Isaiah Berlin's 20th century political philosophy classic, 'Two Concepts of Liberty'.  Tune in to learn more about the distinction Berlin makes...

129: Two Utilitarian Thought Experiments from 2023-02-10T13:00:17

For today's episode a couple of thought experiments meant to provoke some critical thought surrounding utilitarian ethics.

Send your comments, questions, and ideas for future episodes to:...

128: Price Gouging and Scarcity from 2023-01-31T13:00:49

For most people price gouging is a very cut and dry ethical issue.  Tune in to find out how considerations of scarcity make the issue more complex than it first appears to be.

Send y...

127: Herbert Spencer's Evolutionary Individualism from 2023-01-20T13:00:18

Herbert Spencer was an extremely influential 19th century thinker but his ideas exist in relative obscurity today.  He coined the phrase 'survival of the fittest' and wrote extensively on a...

126: Darwin on Natural Selection from 2023-01-10T13:00:16

Tune in to learn more about Charles Darwin's idea of Natural Selection and how that idea was impactful well beyond the biological sciences.  

Send over your questions, thoughts, and ...

125: Princess Elisabeth's Objection to Descartes's Dualism from 2022-12-30T13:00:08

In 1643 Elisabeth, Princess of Bohemia, wrote a series of letters to Descartes which posed a strong objection to his dualism.  Tune in to learn more about that objection and how Descartes r...

124: The Gettier Problem and Knowledge from 2022-12-20T13:00:32

In 1963 Edmund Gettier's short paper offering counterexamples to the idea that knowledge amounts to justified true belief sent shock waves around the philosophical world.  Tune in to learn ...

123: Knowledge as Justified True Belief from 2022-12-09T13:00:41

Knowledge is often defined today as justified true belief.  This episode is devoted to taking a look at each part of this influential approach to understanding wh...

122: Natural Procedural Rights from 2022-11-29T13:00:49

Do people have natural procedural rights to be judged by fair and reliable processes?  That's the topic for this episode of the egg timer.  Tune in for an application of natural rights...

121: Rousseau on Inequality from 2022-11-18T13:00:54

Why does inequality exist?  That's the question that Jean Jacques Rousseau set out to answer in the mid 18th century.  Tune in to find out the answer he gives and why his ideas about i...

120: Egalitarianism from 2022-11-08T15:28:54

Today's episode takes a look at the nuanced idea of egalitarianism.  Tune in to find out why the view is much more than simply giving everyone the same.

Send over you comments, quest...

119: The Ring of Gyges in Plato's Republic from 2022-10-28T13:00:09

If a person found a ring that gave them the ability to be invisible and face no consequences for how they acted would they have any reason to act justly?  This is the Ring of Gyges example ...

118: The Prisoner's Dilemma and Game Theory from 2022-10-18T12:00:19

For this episode of the egg timer a look at the classic prisoner's dilemma.  This is the game that ushered in contemporary game theory in the 1950's and it remains highly relevant today. Listen

117: The Rabbit Duck Illusion from 2022-10-07T13:00:09

Take a look at the cover art for the episode.  What do you see?  I see a duck but many other people see a rabbit.  Listen in to find out how the rabbit duck illusion brings with i...

116: Aristotle On The Best Type of Life from 2022-09-27T12:00:38

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at why Aristotle thought the best type of life could only be the life of contemplation.  

Send your questions, comments, and ideas for futu...

115: The Montey Hall Puzzle from 2022-09-16T12:13:28

The Montey Hall Puzzle has perplexed people for over three decades.  Tune in to find out what the puzzle can teach about the idea about making decisions under conditions of variable change....

114: Presentism from 2022-09-09T20:44:04

Philosophical presentism is the view that the present or present entities are the only things that are real.  Tune in to learn more about this intriguing view.

Send over your thought...

113: Big Lotteries and Expected Value from 2022-09-02T14:00:35

For today's episode a look at the topic of expected value through the lens of the lottery.  

Send over your thoughts, questions and ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@g...

112: Descartes's Sixth Meditation from 2022-08-26T21:37:03

Today's episode concludes the Summer Series and takes a look at how Descartes makes his final push to move from global skepticism to general knowledge.

Send your thoughts, questions, or i...

111: The Blind Chessmaster from 2022-08-18T14:00:21

Where does a game of chess actually exist?  That's the question for this episode of the egg timer and its answer open a number of very interesting philosophical possibilities.

Send y...

110: Descartes's Fifth Meditation from 2022-08-11T14:01:40

This  episode covers major themes from Descartes's fifth meditation in his  'Meditations on First Philosophy'.  His primary focus in the fifth meditation is to address how it is t...

109: Descartes's Fourth Meditation from 2022-07-28T22:59:32

This episode covers major themes from Descartes's fourth meditation in his 'Meditations on First Philosophy'.  His central concern in the fourth meditation is to address the source of our e...

108: Descartes's Third Meditation from 2022-07-14T15:00:49

This episode of the egg timer covers Descartes's Third Meditation within his Meditations on First Philosophy.  During the Second Meditation Descartes made the case for people having absolut...

107: Descartes's Second Meditation from 2022-06-30T15:00:21

This episode covers Descartes's Second Meditation within his Meditations on First Philosophy.  Here Descartes introduces his infamous idea, 'I think, therefore I am'.

Send your thoug...

106: Self-Defense from 2022-06-23T15:00:32

For this episode a discussion of self-defense with emphasis given to the ideas of proportionality and aggression.

