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PHILOSOPHY FROM SOCRATES TO SEINFELD
To The Best of Our Knowledge
from Wisconsin Public Radio
"Seinfeld" and "The Simpsons" may not look like grist
for the philosopher's mill, but philosopher Bill Irwin says they
have a few things to teach us. In this hour of To the Best of
Our Knowledge, philosophy from Socrates to Wittgenstein, with
a short detour through pop culture. Also, philosophy's next great
frontier: the brain.
SEGMENT 1:
William Irwin tells Steve Paulson how philosophical
questions echo throughout popular culture with several examples
from Seinfeld and The Simpsons. Irwin edited "Seinfeld and Philosophy:
A Book about Everything and Nothing," and (with Mark T. Conard
and Aeon J. Skoble,) "The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'Oh! Of
Homer." Also Dave Edmonds talks with Steve Paulson about
an incident in the life of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and
explains why Wittgenstein's views have been supplanted. Edmonds
and John Eidinow wrote "Wittgenstein's Poker: The Story of a Ten
Minute Argument between Two Great Philosophers."
SEGMENT 2:
Christopher Phillips is the author of "Socrates
Café: A Fresh Taste of Philosophy." He tells Jim Fleming what
happens at Socrates Café, and explains how he reveals the deep
philosophical implications of everyday events. He remembers one
session at a nursing home where the residents discussed the meaning
of "home."
SEGMENT 3:
Philosopher Susan Brison faced a personal
and professional crisis after she was attacked and raped in France.
She tells Anne Strainchamps how traditional philosophy failed
to comfort her and how hard it was to have her experience as a
woman taken seriously in her field. Brison's book is "Aftermath:
Violence and the Remaking of A Self." Also, philosopher John
Searle talks with Steve Paulson about the most exciting problem
in modern philosophy: explaining human consciousness. Searle says
the barrier between philosophers and neuro-biologists disappears
at the most advanced level of research.
Cassette copies are available
at 1-800-747-7444. Ask for program number 02-03-17-B.
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Books:
- Susan J. Brison, Aftermath: Violence
and the Remaking of a Self (Princeton)
- William Irwin, Mark T. Conard, & Aeon J. Skoble,
eds., The Simpsons and Philosphy: The D'oh! Of Homer (Open
Court)
- Dave Edmonds & John Eidinow, Wittgenstein's
Poker: The Story of a Ten-Minute Argument Between Two great Philosophers
(Ecco)
- William Irwin, ed, Seinfeld and Philosophy:
A Book about Everything and Nothing (Open Court)
- Christopher Phillips, Socrates Café:
A Fresh Taste of Philosophy (Norton)
Music:
- The Simpsons Theme Song
- The Instant Monty Python CD Collection - Volume
2 - "Bruces Philosopher's Song"
- Joe Henderson: Lush Life
- Keith Jarrett: The Koln Concert
- The Instant Monty Python CD Collection - Volume
6 - "Meaning of Life"
- Introducing Ruben Martinez - Tres Lindas Cubanas
Distribution dates:
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Questions and comments can
be addressed to: flemingj@wpr.org
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