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In this episode, we dive into Newcomb’s Paradox, a thought experiment that has puzzled philosophers, economists, and decision theorists for decades. At the heart of the dilemma lies a powerful predictor, a tempting reward, and a choice that challenges our ideas about free will, rationality, and causality. Join us as we unravel the paradox, explore its implications for AI and game theory, and ask: when prediction seems perfect, what does it really mean to choose?

What if God is not all-powerful? In this episode, we explore the bold and compassionate philosophy of Hans Jonas, who reimagines the divine in light of the Holocaust and the enduring problem of evil. Drawing from theology, existentialism, and ethics, Jonas argues that divine self-limitation may be the only way to make sense of a world where suffering exists. We dive into his provocative ideas on responsibility, freedom, and what it means to believe after Auschwitz.

If you replace every plank of a ship, piece by piece, is it still the same ship? Welcome to the paradox that has puzzled philosophers for centuries: the Ship of Theseus. In this episode, we dive deep into this ancient thought experiment and explore its implications for identity, continuity, and the nature of the self.

In this episode, we explore the wild, satirical world of Voltaire’s Candide, a razor-sharp critique of optimism, religion, and the absurdity of human suffering. Join us as we follow Candide, an innocent young man whose journey across continents exposes him to war, natural disasters, betrayal, and relentless philosophical debate, all in the name of “the best of all possible worlds.”

Imprisoned and awaiting execution, Boethius turns to Lady Philosophy for comfort. In The Consolation of Philosophy, we explore how this 6th-century work blends classical wisdom with personal grief, offering timeless reflections on fate, fortune, and the pursuit of inner peace.

In his final dialogue, Laws, Plato trades utopia for practicality, crafting a detailed blueprint for a real-world city. We explore his vision of law as moral educator, his thoughts on governance, and why he believed virtue must be built into the very structure of the state.

What makes an action right or wrong? For John Stuart Mill, it all comes down to happiness. In this episode, we explore his classic text Utilitarianism and unpack his argument that the best actions are those that promote the greatest good for the greatest number. A clear and powerful defence of a moral philosophy that still shapes how we think today.