Send over your thoughts, questions, or ideas for future episodes to eggti...

105: Descartes's First Meditation from 2022-06-16T15:00:48

Descartes first meditation from his Meditations on First Philosophy kicks off the Summer Series.  Listen in the find out how Descartes demolishes all of his beliefs in order to begin the se...

104: Descartes Summer Series Announcement from 2022-06-09T15:00:46

Listen in to find out details about the Descartes Summer Series.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@gmail.com

Art Attribution: <...

103: Tocqueville's Democracy in America: Part 2 from 2022-06-02T15:00:52

Join in for this part two of a discussion about Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America.  Special focus will be given the the greatest threats to democracy that Tocqueville sees and ho...

102: Tocqueville's Democracy in America: Part 1 from 2022-05-26T15:00:23

Alexis de Tocqueville is most well known for his phrase, 'the tyranny of the majority'.  Listen in to learn more about Tocqueville's thoughts about Democracy in America that he formed after...

101: Economics Without Ethics? from 2022-05-19T15:00:09

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at the possibility of offering a comprehensive economic view without an ethical foundation.  Those prospects are not good.

Image Attributio...

100: Are Numbers Even Real? from 2022-05-12T15:00:13

A hundred episodes of the egg timer later, but are numbers even real?  

Send your comments, questions, and ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@gmail.com

Image Att...

99: Peter Kropotkin on Mutual Aid from 2022-05-05T15:51:47

Listen in the learn more about the late nineteenth century philosopher and historian Peter Kropotkin.  Kropotkin was a communist and anarchist.  He argued that mutual aid, not competit...

98: Religious Liberty And The State from 2022-04-29T08:00:18

This episode of the egg timer reviews the topic of religious liberties and toleration within political communities.  Special focus is given to the tension between the state as a being under...

97: Transhumanism and Immortality: Part 2 from 2022-04-22T08:00

More discussion of transhumanism and immortality with focus given to why many people are not so sure they would want to live forever.  

Send your thoughts, questions, and ideas for f...

96: Transhumanism and Immortality: Part 1 from 2022-04-15T08:00

Could people in the not too distant future become immortal?  Sounds unlikely, right.  Well, tune in to find out how this might not be so unlikely.  

Send your thoughts, que...

95: Ethics and Truth from 2022-04-08T08:00

Today's topic is how to best think about ethical truth as it relates with truth in other areas of human inquiry such as mathematics and the natural sciences.  Many people believe that truth...

94: Truth: The Basic Views from 2022-04-01T08:00

During this episode of the egg timer three major themes/questions related with truth are covered.  What is it that truth applies to?  How do subjectivity and objectivity relate with tr...

93: The Turing Test from 2022-03-25T08:00

In 1950 Alan Turing introduced an inventive test to explore whether people could distinguish between interacting with another person or with a machine.  That test has been come to be known ...

92: Marx on Alienated Labor from 2022-03-18T08:00

Today's episode takes a look at Karl Marx's thoughts about alienated labor.  Tune in to find out why Marx valued labor a great deal but thought that capitalistic working conditions tended t...

91: Economic Inequality from 2022-03-11T07:55:39

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at the relationship between economic inequality and history.  Special attention will be given to Robert Nozick's Wilt Chamberlin example.   Listen

90: Secondary Ticket Markets from 2022-03-04T09:00

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at the economics and ethics of the secondary ticket market.  This is a market understandably loathed by many but the existence of the market invol...

89: Thomas Kuhn on Scientific Revolutions from 2022-02-25T09:00

Today's episode looks at some major themes from Thomas Kuhn's 1962 book, 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions'.  That book was one of the most important and influential philosophical wo...

88: Anselm's Ontological Argument for the Existence of God from 2022-02-18T09:00

Today's episode takes a look at St. Anselm's ontological argument to prove the existence of God.  Anselm makes the case that the existence of God can be established in a purely rational way...

87: Emma Goldman on Anarchism from 2022-02-11T09:00

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at Emma Goldman's defense of anarchism as a viable political theory and approach to life.  For many people anarchism is a non-starter but Goldman'...

86: Ethical Relativism from 2022-02-04T09:00

This episode of the egg timer takes a critical look at the view of ethical relativism.  It is a commonly held belief that the foundation of ethics rests on relative judgments that will diff...

85: Max Stirner's Anti-Authoritarianism from 2022-01-28T09:00

Max Stirner is not a household name but his nineteenth century anti-authoritarian views set the stage for anarchist and libertarian views with relevance today.  Tune in to find out more abo...

84: Advaita Vedanta and Reality from 2022-01-21T09:00

This episode of the egg timer explores the major themes of Advaita Vedanta within the Indian Philosophical Tradition with special attention given to how the view distinguishes empirical reality ...

83: Martin Luther King Jr. on Just and Unjust Laws from 2022-01-14T09:00

For today's episode of the egg timer the topic will be Martin Luther King's distinction between just and unjust laws.  King had a well developed view about the difference between just and u...

82: Assumptions from 2022-01-07T09:00

This episode of the egg timer is focused around exploring the nature of assumptions.  What is an assumption and how do they play a crucial role in our thinking?  Tune in to find out ho...

81: God and Foreknowledge from 2021-12-31T15:06:23

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at the implications that God's foreknowledge has for free will.  If God knows all there is to know about the future can people make free choices a...

