x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners

From Heraclitus’ fragments on change to Hannah Arendt’s reflections on responsibility, this series traces the story of Western moral thought. Each episode introduces the life, context, and ideas of the philosophers who shaped how we think about right and wrong, freedom and duty, justice and power. Designed for newcomers yet rich enough for curious thinkers, it offers a guided journey through the great debates that still shape our world today.What does it mean to be human?Western Moral Philosophy for

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

36:16

29 Ibn Sina - Avicenna 980 to 1037 Deep Dive

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2026/01/01

Ibn Sina, more commonly known as Avicenna, is a towering figure in medieval philosophy who lived from 980 to 1037 in Persia, now modern-day Iran. He is often celebrated for his contributions to various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and particularly philosophy. His fusion of Aristotelianism with Islamic thought laid the foundation for future discussions in moral philosophy, making him a vital bridge between ancient Greek philosophical traditions and later Western thought.While there is much

en

36:45

28 Anselm of Canterbury Theologian and Philosopher ...

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2026/01/01

Anselm of Canterbury, an influential theologian and philosopher of the eleventh century, is best known for his unique synthesis of Christian thought with philosophical inquiry. Operating in a time marked by the maturing of scholasticism, Anselm’s intellectual pursuits sought to explore and understand the nature of God, faith, and reason. His compelling arguments and writings continue to invite reflection and debate in moral philosophy centuries later.Anselm is particularly recognized for his

en

32:44

Jeremy Bentham Utilitarianism Deep Dive

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/31

Jeremy Bentham is one of those figures whose name can feel like a label—“utilitarian,” “reformer,” “the greatest happiness principle”—until you pause and remember that a label is never the person. Bentham lived a whole life inside an age that was remaking itself with startling speed. He was born in London in 1748, in the long afterglow of the Scientific Revolution and right in the middle of the Enlightenment. He died in 1832, the same year Britain passed the Reform Act that began, however

en

24:47

John Stuart Mill Collectivism vs Individualism Deep Dive

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/31

John Stuart Mill is one of those philosophers who never really becomes “historical,” because the world keeps reproducing the dilemmas he cared about in new forms. How should we balance individual freedom against collective well-being? When does a majority become a moral danger to minorities? What do we do with ideas we find offensive or frightening? How do we protect truth in a society that loves comfort more than inquiry? And beneath all of that, a quieter, more personal question: what kind of

en

38:05

27 Boethius The Roman Philosopher Deep Dive

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/31

Boethius, a Roman philosopher born around 480 AD, is often regarded as a pivotal figure in the intersection of ancient and medieval philosophy. Best known for his work "The Consolation of Philosophy," Boethius’ writing reflects the turbulent times in which he lived, marked by political intrigue, philosophical engagement, and a profound sense of loss. Today, we'll take a deeper dive into his moral philosophy, focusing specifically on the central ideas he articulated and how they remain relevant in

en

43:05

26 Augustine of Hippo 354_430 AD Deep Dive

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/30

Augustine of Hippo, who lived from 354 to 430 AD, is not just a towering figure of early Christianity; he stands as a significant voice in Western moral philosophy. His thoughts and writings emerged during a time of profound change, as the Roman Empire was in decline and Christianity was beginning to establish itself as a dominant cultural force. Augustine's work explores the intersections of faith, reason, and morality, laying the groundwork for centuries of philosophical discussion.One of

en

38:29

25 Hypatia The Philosopher of Alexandria Deep Dive

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/29

Hypatia of Alexandria, a prominent philosopher of the late fourth and early fifth centuries, stands as a symbol of intellectual rigor and the pursuit of truth in an era marked by burgeoning Christianity and the decline of classical philosophy. Renowned for her work in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, Hypatia remains a pivotal figure in moral philosophy, particularly through her relationship with Neoplatonism, an influential school of thought that synthesized Platonic ideals with religious

en

35:01

24 Marcus Aurelius-Emperor & Philosopher

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/28

Marcus Aurelius, both an emperor of Rome and a philosopher, is a figure who embodies the intersection of power and introspection. Living in the second century CE, during a time when the Roman Empire reached its zenith, he is primarily remembered today for his writings, specifically his collection of personal reflections known as the "Meditations." This work captures the essence of his Stoic philosophy, which serves as a guide for personal ethics and understanding human nature.One of the fundamental

en

39:08

23 Plotinus The Philosopher 204 to 270 C.E.

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/27

Plotinus, who lived from 204 to 270 C.E., was a philosopher of late antiquity, best known as the founder of Neoplatonism, a school of thought that synthesized ideas from Plato with Eastern philosophical concepts. He emerged in a rich cultural and intellectual milieu during the Roman Empire, a time when ideas were rapidly exchanged and transformed within the melting pot of traditions, influencing Western thought for centuries. In this deep dive, we will explore Plotinus’s central contributions to

en

36:36

22 Chrysippus The Stoic Philosopher

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/26

Chrysippus of Soli, who lived around 279 BCE, is one of the most important Stoic philosophers, often regarded as the second founder of Stoicism after Zeno of Citium. He played a crucial role in shaping the doctrines of this philosophical school during the Hellenistic period, which was characterized by a flourishing of philosophical thought amid the political upheaval following the conquests of Alexander the Great. While many of his works have been lost, his influence on subsequent philosophical

