Drunken Philosophy
313 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 186 ratingsDan has a degree in Philosophy. Connor has a degree in High School. Together they have a bit of a drinking problem. Each week they explore the work of a new philosopher or a new philosophical idea and do their best to learn something before getting distracted.
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Episodes
#212 - An Argument For Stupidity
May 16, 2018 13:53 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBFinally, a philosophical topic worthy of this podcast. This week, Connor and Dan discuss Bence Nanay's article about how irrational behavior is an inherent part of human nature. Now we officially have permission to stop pretending that we're smart, rational, or good at anything. Or maybe that's not what the article said. Listen to find out!
#211 - The Spider In The Urinal
May 09, 2018 10:00 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MBShould we always interfere to help someone? How can we know our actions won't cause more harm? Who's been letting all the bugs into the bathroom? Some of these questions will be addressed in this week's episode which discusses Thomas Nagel's thought experiment The Spider In The Urinal. Also discussed: why Dan doesn't want to talk about Jordan Peterson; Macaulay Culkin is back, and the real reason for school photos. Enjoy!
#210 - Fredric Jameson
May 02, 2018 10:00 - 56 minutes - 78 MBWith one of our heroes on the mend from their wet and wild previous weekend, Connor and Dan venture forth once again into the world of philosophy. This week, Fredric Jameson, the American philosopher who first warned us of the dangers of postmodern capitalism. What's postmodern capitalism you say? Listen to the podcast and find out you fool! Also discussed: the need for Normal Web, the marxist critique of Die Hard, and Connor has a drug!
#209 - The Cosmic Joke
April 25, 2018 10:00 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBIt's another (patented) Solo Dan Episode. Due to scheduling issues, Dan takes the reins on his lonesome and discusses the intersection between philosophy and comedy, two subjects near and dear to his heart. Why are so many comedians interested in philosophy? Why do so many philosophers inject humor into their work? Perhaps it all has to do with the great cosmic joke. Listen in to find out on this very special episode!
#208 - Hypatia
April 18, 2018 10:00 - 42 minutes - 59.5 MBThis week, Connor and Dan are rolling back the clock to the time of antiquity to talk about Hypatia, one of the most famous female philosophers in history. Oddly enough, Hypatia is almost as famous for her death as she is for what she accomplished in her life. To find out why you'll have to listen! Also discussed: Dan being a baseball boy, Laura Dern's age when she was making Jurassic Park, and whether or not you're allowed to masturbate if you're celibate (really asking the tough questions...
#207 - Indian Philosophy
April 11, 2018 10:00 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBIn their ongoing effort to expand their philosophical horizons, Connor and Dan— for the first time in the history of the podcast —dive headlong into Ancient Indian Philosophy. And boy is it a trip. There is so much to cover here, your wayward heroes barely even scratch the surface. Still, you'll get a chance to hear Dan mispronounce a bunch of stuff, Connor hypothesize about the future success of the podcast, and you'll hear a backdoor pilot for Taco Hour the upcoming podcast that will never...
#206 - Experience Machine Revisited
April 04, 2018 10:00 - 47 minutes - 66 MBBecause they're legally required to discuss virtual reality and simulations at least once every financial quarter, Connor and Dan return this week to discuss the Experience Machine thought experiment. Specifically, how it has changed in light of advancements in virtual reality technology. Should VR be treated as a replacement for reality? Is giving everyone access to VR going to save the world? What's going on with Jazz Dot Com? Some of these questions will be answered in this weeks episode!
#205 - Susan Sontag On Photography
March 28, 2018 14:06 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MBThey say a picture is worth a thousand words. But a podcast has at least two thousand words in it so that means it's worth at least two pictures. What's the exchange rate here? What's going on?... This week, Connor and Dan discuss Susan Sontag's collection of essays called On Photography. They explore the idea that photographs convince us that we're expanding our reality when really we're limiting it. They also take a moment to complain about social media and Dan gives his assessment of the ...
