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Spontaneous Philosophy

Spontaneous Philosophy

By Brian New

Somewhat prepared but mostly spontaneous philosophical discussion -- with technical rigour, by a published philosopher
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What is Consciousness? The Philosophy of Mind - episode 1

Spontaneous PhilosophyJul 19, 2020

00:00
01:35:15
When does consciousness first emerge in the world?

When does consciousness first emerge in the world?

The hard problem of consciousness. Is an infant subjectively aware? Can love be a non-conscious relation? How is it that we unwittingly project a mind or 'personhood' into other creatures, including infants; is this projection accurate? Why is 'vantage perception' a better name than 'theory of mind'?
Oct 01, 202101:01:14
What is free speech and its limits? Episode 3

What is free speech and its limits? Episode 3

In this episode we consider the nature of free speech, reflecting on some of the ideas of John Locke.

I look at the First Amendment of the US Constitution (and as I type this I now remember that I forgot to look at the 5th Amendment! Really wanted to explore what that was all about -- have only seen it on films etc. :)

Oh, I also explain my theory/brief observation about the nature of honesty in discourse.

Thanks for listening

Hope you enjoy

B

Aug 03, 202001:30:10
What is Consciousness? The Philosophy of Mind - episode 1

What is Consciousness? The Philosophy of Mind - episode 1

Hello! Our first spontaneous philosophical discussion of the very heart of ideas, science, and logic themselves: consciousness.

In this first episode I read and converse on passages from Nietzsche and Wittgenstein (philosophers), as well as Dr Rita Carter (neuroscientist).

I also, in the first part, present my own Philosophy of Mind, a description of how perceptual creatures move through developmental stages towards having (an experiential, subjective, private) consciousness.

Thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy :)

Jul 19, 202001:35:15
The Problem of Suffering

The Problem of Suffering

In this spontaneous episode, I discuss the Problem of Evil/Suffering -- that is, the argument against the existence of God/gods due to the undeniable existence of suffering in our world.

I think through the nature and logic of suffering itself, distinguishing it from pain, and placing it in relation to conscious volition.

Finally, I talk through the Free-Will theodicy (solution to the Problem of Suffering), and then give my own theodicy from a non-religious or non-theological starting point.

Thanks for listening, and merry Christmas :)

Dec 20, 201901:08:39