en

36:11

21 Cleanthes of Assos 330-230 BCE

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/26

Cleanthes of Assos who lived from 330 to 230 BCE, was a pivotal figure in the development of Stoic philosophy, succeeding Zeno of Citium as its leader and contributing significantly to its ethical framework. His work emerged during a time when philosophical schools were thriving amidst the cultural and political changes of Hellenistic Greece. Cleanthes is primarily known for his philosophical writings, particularly his hymn to Zeus and his enduring efforts to articulate the Stoic understanding of

en

39:17

20 Deep Dive Zeno of Citium

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/26

20 Deep Dive Zeno of CitiumZeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, emerged in the early 3rd century BCE, a time when philosophical thought was evolving in response to the uncertainties of the Hellenistic world. Born in Citium, a city on the island of Cyprus, Zeno's work marked a transformative moment in moral philosophy, laying the groundwork for a school of thought that emphasized virtue, reason, and the importance of living in accordance with nature.While Zeno’s life and biographical details may

en

37:46

18 Deep Dive Epicurus

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/26

18 Deep Dive EpicurusEpicurus, a prominent figure in the Hellenistic period, is often remembered for his teachings on happiness and the nature of pleasure, grounded in an ethical philosophy that emphasizes personal well-being and the pursuit of tranquility. His ideas continue to resonate, inviting us to explore the deeper implications of his philosophy in our lives today.At the heart of Epicurus' moral philosophy is the central tenet that pleasure is the highest good. However, it’s essential to

en

37:10

17 Deep Dive Diogenes of Sinope

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/25

Diogenes of Sinope, a central figure in the philosophical school of Cynicism, emerged in the 4th century BCE and is remembered for his unconventional lifestyle and astute critiques of societal norms. While we explored the outlines of his life and context in the previous episode, this deep dive will focus on the heart of his moral philosophy, the provocative ideas he introduced, and their relevance in today’s world.At the core of Diogenes' philosophy was his radical call for a return to nature and

en

35:58

Deep Dive Philosopher Aristotle On Ethics

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/24

Deep Dive Philosopher Aristotle On EthicsAristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 384 to 322 BCE, is a towering figure in Western philosophy, particularly known for his explorations of ethics. His work lays the groundwork for how we think about morality, virtue, and the good life. Aristotle's ethical philosophy is primarily encapsulated in his seminal texts, such as "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Eudemian Ethics," where he grapples with questions that continue to resonate today.At the

en

42:32

16 Deep Dive Aristotle

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/23

16 Deep Dive AristotleAristotle, a towering figure in ancient Greek philosophy, lived from 384 to 322 BCE and is renowned for his profound influence on various fields, including ethics, politics, and metaphysics. His work laid foundational ideas that continue to shape moral philosophy today. While we previously explored his life and aspirations, this episode delves deeper into Aristotle's moral philosophy, particularly focusing on his key concepts articulated in major texts like the Nicomachean

en

39:27

15 Deep Dive Plato

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/22

15 Deep Dive PlatoPlato, an Athenian philosopher from the classical era, is a foundational figure in Western moral philosophy. He was a student of Socrates and later became the teacher of Aristotle, and his work laid the groundwork for many philosophical inquiries that followed. While his life spanned a turbulent period of Athenian democracy and imperialism, the ideas he articulated about ethics, justice, and the nature of reality continue to resonate today.At the heart of Plato's thought are the

en

37:19

The Philosophy of AI Systems

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/21

How does legitimacy get manufactured? By narratives. Safety. Convenience. Productivity. Health. Fraud prevention. National security. Child protection. AI safety itself. Crises will be used as accelerants because crises create permission structures. Convenience is the slow pull; crisis is the fast push. The two will alternate in waves, each justifying deeper integration. And each wave will be rational in the moment because the relief will be real.So what do we do? If we are beyond good and evil, is

en

39:27

14 Deep Dive Socrates

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/17

14 Deep Dive SocratesSocrates, a foundational figure in Western philosophy, lived in ancient Athens in the fifth century BCE. Known primarily through the writings of his students, particularly Plato, Socrates is often celebrated for his contributions to ethics and epistemology. His method of inquiry, the Socratic method, involved asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. Unlike many philosophers, Socrates did not leave behind written texts; instead, his

en

38:41

13 Deep Dive Gorgias the Nihilist

Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners ·

2025/12/17

13 Deep Dive Gorgias the NihilistGorgias of Leontini is a figure entrenched in the history of Western philosophical thought, particularly known for his early exploration of nihilism and skepticism during the 5th century BCE. As a sophist and rhetorician, Gorgias's ideas challenged the very nature of reality, knowledge, and truth. In this deep dive, we'll explore the nuances of his philosophical contributions, particularly in moral philosophy, dissecting not only his most famous arguments but also

en

109 results

Similar Podcasts

Voices of Life

APG Mannheim

Promo Estereo Podcast

Promo Estereo

Talking Timelines Podcast

Talkingtimelines

גיקונומי

ראם שרמן ודורון ניר

Drømmefanger

Drømmefanger