#204 - Nikolai Berdyaev
March 21, 2018 10:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MBBased off another listener suggestions, Connor and Dan dive into the philosophy of early-20th century Russian thinker Nikolai Alexandrovich Berdyaev. Spoiler alert: Connor doesn't love it. Despite his feelings, they discuss freedom, subjective truth, and creativity. They also discuss jazz because they're a couple of hep cats. Enjoy!
#203 - Martin Buber
March 14, 2018 10:00 - 48 minutes - 67 MBBased off a wonderful user suggestion, Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of Austrian-born Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, who, in addition to having a pretty funny name, has some very interesting thoughts on dialogue, existence, and the meaning found when those two things interact. Also discussed: Connor and Dan's lackluster gym routine, the basics of improv, and how best to interact with a gas station attendant. Enjoy!
#202 - Erving Goffman
March 07, 2018 11:00 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MB"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." That's a quote from old Billy Shakespeare, but it also succinctly summarizes the sociological philosophy of Erving Goffman. This week, Connor and Dan take a look at said philosophy and discuss whether social interaction is the equivalent of a little stage play we all perform for one another's benefit. Also discussed, the benefits of school uniforms, what the abbreviation of Erving is, and Connor's new nickname!
#201 - Afrofuturism
February 28, 2018 15:31 - 48 minutes - 67.6 MBTo celebrate the fact that Dan went to see a movie this weekend, the Drunken Philosophy boys discuss the aesthetic and historical philosophy of Afrofuturism. How do a people who have had their culture systematically stripped away from them imagine a fantastical future? How come funk always looks like space? And why the hell is Connor getting into cryptocurrency?
#200 - The Two Hundredth Episode
February 21, 2018 11:00 - 54 minutes - 75.9 MBIn honor of the 200th (!) episode of Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan decide to take a brief break from the show's usual format and discuss philosophy as it pertains to them personally. Between their discussion of Hogwarts enrollment policy and how people should treat waiters, they offer up opinions on ethical philosophy, the existence of free will, and what it means to have consciousness. Also, there is a new theme song.
#199 - Edward Said
February 14, 2018 11:00 - 46 minutes - 64.7 MBWho better to discuss the problematic and incredibly murky historical representation of Eastern culture than two white guys who rarely leave the contiguous United States. But, as they say, that's what you sign up for when you listen to a podcast. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the book Orientalism by Palestinian-American philosopher Edward Said. In that book, Said describes the historical misrepresentation of the the culture of the orient via Western intellectuals. Also, Dan makes an apol...
#198 - Simone Weil
February 07, 2018 11:00 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MBThe staying power of Simone Weil's philosophy is a testament to the importance of outsiders and weirdos. This week, Connor and Dan stumble their way through this impressive woman's life and examine the mystical side of philosophy. Also, discussed: popsicle stick jokes, what God is like when he's not creating the whole universe, and a baby Godzilla cartoon that may or may not have existed.
#197 - The Prisoner's Nuclear Dilemma
January 31, 2018 16:04 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBInspired by a bit of history and our current day nuclear nightmare, Connor and Dan discuss the moral philosophy behind the international arms race and how game theory can teach us that we're all screwed. Also discussed, Dan's dog being sick, the 1979 film Moonraker, and, of course, orgies. Enjoy!
#196 - Derrida, Of Hospitality
January 24, 2018 11:00 - 41 minutes - 57.9 MBHospitality is important. Especially when you're looking to get another round of drinks. Oh, wait, that might just be hospitality workers. Regardless, this week Connor and Dan discuss Jacques Derrida's lectures Of Hospitality in which he discusses the concept of hospitality and the moral obligation we have to foreigners in need, through the lens of deconstruction. Elon Musk, if you're listening, this one is for you (this may make more sense if you listen to the episode).
#195 - Martin Luther King Jr.