80: Gifts and Gift Giving from 2021-12-25T01:19:48

For this Holiday edition of the egg timer the topic will be the economic, social, and philosophical aspects of gifts and gift giving.  Can all gifts be given an economic analysis or is ther...

79: Public Goods, Free Riders, and Rose Gardens from 2021-12-22T17:03:08

This episode of the egg timer will focus on public goods and free riders.  Do people have obligations to pay for things that generally benefit them?  Listen is as this question is crac...

78: The Morality of Taxation from 2021-12-16T09:00

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at the morality of taxation and compares taxation to other types of economic exchange.

Send your questions, comments, and ideas for future episo...

77: Kant on Space and Time from 2021-12-10T18:09:31

This episode of the egg timer continues with themes from Kant's epistemology and metaphysics within his Critique of Pure Reason and looks specifically at the topics of space and time.  List...

76: Kant on the Phenomena and Noumena from 2021-12-03T09:00

This episode of the egg timer cracks open Immanuel Kant's discussion of the Phenomena and Noumena.  The Phenomena are objects which we apprehend through our 'sensible intuition' or appearan...

75: Freedom and Mental Conflict from 2021-11-26T09:00

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at the relationship between freedom and mental conflict.  Could a person who experiences mental peace value freedom?  Probably not.  Tun...

74: Review of 'The Truman Show' from 2021-11-19T09:00

Today on the egg timer a film review of, 'The Truman Show'

Send your question, comments, or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@gmail.com

To see the trailer for the fi...

73: Camus and the Myth of Sisyphus from 2021-11-12T09:00

This episode of the egg timer cracks open Albert Camus existential interpretation of the Myth of Sisyphus.  Listen in as Greek mythology and French existential thought are scrambled up.

72: Tattoos and End of Life Medical Care from 2021-11-05T08:00

The topic for this episode is how to morally evaluate cases where a person has a 'do not resuscitate tattoo' and is brought to a hospital in need of life saving medical interventions but is unab...

71: Locke on Tacit Consent from 2021-10-29T08:00

The focus of this egg timer will be John Locke's thoughts about tacit consent and the role it plays in justifying the legitimacy of government.  

Send your Comments, questions, or id...

70: Consent from 2021-10-22T08:00

Consent is the topic for this egg timer.  Along with thinking about the role of consent within an ethical system focus will also be given to the various types of consent that philosophers o...

69: Marx on False Consciousness from 2021-10-15T08:00

This episode of the egg timer explores Karl Marx's idea of false consciousness.  Marx suggested that many people/workers are radically wrong about what is in their best interest.  How ...

68: Marx on Relative Deprivation from 2021-10-08T17:17:24

This episode of the egg timer focuses on Karl Marx's thoughts about relative deprivation.  Special focus will be given to how relative deprivation relates with the principle of 'equal pay f...

67: Poisonous Balloons and Vaccine Mandates from 2021-10-01T19:04:15

This episode of the egg timer considers the topic of governmentally imposed vaccine mandates.  Specific attention is given to the types variables that ought to be considered when the govern...

66: Freedom, Moral Responsibility and Alternative Possibilities from 2021-09-24T08:00

Does freedom require alternative possibilities?  That's the question for this episode of the egg timer.  Tune in as Harry Frankfurt's enduring answer to this question is cracked open. ...

65: Justin McBrayer Discusses His Book 'Beyond Fake News: Finding the Truth in a World of Misinformation' from 2021-09-17T08:00

For Today's episode of the Egg Timer Justin McBrayer discusses ideas related with his book, 'Beyond Fake News: Finding the Truth in a World of Misinformation'.  Listen in as Justin discusse...

64: Cooley's Looking Glass Self from 2021-09-10T09:55:03

On this episode of the egg timer the topic is Charles Horton Cooley's looking glass self.  Cooley offers a fascinating and dynamic social interpretation of the self.  Tune in to find o...

63: Paley, Watches, and God from 2021-09-03T18:53:03

On today's episode of the egg timer the topic is William Paley's watchmaker analogy to prove the existence of God.  Paley suggests that a person who finds a watch on a beach is right to thi...

62: Harm from 2021-08-27T18:24:20

This episode of the egg timer delves into the topic of harm.  Harm is often treated is a purely comparative way by asking if a person has been made 'worse off' than they were before the har...

61: Science, Evolution, and Circular Reasoning from 2021-08-20T16:57

On this episode of the egg timer the topic is the bootstrapping problem within the empirical sciences.  In particular, the question of what reasons do we have to think that vision is a reli...

60: Moral Luck from 2021-08-13T12:55:27

What role should luck play in our moral assessments?  If a person intends to harm another but as luck would have it is not able to do so should we morally assess their action the same as if...

59: Nietzsche and The Arts from 2021-08-06T08:00

On this last episode of the Nietzsche Summer Series the topic will be Nietzsche and The Arts.  Tune in to learn more about the forces of Greek Tragedy that helped to carve out Nietzsche's a...

58: Nietzsche and Nihilism from 2021-07-23T08:00

On this fourth installment of the Nietzsche Summer Series the topic will be Nietzsche's ideas and nihilism.  Nietzsche is sometimes mistakenly treated as a nihilist and this episode of the ...

57: Martin Bunzl Discusses His Book 'Thinking While Walking: Reflections on the Pacific Crest Trail' from 2021-07-16T08:00

Today on the egg timer we are joined by guest host Martin Bunzl.  Join in as Dr. Bunzl discusses his new book, Thinking While Walking: Reflections on the Pacific Crest Trail.  

