Footnote to Plato

Liberty vs. Equality

This week Footnote to Plato delved into the perennial debate: which is more important, liberty or equality? And why is there a tension between them? Things started off worrying with an Ayn Rand soundbite, and Aaron and Michael proceeded to take opposing views on the issue (‘Insane’ Libertarian and ‘Mad’ Socialist, respectively). Fortunately a few sobering words from Billy Bragg, a lesson on how to spot a communist and a quick session of electro-convulsive shock therapy served to centralize the debate somewhat. Isaiah Berlin’s notions of Positive and Negative Liberty appeared to clarify the earlier misunderstanding between Michael and Aaron and, whilst completely off topic, Bryan concluded the concept of ‘human of nature’ was bollocks.

Hosts:

Bryan, Aaron and Michael

Tracks:

Which Side Are You On – Billy Bragg

The Power of Equality – RHCP

Podcast:

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Are our moral values reducible to facts about our brain? Can science discover these facts?

Using remarks from neuroscientist and author, Sam Harris, as a point of departure, this week’s show saw the team delve into the question of whether science can tell us right from wrong. In exploring the position held by Harris, and others who fashion a scientistic bend,  it quickly became evident that science was in a problematic position when applied to questions of ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’.

Left cold by the promise of scientifically reducing our precious values to statistics, the team ventured into the, often idiosyncratic, views of philosophers who have dared to face the question ‘what makes a good life?’

Friedrich Nietzsche also appeared for our ‘live quote from a dead philosopher’, leaving the panel sceptically informed of the prospect that the good way to live is to find all the bad stuff and just enjoy that!

Hosts:

Bryan, Aaron, Alistair

Tracks:

Friend in the Field – Art vs. Science

Got Nuffin’ – Spoon

Discussion Podcast:

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What is Philosophy?

Asking ‘what philosophy is?’ is a philosophical question in itself! Of course, as Adelaide Professor Garrett Cullity pointed out, this answer is cheating. To help us answer it properly, we went into the real world and sought out the opinions of some actual philosophers. Our favourite answer referred to it as ‘a method for sifting through bullshit‘ (Tutor John Mercier, ambushed in his office, 2011).

On this episode we also introduced a new regular feature to the show – live quotes from dead philosophers – in a feeble attempt to establish some academic credibility.  We heard from Wittgenstein, Descartes and the never-timid Friedrich Nietzsche. Although the question wasn’t definitively resolved – probably to the detriment of our academic credibility – heated debate did ensue.

Hosts:

Alistair, Aaron, Bryan

Tracks:

Learnalilgivenanlovin – Gotye

Buttons – Sia

Discussion Podcast:

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Do we have moral responsibility to people in other countries?

This week we faced the question of whether we have any moral responsibility to the less fortunate in foreign lands. From the top we discovered that Tony Abbott didn’t think we had much at all, but the wise words of Australian born philosopher Peter Singer guided us in much more satisfactory direction. Turns out we do have some responsibility just as long as it doesn’t throw our own well being into too much turmoil!

Not only does it seem the we have a responsibility, so does the government. Unfortunately it seems Australia is falling behind the rest of the world’s richer nations when it comes to providing this support. Alistair presented some startling stats and Michael effectively “Teed Off” in a response that can only be described as the closest thing Michael has got to rage in a long time.

Hosts:

Alistair, Michael, Bryan

Playlist

Good Times – Squeaker

The Audreys – Sometimes the Stars

We are the World – USA for Africa

Podcast

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Do we have the freedom to chose our own destiny? Or are we merely a domino in a causal chain of events?

This week our inaugural show on Free Will went to air a treat, baring some random foreign language announcement that seemed to appear from Aristotle’s Aether.

Alistair held the down the position of those with a penchant for science. Science demonstrates that every event is simply part of a big wide world of causal processes and free will is nothing more then an illusion. Aaron came to the defense of the choices he holds so dear by highlighting the short comings of scientific prediction. Bryan decided to drive it home by going Existential, pointing out that as we can never have total knowledge of any deterministic system, if there is one, we are destined to remain happy and free in virtue of our own ignorance.

Even with debate firing there was still time for some music to soothe the savage beasts of Philosophical inquiry.

Hosts:

Bryan, Alistair, Aaron

Tracks:

Bats – Paul Dempsey

Sticks and Stones – Mercury White

To Lose My Life – White Lies

Discussion Podcast:

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