January 17, 2018 14:38 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBIn honor of MLK's b-day this week (and in honor of Connor and Dan's birthdays as well), your hosts decide to dig into the philosophy of nonviolence of one Martin Luther King. Maybe you've heard of him! Rather than discussing the events of his life, they dissect the tenets of his teachings and examine how his image has been whitewashed over the years. Not a lot of laughs in this here ep, but if you want to hear Dan have a little bit of a meltdown about the public conception of consent, this i...
#194 - After The End Of Truth
January 10, 2018 11:00 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBThis week, Connor and Dan dive head first into the post-truth era as they give their takes on a recent discussion between analytic philosopher John Searle, post-postmodernist Hilary Lawson, and historian of ideas Hannah Dawson. The question of the hour is whether there is such a thing as objective truth. The second question is, if there isn't, how do we live? The answer of the hour is, we don't know. But we can still have fun talking about it!
#193 - Julia Kristeva
January 03, 2018 15:33 - 40 minutes - 56.7 MBOnce again, the boys try to get a little psychoanalytical with their philosophy as they dive into the work of Bulgarian-French philosopher Julia Kristeva. They're talking mirror stage, they're talking pre-oedipal, they're talking about all sorts of things that are way over their pay grade. Also, Dan tries to explain The Who's 'Tommy' to Connor to no avail. Don't forget to check out our Patreon for more good stuff!
#192 - Better Never To Have Been
December 27, 2017 13:00 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MBJust in time for the crowning of Baby New Year, Connor and Dan have planned a baby-centric episode. Well, it's actually about whether it's morally questionable to have babies in the first place. According to South African philosopher David Benatar, that's a big fat no. Your hosts are a bit more conflicting. Also, Connor has a cold! Don't forget: if you're a fan of the show, check out our Patreon at www.Patreon.com/DrunkenPhilosophy for more sweet content!
#191 - Frantz Fanon
December 20, 2017 18:13 - 41 minutes - 57.4 MBHey y'all! Connor and Dan have a Patreon now and if you support it you'll get even more stuff that you (presumably) like! www.patreon.com/DrunkenPhilosophy After years of thinking about it, Connor and Dan decided it's finally time to end colonialism. In that vein, they decided to learn about French Caribbean philosopher and psychiatrist Frantz Fanon. They discuss how language can be wielded as a tool of oppression and Connor tells everyone what "the magic page" is. Enjoy!
#190 - Hannah Arendt
December 13, 2017 13:00 - 43 minutes - 60.9 MBContinuing their recent trend of purposefully discussing anyone but old white men, Connor and Dan spend this week discussing the political philosophy of German philosopher Hannah Arendt. She escaped the Nazis in Germany and spent the rest of her life analyzing how something like a totalitarian regime takes hold in the modern world. Also discussed this episode: glowing pucks in the NHL, the banality of evil, and Connor's new Lord of the Rings centric segment! This smokin' ep is brought to by ...
#189 - Kierkegaard (feat. Andy from The Panpsycast)
December 06, 2017 13:00 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBConnor and Dan are nearing 200 episodes, so they figured it was about time they had on a guest who knows what they hell they are talking about. Andy from The Panpsycast joins our two regular hosts from all the way across the pond to discuss their old pal Soren Kierkegaard, his thoughts on Christianity, individualism, and how to be a professional sad-sack. It's a good ep! If you enjoy it, definitely check out Andy's podcast and keep listening to Drunken Philosophy because he will certainly be...
#188 - Ubuntu
November 29, 2017 13:00 - 46 minutes - 64.8 MBThis week your hosts take a break from the endless slog of old white men discussed on this podcast to learn a little about the African philosophy of ubuntu. It means realizing yourself through the existence of others, the importance of sharing and communal life, and understanding that the Self does not exist without the Other. In other words, good times! Also discussed: Connor unveils a new cheers he learned, the moral responsibility of YouTubers, and having Germans stay at your house.