...

57: Martin Bunzl Discusses His New Book 'Thinking While Walking: Reflections on the Pacific Crest Trail' from 2021-07-16T08:00

Today on the egg timer we are joined by guest host Martin Bunzl.  Join in as Dr. Bunzl discusses his new book, Thinking While Walking: Reflections on the Pacific Crest Trail.  

56: Nietzsche's Ubermensch from 2021-07-09T08:00

On this third installment of the Nietzsche Summer Series the topic will be Nietzsche's Ubermensch.  Join in for an episode that takes a look how Nietzsche developed this vexing idea. Check ...

55: Nietzsche's Will to Power from 2021-06-25T13:00

In the second Nietzsche summer series episode the topic will be the Will to Power with specific focus on the text 'Beyond Good and Evil'.  The Will to Power played a critical role in Nietzs...

Ep. #55 - Nietzsche's Will to Power from 2021-06-25T13:00

In our second Nietzsche summer series episode the topic will be the Will to Power with specific focus on the text 'Beyond Good and Evil'.  The Will to Power played a critical role in Nietzs...

54: The Non-Identity Problem in Bioethics from 2021-06-19T18:51:02

On today's episode the topic is the non-identity problem which has become central in many bioethics debates surrounding the beginning of life.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas ...

Ep. #54 - The Non-Identity Problem in Bioethics from 2021-06-19T18:51:02

On today's episode we explore the non-identity problem which has become central in many bioethics debates surrounding the beginning of life.

Image Attribution: By Carin Araujo, http:/...

Ep. #53 - Nietzsche and Truth from 2021-06-11T18:27:50

On this episode of the egg timer, and the first in the Nietzsche Summer series, we explore Nietzsche 1873 essay 'On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense'.  Special attention is given to the s...

53: Nietzsche and Truth from 2021-06-11T18:27:50

On this episode of the egg timer, and the first in the Nietzsche Summer series, we explore Nietzsche 1873 essay 'On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense'.  Special attention is given to the s...

52: Nietzsche Summer Series Announcement from 2021-06-09T18:10:16

Over the course of the Summer the egg timer will be having a Summer podcast series covering the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche.  See release dates below for episodes topics in the series and ...

Ep. #52 - Nietzsche Summer Series Announcement from 2021-06-09T18:10:16

Over the course of the Summer the egg timer will be having a Summer podcast series covering the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche.  See release dates below for episodes topics in the series and ...

51: Hobbes and Government from 2021-06-04T19:12:24

Under what conditions should people living without a government agree to form a government?  On this episode of the egg timer we see the answer that Thomas Hobbes gave nearly four hundred y...

Ep. #51 - Hobbes and Government from 2021-06-04T19:12:24

Under what conditions should people living without a government agree to form a government?  On this episode of the egg timer we see the answer that Thomas Hobbes gave nearly four hundred y...

51: Hobbes on Government from 2021-06-04T19:12:24

Under what conditions should people living without a government agree to form a government?  On this episode of the egg timer we see the answer that Thomas Hobbes gave nearly four hundred y...

50: Durkheim on Religion from 2021-05-28T13:00

On today's episode the topic will be Emile Durkheim's treatment of religion with special emphasis given to the distinction between the sacred and the profane.

Send over your thoughts, que...

Ep. # 50 - Durkheim on Religion from 2021-05-28T13:00

On today's episode we explore the basic components of Emile Durkheim's treatment of religion with special emphasis given to the distinction between the sacred and the profane.

Image A...

49: The Communist Manifesto from 2021-05-21T21:43:52

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to taking a critical look at the Communist Manifesto or more formally titled 'Manifesto of the Communist Party'.  Specifically the topics of history...

Ep. #49 - The Communist Manifesto from 2021-05-21T21:43:52

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to taking a critical look at the Communist Manifesto or more formally titled 'Manifesto of the Communist Party'.  Specifically the topics of history...

48: The Detachable Body from 2021-05-14T18:14:23

On this episode of the egg timer the topic will revolve around questions concerning what constitutes the body as well how advanced technology will force people to rethink the rights that protect...

Ep. #48 - The Detachable Body from 2021-05-14T18:14:23

On this episode of the egg timer we explore questions concerning what constitutes the body as well how advanced technology will force people to rethink the rights that protect the body.

Ep. #47 - The Euthyphro Dilemma from 2021-05-07T12:56:21

Do the Gods love the good because it is good or is something good because the Gods love it?  That's the dilemma that Plato posed through the voice of Socrates in his dialogue Euthyphro and ...

47: The Euthyphro Dilemma from 2021-05-07T12:56:21

Do the Gods love the good because it is good or is something good because the Gods love it?  That's the dilemma that Plato posed through the voice of Socrates in his dialogue Euthyphro and ...

46: The Trolley Problem: Part II from 2021-04-30T01:19:23

On today's episode we delve deeper into the ethical conundrum of the trolley problem.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@gmail.com

Ep. #46 - The Trolley Problem: Part II from 2021-04-30T01:19:23

On today's episode we delve deeper into the ethical conundrum of the trolley problem.

Image Attribution: By 04_15_09_162xp_-_Flickr_-_drewj1946.jpg: Drew  Jacksich from San Jose,...

Ep. #45 - The Trolley Problem: Part 1 from 2021-04-23T16:48:43

Imagine you are conducting a trolley and the break gets stuck.  If you do nothing the trolley will kill five workman on your path.  But you can quickly switch tracks where the trolley ...

