Episodes
-
Step back in time to ancient Athens and enter the world of Plato’s Academy—the birthplace of Western philosophy and the world’s first university. In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we explore what life was like at the Academy, from its beautiful grove setting to its unique teaching methods. Discover the daily routines, groundbreaking ideas, and influential figures, including Aristotle, who called this place home. Join us as we unravel the Academy’s revolutionary approach to learning, Plato’s vision for training future leaders, and the enduring legacy that still shapes philosophy and education today. Whether you’re new to philosophy or a seasoned thinker, this journey inside Plato’s Academy offers insights that resonate through the ages.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we explore the fascinating world of Zhuangzi (pronounced “Jwong-dzuh”)—a mystical Daoist philosopher who challenged conventional beliefs and embraced a life of spontaneity and flow. Despite our AI hosts’ best efforts, the pronunciation is a bit tricky, so we wanted to clarify it here! Join us as we dive into Zhuangzi’s profound yet playful teachings, including the famous Butterfly Dream, the concept of wu wei (effortless action), and the importance of living in harmony with the Dao. Discover how his ideas on spontaneity and letting go of control offer a refreshing perspective for today’s fast-paced world.
-
Missing episodes?
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we explore the often-overlooked contributions of three pioneering women philosophers: Diotima, Hypatia, and Aspasia. From Diotima’s teachings on love in Plato’s Symposium to Hypatia’s role in advancing mathematics and philosophy in Alexandria, and Aspasia’s influence on Athenian rhetoric, these remarkable women shaped the intellectual landscape of the ancient world. Join us as we uncover their stories, challenge historical silences, and highlight their lasting impact on philosophy. Discover how these thinkers defied the odds and helped lay the foundations for philosophical thought, despite the limitations of their time.
-
Why are we often afraid of success? In this episode, we dive into the complex reasons behind self-sabotage, exploring philosophical insights into why we sometimes hold ourselves back just as we’re about to reach our goals. Through the ideas of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Freud, and Jung, we uncover how existential anxiety, fear of change, unconscious guilt, and the shadow self all play a role in our hesitations. Join us as we unravel the paradox of success and examine the deeper fears that shape our journey to self-fulfillment.
-
Welcome to “The Philosopher Throne,” where we explore timeless wisdom from the world’s greatest thinkers, today we explore Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Join us as we dive deep into the search for a meaningful life through the lenses of virtue, happiness, and reason.
-
Join us on Philosophers Throne as we explore the timeless philosophy of Stoicism, a guide for resilience, inner peace, and clarity in a chaotic world. Discover the origins of Stoicism in ancient Greece, meet its key figures—like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius—and dive into teachings that continue to resonate today. From mastering the art of control to embracing the Stoic virtues, this episode reveals how Stoic wisdom can help us navigate life’s challenges with strength and equanimity. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or looking to deepen your understanding, this journey through the Stoic way of life offers practical insights and powerful perspectives.
-
In this episode of Philosophers Throne, we’re diving into the political philosophies of the ancient world. How did great thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Epicurus, and Cicero imagine the ideal society? What did they believe made a good leader or a just government? From Plato’s vision of philosopher-kings to Confucius’s emphasis on moral leadership, each of these thinkers left a profound mark on how we view power, justice, and the role of the individual within the state.
Join us as we explore how these ancient ideas on virtue, governance, and civic duty continue to shape our modern world, and what lessons we can learn from their insights today. Whether you’re a politics enthusiast, a philosophy lover, or simply curious about humanity’s timeless quest for a just society, this episode has something for everyone.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we explore Buddha’s timeless teachings on compassion and uncover how modern science supports what he knew centuries ago. Join us as we dive into Buddha’s philosophy of karuna (compassion) and metta (loving-kindness), and learn how these ancient concepts are now proven to benefit our mental and physical health. We’ll discuss practical ways to bring compassion into daily life, reveal the neuroscience behind empathy, and discover why kindness is essential for personal peace and social harmony.
-
Step into the heart of ancient philosophy as we explore The Republic, Plato’s groundbreaking vision of a just and harmonious society. In this episode, we uncover the foundations of Plato’s ideal city, his concept of the philosopher-king, and the timeless Allegory of the Cave. Join us as we dissect Plato’s thoughts on justice, power, and leadership, questioning what lessons they hold for our modern world. Perfect for philosophy enthusiasts and curious minds alike, this episode offers a deep dive into one of history’s most influential works.
-
In this special Halloween episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we change things up and explore the ancient roots of Halloween, from its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain to its evolution through Roman and Christian traditions. Join us as we uncover the deeper meanings behind this spooky celebration and reflect on our relationship with life, death, and the supernatural. Tune in for a journey into the haunting histories that shape our modern Halloween!
