Philosophy Talk Podcast

This Week’s Episode

Judith Jarvis Thomson

October 4, 2026

Judith Jarvis Thomson is best known for arguing that abortion is morally permissible, even granting the fetus the status of person. Her colorful thought experiments illustrate that a right to life does not mean the right to use another person’s…

Black and white portrait of philosopher Judith Jarvis Thomson.

Recent Episodes

Islamic Philosophy

Some of the many topics discussed in Islamic philosophy are the Qur’an, knowledge, dreams, justice,…

September 27, 2026

Persian miniature painting depicting Islamic philosophers engaged in discussion.

Hildegard von Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th century mystic, polymath, and composer whose work spanned visionary…

September 20, 2026

Medieval illustration of Hildegard von Bingen writing.

Maimonides and the Goodness of the World

Moses Maimonides (also known as the Rambam) was a 12th-century rabbi and scholar, most famous…

September 13, 2026

Portrait of Maimonides, a medieval Jewish philosopher

This Month’s Playlist

National Arts & Humanities Month logo with stylized star figure

Arts, Humanities, and the Well-Lived Life

October is National Arts and Humanities Month, a collective celebration of culture in America and an opportunity to raise public awareness about the arts and humanities. Of course that’s part of our basic mission around here, but it’s also an opportunity to spotlight conversations that have tackled questions about how specific arts and humanistic studies contribute to a well-lived life, both for individuals and society more broadly. Click on the image for episodes that touch on everything from music and poetry to comedy and dance.

Liberty and Justice for Who?

October 11, 2026

Many democracies are founded on the ideals of 18th- and 19th-Century British Liberalism: the idea…

Allegorical painting of the British Empire, circa 1900, showing flags and coats of arms. "An Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets" is inscribed.

Nachman of Breslov and the Obligation to be Happy

October 18, 2026

Nachman of Breslov was an 18th-century spiritual rabbinic leader, mystic, and storyteller, known particularly for…

Illustration of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov with arms raised in joy, emphasizing happiness.

Iris Murdoch

October 25, 2026

Iris Murdoch may be best known for her works of fiction, but her philosophical contributions…

Black and white photo of Iris Murdoch, author, sitting on a bed, holding papers.

Philosophers’ Corner

July 16, 2026

Lifetimes of Learning

If you’re like anything the typical philosopher, your response to the title of this week’s...

June 4, 2026

My Body, My Perception

Maurice Merleau-Ponty was a 20th century French philosopher who had all kinds of theories about...

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