45: The Trolley Problem: Part 1 from 2021-04-23T16:48:43

Imagine you are conducting a trolley and the break gets stuck.  If you do nothing the trolley will kill five workman on your path.  But you can quickly switch tracks where the trolley ...

Ep. #44 - Nietzsche on Eternal Recurrence from 2021-04-16T16:10:02

How would you respond to the offer to live life again forever exactly as you have lived it?  That's the question Nietzsche poses with his eternal recurrence thought experiment.  On tod...

44: Nietzsche on Eternal Recurrence from 2021-04-16T16:10:02

How would you respond to the offer to live life again forever exactly as you have lived it?  That's the question Nietzsche poses with his eternal recurrence thought experiment.  This e...

Ep. #43 - Vegetarianism and Animal Welfare from 2021-04-09T16:15:19

Is eating meat a moral practice?  On Today's episode we consider this question with specific attention given to a very interesting analogy between eating meat and swinging a baseball bat in...

43: Vegetarianism and Animal Welfare from 2021-04-09T16:15:19

Is eating meat a moral practice?  Today's episode explores this question with specific attention given to a very interesting analogy between eating meat and swinging a baseball bat into a c...

42: Euthanasia from 2021-04-02T17:06:18

This episode of the egg timer explores James Rachels's influential essay, 'Active and Passive Euthanasia'.  Rachels suggests that the distinction based upon the difference between killing a...

Ep. #42 - Euthanasia from 2021-04-02T17:06:18

On this episode of the egg timer we will take a look at James Rachels's influential essay, 'Active and Passive Euthanasia'.  Rachels suggests that the distinction based upon the difference ...

41: Crito: The Death of Socrates from 2021-03-27T01:35:42

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to the Platonic Dialouge of Crito.  In this Dialouge Socrates finds himself in prison awaiting a death sentence and his friend Crito has come to vis...

Ep. #41 - Crito: The Death of Socrates from 2021-03-27T01:35:42

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to the Platonic Dialouge of Crito.  In this Dialouge Socrates finds himself in prison awaiting a death sentence and his friend Crito has come to vis...

40: Weakness of Will from 2021-03-20T00:14:59

Does weakness of will exist?  It sure seems like the answer is yes but as we will see, by looking at the basic views of Plato and Aristotle, the answer is more nuanced and interestingly com...

Ep. #40 - Weakness of Will from 2021-03-20T00:14:59

Does weakness of will exist?  It sure seems like the answer is yes but as we will see, by looking at the basic views of Plato and Aristotle, the answer is more nuanced and interestingly com...

39: Threats, Offers, and The Godfather from 2021-03-13T12:28:24

This episode of the egg timer considers the distinction between threats and offers.  Many people typically think that offers are morally permissible and threats are not. This thought is nor...

Ep. #39 - Threats, Offers, and The Godfather from 2021-03-13T12:28:24

On this episode of the egg timer we take a look at the distinction between threats and offers.  Many people typically think that offers are morally permissible and threats are not. This tho...

38: Human Nature and Freedom from 2021-03-06T15:40:15

Can human nature and freedom coexist?  Maybe, but if so a new way to look at both ideas will probably be needed.  Enjoy this episode of the egg timer as the topic of how human nature a...

Ep. #38 - Human Nature and Freedom from 2021-03-06T15:40:15

Can human nature and freedom coexist?  Maybe, but if so a new way to look at both ideas will probably be needed.  Enjoy this episode of the egg timer as we consider how human nature an...

Ep. #37 - Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism from 2021-02-28T03:19:48

On this episode of the egg timer we will take a look at the distinction between act and rule utilitarianism.

Image Attribution: Alpha Stock Images - http://alphastockimages.com/

37: Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism from 2021-02-28T03:19:48

On this episode of the egg timer the distinction between act and rule utilitarianism is given a closer look.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerph...

36: Use from 2021-02-20T19:18:38

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring and attempting to define the concept of use.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@g...

Ep. #36 - What is Use? from 2021-02-20T19:18:38

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring and attempting to define the concept of use.

Image Attribution: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Comm...

36: What is Use? from 2021-02-20T19:18:38

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring and attempting to define the concept of use.

Image Attribution: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Comm...

Ep. #35 - Milton Friedman on Business Ethics from 2021-02-13T21:48:47

Do people conducting business have any ethical obligations beyond following the law and making as much profit as possible?  On Today's episode we will explore Milton Friedman's influential ...

35: Milton Friedman on Business Ethics from 2021-02-13T21:48:47

Do people conducting business have any ethical obligations beyond following the law and making as much profit as possible?  On Today's episode we will explore Milton Friedman's influential ...

34: Utilitarianism from 2021-02-06T07:00

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring the basic aspects of utilitarian ethical thought.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphiloso...

Ep. #34 - Utilitarianism from 2021-02-06T07:00

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring the basic aspects of utilitarian ethical thought.

Image Attribution: Perhelion, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ep. #33 - Berkeley's Idealism from 2021-01-30T08:00

What exists?  George Berkeley argued that the only things that exists are minds and ideas.  Find out more about this odd but strangely compelling view on today's episode.

Ar...

Ep. #33 - George Berkeley's Idealism from 2021-01-30T07:00

What exists?  George Berkeley argued that the only things that exists are minds and ideas.  Find out more about this odd but strangely compelling view on this episode of the egg timer....