#187 - Jean-Francois Lyotard
November 22, 2017 17:30 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBWe regret to inform you that it is time to once again talk about postmodernism and the death of the meta-narrative. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of Lyotard, a modern French thinker with a penchant for the postmodern. Also discussed: how your hosts absorb news stories in the modern age, coming to grips with your cultural roots, and Connor's vehement hatred of an HBO comedy fundraiser. Enjoy!
#186 - Bicameralism
November 15, 2017 16:29 - 42 minutes - 58.6 MBWhat was it like to be a human being before we attained real consciousness? Turns out a guy named Julian Jaynes had an idea about it back in 1976, and this week Connor and Dan take a crack at understanding it. It's called the bicameral mind and it will mess you up dude. Anyone who has seen Westworld will know what's up but for everyone else, be prepared to question everything you think you know about history and the human mind! Or not, that's fine too!
#185 - The Stranger
November 08, 2017 15:06 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBIt's time to open yourself to the gentle indifference of the world, dear listeners! This week on Drunken Philosophy, Dan read a book and is going to give a formal book report. It just so happens that book is The Stranger by Albert Camus, so it's a little applicable to the podcast. Also, Connor returns with a new Loser Cruiser, they discuss the appropriate response to tragedy, and, of course, The Cure.
#184 - Object-Oriented Ontology
November 01, 2017 12:00 - 46 minutes - 64.8 MBIt's Halloween time, which can mean only one thing: Connor and Dan forgot to plan a Halloween episode! So spooky! So instead, they decided to talk about Object-Oriented Ontology which is a contemporary metaphysical philosophy that's (you guessed it) all about objects and how they are just as important as humans in the grand scheme of existence. Also discussed: Toy Story video games, trees falling in forests, and Dan has a head cold. Also, the pre-ramble is all about Dan's new movie "I Woke U...
#183 - Frankfurt Cases
October 25, 2017 12:00 - 40 minutes - 56.4 MBAre we responsible for the choices we make if we weren't able to choose otherwise? Does a deterministic universe still have culpability? Is Harry Frankfurt the guy who invented the hotdog? Some of these questions will be answered on this week's episode of Drunken Philosophy as your hosts explore the various implication of Frankfurt cases. Also discussed: Connor not being good enough to be hypnotized, which Iraq war was the best, and Dan's lamp goes out.
#182 - Political Dimensions Of Time
October 18, 2017 12:59 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBSure, you've thought a lot about what time it is. But have you ever thought about what time is? Or, perhaps more importantly, what time means? That's what your hosts are discussing this week on DP as they take a look at Brendan De Paor-Moore's new schema for time and analysis of how time has become intertwined with our culture and history. Also: the new Shadow Of War video game, being addicted to Twitter, and Dan hating Connor for not being on more of a soul-sucking schedule.
#181 - Peter Singer and Doing Harm
October 11, 2017 12:00 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MB[Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault of the physically disabled] Your hosts are back with another extra sloppy late night podcast and they decided this would be the perfect time to dig into the complex issue of utilitarian ethics and sexual assault. They're talking about Peter Singer's NY Times article from earlier this year and Connor is immediately back on his heels, assuming he's going to get tricked into saying something offensive. Does he sound like a mon...
#180 - Roland Barthes
October 04, 2017 13:54 - 41 minutes - 58 MBConnor and Dan are back from their little movie excursion to discuss the semiotic philosophy of Roland Barthes. They're talking signs, they're talking signifiers, they're talking Che Guevara t-shirts and bottles of red wine, baby! Also, they get into the individual's relationship with art while Connor preheats his oven for way too long. Enjoy!
#179 - God's Not Dead Too
September 27, 2017 12:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBGet your tickets, ladies and gents! Because it's another rendition of Drunken Philosophy at the Movies. This week, Connor and Dan take one for the collective team and watch God's Not Dead 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the straight-to-video Christian-focused feature and insult to Nietszche's memory, God's Not Dead. This movie is bonkers and barely related to philosophy despite stealing it's title from a famous philosophical text, but it provided lots of catharsis for your hosts. Enjoy t...
