Conversations with History and Host Harry Kreisler welcome UC Berkeley Professor of Philosophy John R. Searle who talks about the work of a philosopher, critical thinking, and lessons of the Free Speech Movement.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Professor John Perry who discusses the evolution of his thinking on the problem of identity. Topics covered also include: how a philosopher thinks, philosophical thinking and public discourse, and what philosophy and humor have in common. Professor Perry talks about his role as co-host of the radio program, "Philosophy Talk." He also reflects on the utility of procrastination.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes legal philosopher Jeremy Waldron for a discussion of the legal concept of dignity, its origins in law and morality and its emergence as a foundation for human rights. In the conversation, Professor Waldron also talks about the importance of preserving liberal values in the fight against terrorism, and, in this context, he criticizes the torture memos for their assault on human dignity.
Host Harry Kreisler welcomes philosopher Hubert Dreyfus for a discussion of why machines cannot become human. In their discussion, they talk about the role of philosophy in clarifying what it means to be human.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes philosophy professors Hubert Dreyfus and Sean Kelly for a discussion of their book, All Things Shining. Drawing on their reading of Western classics, Dreyfus and Kelly analyzehow different epochs offered unique answers to the question of what is sacred and what can provide meaning for human existence. The conversation explores the examples of Homer, Jesus, and Melville to highlight differing paradigms of culture practice. Dreyfus and Kelly then trace the transition to the secular age in which nihilism prevails. They conclude by identifying how a...