33: George Berkeley's Idealism from 2021-01-30T07:00

What exists?  George Berkeley argued that the only things that exists are minds and ideas.  Find out more about this odd but strangely compelling view on this episode of the egg timer....

Ep. #32 - James on Free Will and Determinism from 2021-01-23T08:00

Today on the egg timer we explore how William James makes the case that a deterministic view of the world is confronted with a very challenging dilemma.

Image Attribution: By Notman S...

Ep. #32 - William James on Free Will and Determinism from 2021-01-23T07:00

Today on the egg timer we explore how William James makes the case that a deterministic view of the world is confronted with a very challenging dilemma.

Image Attribution: By Notman S...

32: William James on Free Will and Determinism from 2021-01-23T07:00

Today on the egg timer the topic will be how William James makes the case that a deterministic view of the world is confronted with a very challenging dilemma.

Send over your thoughts, qu...

31: Free Will: The Basic Views from 2021-01-16T07:00

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to reviewing the basic positions that philosophers take toward free will.  Are alternatives possibilities necessary for free will?  That's just...

Ep. #31 - Free Will: The Basic Views from 2021-01-16T07:00

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to reviewing the basic positions that philosophers take toward free will.  Are alternatives possibilities necessary for free will?  That's just...

30: Ought Implies Can, or Does it? from 2021-01-09T07:00

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring the moral principle that 'ought implies can'.  The principle enjoys lots of philosophical support but is more questionable than it firs...

Ep. #30 - Ought Implies Can, or Does it? from 2021-01-09T07:00

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to exploring the moral principle that 'ought implies can'.  The principle enjoys lots of philosophical support but is more questionable than it firs...

29: Music, Money, and Value from 2021-01-02T08:21:50

How much money would it take for you to sell your ability to experience music?  That's the question for this episode of the egg timer.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for...

Ep. #29 - Music, Money, and Value from 2021-01-02T08:21:50

How much money would it take for you to sell your ability to experience music?  That's the question up for examination on this episode of the egg timer.

Art Attribution: By Phint...

28: Self-Ownership from 2020-12-26T06:24:50

What does it mean for a person to own their self?  This episode of the egg timer explores the basic answer that political philosophers have given to this vexing question.

Send over y...

Ep. #28 - Self-Ownership from 2020-12-26T06:24:50

What does it mean for a person to own their self?  On this episode of the egg timer we explore the basic answer that political philosophers have given to this vexing question.

Im...

Ep. #27 - Ownership and Property from 2020-12-19T14:00:20

On this episode of the egg timer we explore the concepts of ownership and property.  Do you own a car that you have just rented at the airport counter?  Tune in as this and other examp...

Ep. #27 - Ownership from 2020-12-19T13:00:20

On this episode of the egg timer we explore the concepts of ownership and property.  Do you own, in any sense, a car that you have just rented at the airport counter?  Tune in, as this...

27: Ownership from 2020-12-19T13:00:20

This episode of the egg timer explores the concepts of ownership and property.  Do you own, in any sense, a car that you have just rented at the airport counter?  Tune in, as this and ...

26: Science and Falsification from 2020-12-12T22:30:35

What separates science from other areas of inquiry?  Karl Popper argued that it is the activity of falsification.  Tune in to hear about Karl Popper's falsification driven view of scie...

Ep. #26 - Science and Falsification from 2020-12-12T22:30:35

What separates science from other areas of inquiry?  Karl Popper argued that it is the activity of falsification.  Tune in this episode to hear about Karl Popper's falsification driven...

25: Aristotle's Ethics from 2020-12-05T19:43:43

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to discussing the major themes within Aristotle's approach to ethics.

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimer...

Ep. #25 - Aristotle's Ethics from 2020-12-05T19:43:43

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to discussing the major themes within Aristotle's approach to ethics.

Art Attribution: By After Lysippos - Jastrow (2006), Public Domain, http...

24: Veblen's Conspicuous Consumption from 2020-11-27T15:26:53

What forces drive us to economically consume?  Today's egg timer will take a look at the philosophical and socially engaging answer that Thorstein Veblen gives to this question.

Send...

Ep. #24 - Veblen's Conspicuous Consumption from 2020-11-27T15:26:53

What forces drive us to economically consume?  On today's egg timer we will take a look at the philosophical and socially engaging answer that Thorstein Veblen gives to this question.

Ep. #23 - Time and Experience from 2020-11-21T14:22:51

On this episode of the egg timer we explore a passage from Robert Pirsig's 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' to better explore the relationship between time and experience.

...

23: Time and Experience from 2020-11-21T14:22:51

This episode of the egg timer explores a passage from Robert Pirsig's 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' to better understand the relationship between time and experience.

Send o...

23: Pirsig on Time and Experience from 2020-11-21T14:22:51

This episode of the egg timer explores a passage from Robert Pirsig's 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' to better understand the relationship between time and experience.

Send o...

Ep. #22 - Mill's Marketplace of Ideas from 2020-11-15T13:50:30

Should society regulate objectionable speech?  On this episode of the egg timer we consider and critique John Stuart Mill's answer to this long standing and difficult question.

I...

22: Mill's Marketplace of Ideas from 2020-11-15T13:50:30

Should society regulate objectionable speech?  This episode of the egg timer considers and critiques John Stuart Mill's answer to this long standing and difficult question.

Send over...