#178 - Zizek, Lacan, And Jaws
September 20, 2017 12:00 - 54 minutes - 75.3 MBAre you afraid to go in the water? You might be after this episode! Connor and Dan discuss the 1975 film Jaws, specifically how it can be used to explore the theories of Slavoj Zizek and Jacques Lacan. Does the shark represent fascism or capitalism? Does art reflect ideology or is that just the viewer forcing the issue? Also, what kinds of a pants did Dan wear when he was a chubby little kid? Spoilers abound for a movie that came out forty years ago, so consider yourself warned.
#177 - David Chalmers on Virtual Reality
September 13, 2017 14:06 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MBAfter numerous technical difficulties, your brave hosts managed to put out another podcast this week about, what else, technology! Specifically virtual reality and how it can be used to answer complex questions about philosophy. Australian philosophy David Chalmers makes the argument that virtual reality is as valuable as "real" reality, and Dan surprisingly agrees. Connor is just excited he gets to talk about video games again. Enjoy!
#176 - Ritual And Ethics
September 06, 2017 12:00 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBDoes repeating a physical action help you be a better person? Ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius might say yes, but modern day American guy Connor Holmes would definitely say no. This week, your hosts discuss the use of ritual and ceremony in Chinese ethical philosophy. For more on this subject you can look up Harvard professor Michael Puett's work. And for more discussion on why zoos are lame and what old racist Comedy Central shows were like, keep listening to this podcast!
#175 - Philosophical Zombies
August 30, 2017 12:00 - 47 minutes - 66.2 MBHalloween came a little earlier this year on Drunken Philosophy! This week, Connor and Dan discuss the idea of a philosophical zombie, i.e. a physically identical human being that lacks consciousness, and decide whether or not they create problems for physicalists. Philosophers mentioned include David Chalmers, Daniel Dennett, and at least one other, maybe! Also discussed, the career of Daniel Day Lewis, a review of Game of Thrones in emoji form, and Connor's Top Five Berries! (Apologies for...
#174 - Giles Deleuze (Part 1)
August 23, 2017 12:00 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBThere is no identity, there is only difference. Time is simply repetition. Everything you think you know about thought, you're thinking about wrong. Feeling confused yet? Welcome to the philosophy of Giles Deleuze. This week, Connor and Dan do their best to wade into the deep murky waters of this French philosopher's influential metaphysics. Also discussed: What Connor would do during the purge, who's still listening to "Mr. Brightside," and how the hell you pronounce Imogen Heap.
#173 - Ordinary Language Philosophy
August 16, 2017 19:21 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MBThis episode is for all you ordinary people out there. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the philosophical methodology known as Ordinary Language Philosophy. This was a loosely head together school of thought that prioritized focus on ordinary language in philosophy and claimed the best way to understand metaphysical concepts was to understand the way they were used in language. Talk about a snooze! Also, Connor rants a bit about people who go to music festivals (even though he just went to ...
#172 - Jacques Lacan
August 09, 2017 12:00 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBIt only took 172 episodes for this podcast to devolve into a low-budget therapy session. This week, Connor and Dan take a look at the psychoanalysis of Jacques Lacan, specifically his theory about the Mirror Phase and symbolic order of consciousness. This is some heady stuff, ladies and germs, but your hosts are trying their best. Also, Connor takes old people down a peg, we get to hear what your hosts want to be when they grow up, and they once again discuss the importance of language. Good...
#171 - Alvin Plantinga
August 02, 2017 12:00 - 43 minutes - 60.7 MBCan you be a logical thinking philosopher and still believe in God? Specifically the Christian conception of an all-knowing, all-loving God? Why are you asking us? Go Google it. This week on Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan discuss famously God-believing philosopher Alvin Plantinga and break down some of his most well-known arguments. Also, there's some movie talk (obviously) and Connor, having very limited experience, really takes New York bagels to task.
