Ken and Josh introduce 2018’s edition of The Examined Year, Philosophy Talk’s annual episode that looks back on the philosophical significance of events and ideas that have shaped the past year. This year the hosts are reflecting on two worrying trends: demagoguery and propaganda in politics and the impending climate crisis. 

Greg Dalton, founder and host of the climate-focused radio show and podcast Climate One, joins Ken and Josh to discuss the year in climate consciousness. Greg and the hosts debate whether climate change can be treated as a faceless, indiscernible enemy that cannot be stopped by or blamed on anyone in particular, or if framing around pernicious actors and activist heroes best mobilizes the masses. Next, Ken and Josh welcome previous hosts John Perry and Debra Satz for a philosopher’s roundtable focused on major philosophical problems of modernity. They debate whether technology like Artificial Intelligence will be a cancerous or benign force in society in the future. Yale Professor of Philosophy Jason Stanley joins the show afterward to lament the rise of ultra-nationalist and authoritarian politics. While Ken sees the virtue and illiberalism of populist movements on the left and right, Jason argues that far-right nationalist movements in America and Europe most closely resemble 20th century fascism.

In the last segment, Ken, Josh, and Jason search for reasons to be hopeful in the coming year. Despite dangerous uncertainty in nature and politics, the hosts agree with Jason that pacifism in the face of challenges is not the answer. Instead, the responsibility is on individuals to band together in action. Even in the darkest periods of the past, humanity has persevered, which gives Josh hope for the future.