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we journey into the wisdom of Laozi, the legendary sage behind Taoism and the Tao Te Ching. Join us as we explore the elusive concept of the Tao, the power of wu wei (non-action), and the timeless lessons on balance, nature, and leadership that Laozi left behind. Through engaging dialogue, we uncover how Laozi’s teachings encourage us to flow with life’s natural rhythms rather than resisting them. Tune in to discover how the ancient way of the Tao offers profound insights for a more harmonious, balanced life.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher's Throne we explore a powerful question: Does language shape reality? From the words we use every day to the concepts we struggle to express, language influences our thoughts, perceptions, and even the boundaries of what we consider real. Join us as we dive into the philosophy of language, exploring how words may limit or expand our understanding of the world.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we dive into the world of myths—not just as ancient tales, but as powerful tools that shape our understanding of reality and human nature. From Plato’s Allegory of the Cave to the legend of Icarus, myths have always been more than stories; they’re lenses through which we explore questions of truth, identity, and morality. Join us as we unravel the hidden meanings within these timeless tales, revealing how they continue to inspire and challenge us in our pursuit of wisdom.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we confront one of humanity’s greatest mysteries and sources of fear: death. Through the lens of philosophers like Epicurus, Socrates, Heidegger, and Seneca, we explore whether it’s possible to shift from fearing death to accepting it. Can confronting our mortality lead to a more meaningful life? Join us as we delve into timeless insights that question whether death is an end, a transition, or simply… nothing to fear.
-
In this episode of The Philosophers Throne, we delve into the fascinating concept of eternal recurrence, famously proposed by Friedrich Nietzsche. What if you had to live your life over and over, exactly as it is, for all eternity? Join us as we explore the implications of this thought experiment, examining how it challenges our perceptions of choice, meaning, and existence. We’ll discuss Nietzsche’s ideas, reactions from existentialist thinkers, and modern interpretations, ultimately prompting us to reflect on how we choose to live our lives in the face of eternal repetition. Tune in for a deep dive into one of philosophy’s most provocative questions!
-
In this episode of Philosophers Throne, we explore the ancient concept of karma and how it shapes both our moral and spiritual lives. Diving deep into Eastern philosophies like Hinduism and Buddhism, we discuss the idea that our actions ripple through time, influencing our future experiences. But karma isn’t just an Eastern idea—Western philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Aristotle also emphasized moral responsibility and the long-term consequences of our actions. Join us as we compare these perspectives and ask: How do our choices today define the lives we lead tomorrow?
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne we dive into the Library of Alexandria. It was one of the most famous and significant libraries of the ancient world, founded in the 3rd century BCE in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, under the rule of Ptolemy I Soter, a successor of Alexander the Great. It wasn’t just a collection of scrolls but a vast institution dedicated to scholarship and intellectual advancement, connected to the Mouseion (Museum), which functioned much like a modern research university.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we dive deep into the profound world of Plato, one of history’s most influential philosophers. Join us as we explore his Theory of Forms, uncovering the idea that our material world is merely a shadow of a higher reality. We’ll also unravel the insights of the Allegory of the Cave, examining how it serves as a powerful metaphor for enlightenment and the pursuit of truth in our own lives.
Additionally, we discuss Plato’s views on justice, emphasizing his vision of harmony within the soul and society. Finally, we take a closer look at love, as portrayed in The Symposium, exploring how love can lead us on a journey toward beauty, wisdom, and the divine.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that not only delves into ancient philosophy but also reveals its relevance to our modern world!
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we delve into the Taoist concept of Wu Wei, often translated as ‘effortless action’ or ‘non-doing.’ We explore its meaning, historical roots, and how it encourages living in harmony with the natural flow of life. By aligning ourselves with the Tao, Wu Wei offers a way to act with grace and effectiveness, even in a world full of challenges. We also draw intriguing connections to Western philosophers like Heraclitus, Epictetus, and Plotinus, who shared similar insights on embracing change, accepting limitations, and seeking unity with a higher order. Join us as we uncover how both Eastern and Western wisdom can guide us toward a more balanced and authentic life.
-
In this episode of The Philosopher’s Throne, we explore the mystical side of Pythagoras, a figure often remembered for his mathematical contributions but who also had a profound spiritual philosophy. Discover how Pythagoras went beyond triangles and numbers, teaching about the soul’s immortality, the cosmic harmony of the spheres, and the significance of spiritual purification. We’ll delve into the secretive Pythagorean Brotherhood, the concept of reincarnation, and how his beliefs continue to resonate in both Western philosophy and esoteric traditions. Join us as we uncover the deeper, mystical teachings of Pythagoras and their impact on the quest for knowledge and spiritual awakening.
- Show more