Ep. #21 - Voluntary Choice and Belief from 2020-11-07T12:26:57

Do we have voluntary control over our beliefs?  It turns out probably not in the vast majority of cases.  On this episode we see why this is the case and explore the relationship betwe...

21: Voluntary Choice and Belief from 2020-11-07T12:26:57

Do we have voluntary control over our beliefs?  It turns out probably not in the vast majority of cases.  This episode explains why this is the case and explore the relationship betwee...

Ep. #20 - God and the Problem of Evil from 2020-11-01T14:01:56

Do the evils of the world provide evidence against the existence of God?  We will break this question down on this episode of the egg timer.

Art Attribution: By Michelangelo - En...

20: God and the Problem of Evil from 2020-11-01T14:01:56

Do the evils of the world provide evidence against the existence of God?  Listen in as this question is explored on this episode of the egg timer.

Send over your thoughts, questions ...

Ep. #19 - Justice in Rawls's Veil of Ignorance: Part II from 2020-10-24T15:42:01

What principles of justice would people agree to under a veil of ignorance that prevents them know things about themselves such as their ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation? John ...

19: Justice in Rawls's Veil of Ignorance: Part II from 2020-10-24T15:42:01

What principles of justice would people agree to under a veil of ignorance that prevents them from knowing things about themselves such as their ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientatio...

Ep. #18 - Justice In Rawls's Veil of Ignorance: Part 1 from 2020-10-16T13:13:51

How do we create a just society? In this episode of the egg timer we take a look at how John Rawls used the idea of ignorance to provide a very inventive answer to this question.

Imag...

18: Justice In Rawls's Veil of Ignorance: Part 1 from 2020-10-16T13:13:51

How do we create a just society? In this episode of the egg timer we take a look at how John Rawls used the idea of ignorance to provide a very inventive answer to this question.

Send ove...

Ep. #17 - What Are Rights? from 2020-10-11T00:24:18

On this episode of the egg timer we tackle the question: what are rights?  In order to answer this question the relationship between rights and obligations is cracked open.  

17: Rights from 2020-10-11T00:24:18

This episode of the egg timer tackles the question: what are rights?  In order to answer this question the relationship between rights and obligations is cracked open.  

Send ov...

17: What Are Rights? from 2020-10-11T00:24:18

On this episode of the egg timer we tackle the question: what are rights?  In order to answer this question the relationship between rights and obligations is cracked open.  

Ep. #16 - Experience, Knowledge and Qualia from 2020-10-02T19:36:35

If you knew every physical fact about the world but had only experienced the confines of a black and white room would you learn anything new when you see a ripe red tomato for the first time? &n...

16: Experience, Knowledge and Qualia from 2020-10-02T19:36:35

If you knew every physical fact about the world but had only experienced the confines of a black and white room would you learn anything new when you see a ripe red tomato for the first time? &n...

Ep. #15 - Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: Part II from 2020-09-25T16:30:47

Today on the egg timer we delve into the depths of Nirvana as we explore Buddha's third and fourth noble truths.  This episode is a continuation of last week's episode that explored Buddha'...

15: Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: Part II from 2020-09-25T16:30:47

This episode of the egg timer delves into the depths of Nirvana through Buddha's third and fourth noble truths.  This episode is a continuation of last week's episode that explored Buddha's...

Ep. #14 - Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: Part 1 from 2020-09-17T00:20:04

This episode of the egg timer will take a look at Buddha's first and second noble truths.  Particular attention will be given to the idea of attachment.

Art Attribution: By Dader...

14: Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: Part 1 from 2020-09-17T00:20:04

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at Buddha's first and second noble truths.  Particular attention will be given to the idea of attachment.

Send over your thoughts, question...

Ep. #13 - The State as a Force Monopolizer from 2020-09-09T16:17:45

How should we define the state?  On this episode of the egg timer we explore Max Weber's influential attempt to answer this question with the idea that the state is a political association ...

13: The State as a Force Monopolizer from 2020-09-09T16:17:45

How should the state be defined?  This episode of the egg timer takes a look at Max Weber's influential attempt to answer this question. 

Send over your thoughts, questions or i...

Ep. #12 - Pascal's Wager from 2020-09-02T11:43:37

Is believing that God exists a good rational bet to place?  Blaise Pascal thought so.  On this episode of the egg timer we take a closer look at this divine wager.

Art Attri...

12: Pascal's Wager from 2020-09-02T11:43:37

Is believing that God exists a good rational bet to place?  Blaise Pascal thought so.  This episode of the egg timer takes a closer look at this divine wager.

Art Attribution: B...

Ep. #11 - Sartre and Bad Faith from 2020-08-26T15:43:52

On this episode of the egg timer we take a look at Jean Paul Sartre's notions of bad faith and authenticity.  Many claim to value freedom a great deal but bad faith threatens to make that v...

11: Sartre and Bad Faith from 2020-08-26T15:43:52

This episode of the egg timer takes a look at Jean Paul Sartre's notions of bad faith and authenticity.  Many claim to value freedom a great deal but bad faith threatens to make that valuin...

Ep. #10 - Existentalism from 2020-08-20T04:17:15

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to existential philosophy.  In particular Sartre's existential slogan that 'existence proceeds essence' will be discussed and its implications explo...

10: Existentalism from 2020-08-20T04:17:15

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to existential philosophy.  In particular Sartre's existential slogan that 'existence proceeds essence' will be discussed and its implications explo...

