Philosophy Talk is back at The Marsh Theater in Berkeley on Sunday April 13 for the next two live recordings in our 2013-14 season.

• 12:00pm - Anatomy of a Terrorist with Martha Crenshaw
  Since George W. Bush first declared a "war on terror," US has been engaged in a global campaign to rid the world of terrorists. But what exactly is a “terrorist” and how do we distinguish illicit terrorist organizations from legitimate freedom fighters? Do terrorists exhibit particular psychological patterns of behavior or are there some tactics that only terrorists use? And what is the most effective way to combat terrorism—by waging war, by engaging in "de-radicalization" processes, or some other means? John and Ken welcome political scientist Martha Crenshaw, author of Explaining Terrorism: Causes, Processes, and Consequences.  (buy tickets)

• 3:00pm - Art and Obscenity with Richard Meyer
  What do Marcel Duchamp, Damien Hirst, and Andres Serrano have in common? They’ve all created modern works of art that have shocked and outraged the general public, causing many to question whether these works have any artistic value at all. But isn’t the purpose of art to incite inquiry and question conventional moral wisdom? If so, then a strong public reaction would seem to prove the artistic merit of these works. So, is there a clear line to be drawn between genuine art and mere obscenity? Or has shock value simply replaced cultural value in the world of contemporary art? John and Ken welcome historian of art Richard Meyer, author of What Was Contemporary Art?  (buy tickets)