#170 - Otaku and Postmodern Consumption
July 26, 2017 12:00 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBBlush at your senpei and hold on to your anime pillow because this episode of Drunken Philosophy is all about nerdy Japanese stuff. Specifically, Dan started reading the book Otaku: Japan's Database Animals, which, in addition to being about people who like anime, is also about the postmodern approach to consumption of media. It's complex and smart sounding! Connor gets the opportunity to talk about something he actually knows a thing or two about and both of them get the opportunity to misp...
#169 - Thomas Aquinas
July 19, 2017 12:00 - 45 minutes - 63.6 MBIs it possible to be a philosopher and believe in God? Our old pal Thommy Aquinas would have said that they're one in the same! This week on Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan reach back to the Middle Ages to learn about Saint Thomas Aquinas, AKA the only philosopher purported to have levitated! In addition to being the number one hunk at the University of Paris, Aquinas is credited with bringing ancient philosophy into the modern Christian world. Also in this ep, the return of the Loser Cru...
#168 - Duty
July 14, 2017 03:38 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBIt's just Dan this week! If you're still reading this and didn't immediately throw your computer/mobile devise out the window of a moving car, boy do we have a special episode in store for you. Connor is away this week having lots of fun, so Dan hunkers down for a in-depth episode all about the moral concept of duty. We're talking Kant, we're talking Nietzsche, and we're talking the Flintstones of course. The episode is a bit shorter and a bit lighter on the laughs, but that content is good ...
#167 - Daoism and Mostly Star Wars
July 05, 2017 12:06 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MBThis week, Connor and Dan are taking a trip through hyperspace just to deliver you an extra special sloppy Star Wars episode. Dan was on his way out the door to enjoy a vacation, so he decided to let Connor take the reins as they discuss Daoism, the Force of the Wills, and all the other philosophical influences on a series of movies they probably would have ended up taking about anyways. If you guys enjoy this type of episode (i.e. pop culture focused) let them know and maybe they'll do more!
#166 - Richard Rorty
June 28, 2017 17:01 - 43 minutes - 60 MBIt's time to get pragmatic up in this podcast. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of modern American philosophy Richard Rorty who was all about "Out with the old; In with the new." New Pragmatism that is! Also discussed: Some new losers Connor had a beef with, a free idea for an app that someone can steal, and Connor finally gets woke. Enjoy!
#165 - Jacques Derrida
June 21, 2017 13:17 - 48 minutes - 67 MBTime to put on your hard hats boys and girls, because this week we're talking about deconstruction! Specifically, Connor and Dan discuss French philosopher Jacques Derrida (AKA Dr. Jack Dorito) who is the father of deconstruction. They take on binaries and ideologies and all the terribly comfortable things we take for granted without ever examining. Also discussed, ska podcasts, adults on scooters, and 70s talk shows. Enjoy!
#164 - Modern Stoicism
June 14, 2017 12:00 - 48 minutes - 67.4 MBHow do you take something old and make it new again? Do it half-assed of course. This week, Connor and Dan discuss the modern interpretation of Stoicism. They debate whether it's healthy or possible to repress your emotions and they dive head-first into Connor's Oedipal complex. Also, there's a weird discussion about PC culture and the alt right at the end...sorry.
#163 - Robotic Police
June 07, 2017 20:56 - 43 minutes - 60.8 MBUmm...excuse me? Are we living in frickin' Robocop? Maybe! Last week Dan read about the first robotic policeman being introduced in the city of Dubai and now he's having a mental breakdown. He and Connor discuss whether or not robots can be programmed to make moral decisions and, if they can, what the implications might be if society allows those robots to dish out the law right in citizen's faces. Also, they discuss why the episode is a little late, the ol' trolley problem, and what kind of...