Ep. #9 - Plato's Allegory of the Cave from 2020-08-05T19:33:14

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to Plato's infamous allegory of the cave.  

Art Attribution: By RaphaelQS - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

9: Plato's Allegory of the Cave from 2020-08-05T19:33:14

This episode of the egg timer is devoted to Plato's infamous allegory of the cave.  

Send over your thoughts, questions or ideas for future episodes to: eggtimerphilosophy@gmail.com<...

8: Aquinas, Big Rocks, and God from 2020-07-26T00:37:05

Can God make a rock so big that He cannot lift it?  This episode of the egg timer explores the answer that Thomas Aquinas gave to this seeming paradox.

Send over your thoughts, quest...

Ep. #8 - God, Big Rocks, and Aquinas from 2020-07-26T00:37:05

Can God make a rock so big that He cannot lift it?  In this episode of the egg timer we explore the answer that Thomas Aquinas gave to this seeming paradox.

Art Attribution: By B...

8: God, Big Rocks, and Aquinas from 2020-07-26T00:37:05

Can God make a rock so big that He cannot lift it?  In this episode of the egg timer we explore the answer that Thomas Aquinas gave to this seeming paradox.

Art Attribution: By B...

Ep. #7 - Thoreau's Civil Disobedience from 2020-07-07T22:34:01

In this episode of the egg timer we explore Henry David Thoreau's 1849 essay 'Civil Disobedience' .  Thoreau's approach to civil disobedience is put in the spotlight and we see how his view...

7: Thoreau's Civil Disobedience from 2020-07-07T22:34:01

This episode of the egg timer explores Henry David Thoreau's 1849 essay 'Civil Disobedience' .  Thoreau's approach to civil disobedience is put in the spotlight and we see how his view comp...

Ep. #6 - Knowledge and Classical Islamic Philosophy from 2020-06-03T09:00:24

This episode of the egg timer continues on the theme of knowledge from last week's episode.  But a shift in focus is made toward the work of the 11th century Islamic thinker, Al-Ghazali. &n...

6: Knowledge and Classical Islamic Philosophy from 2020-06-03T09:00:24

This episode of the egg timer continues on the theme of knowledge from last week's episode.  But a shift in focus is made toward the work of the 11th century Islamic thinker, Al-Ghazali. &n...

5: Descartes and Knowledge from 2020-05-27T07:50:23

What, if anything, can we know with absolute certainty?  This episode of the egg timer takes a critical look at the answer Rene Descartes gives to this question.  His answer has provid...

Ep. #5 - Knowledge and Descartes from 2020-05-27T07:50:23

What, if anything, can we know with absolute certainty?  In this episode of the egg timer we take a critical look at the answer Rene Descartes gives to this question.  His answer has p...

5: Knowledge and Descartes from 2020-05-27T07:50:23

What, if anything, can we know with absolute certainty?  In this episode of the egg timer we take a critical look at the answer Rene Descartes gives to this question.  His answer has p...

Ep. #4 - Nozick's Experience Machine from 2020-05-20T08:10:27

If you could plug into in a machine that would provide you with the experience of any desire and wish that you had while all the time your brain were hooked up to electrodes running to the machi...

Ep. #4 - Robert Nozick's Experience Machine from 2020-05-20T06:10:27

If you could plug into in a machine that would provide you with the experience of any desire and wish that you had while all the time your brain were hooked up to electrodes running to the machi...

4: Robert Nozick's Experience Machine from 2020-05-20T06:10:27

If you could plug into in a machine that would provide you with the experience of any desire and wish that you had while all the time your brain were hooked up to electrodes running to the machi...

Egg Timer Philosophy Trailer from 2020-05-19T16:32:48

A podcast where philosophical ideas are scrambled up in about five minutes. From ancient philosophy to contemporary approaches and everything in between, if you are looking for accessible, inter...

Ep. #3 - The Ship of Theseus and Identity Puzzles from 2020-05-12T16:02:46

If we dismantle a ship one plank at a time and replace the rotting wood with new planks of wood slowly over a few decades and then wake up to find that the ship no longer has any of the original...

Ep. #3 - Identity Puzzles and The Ship of Theseus from 2020-05-12T14:02:46

If we dismantle a ship one plank at a time and replace the rotting wood with new planks of wood slowly over a few decades and then wake up to find that the ship no longer has any of the original...

3: Identity Puzzles and The Ship of Theseus from 2020-05-12T14:02:46

If we dismantle a ship one plank at a time and replace the rotting wood with new planks of wood slowly over a few decades and then wake up to find that the ship no longer has any of the original...

Ep. #2 -Mill's Harm Principle from 2020-05-05T18:28:46

On this episode of the egg timer we explore John Stuart Mill's 'harm principle'.  Mill offers this principle to suggest when the liberty of the person can be legitimately restricted.  ...

2: Mill's Harm Principle from 2020-05-05T16:28:46

This episode of the egg timer explores John Stuart Mill's 'harm principle'.  Mill offers this principle to suggest when the liberty of the person can be legitimately restricted.  The b...

Ep. #1 - Stoicism from 2020-05-01T16:16:55

On this inaugural episode of the Podcast we start things off by looking at the Ancient tradition of Stoicism.  The life approach where one is ever-cautious to avoid basking too much in glor...

1: Stoicism from 2020-05-01T16:16:55

This inaugural episode of the Podcast starts things off by looking at the Ancient tradition of Stoicism.  The life approach where one is ever-cautious to avoid basking too much in glory or ...