Sleep With Philosophy
Big ideas, softly spoken. Unwind with the lives and ideas of the world’s great thinkers—told softly, slowly, and with care. Each episode offers a gentle journey through the reflections of a single philosopher: from the quiet ethics of Confucius to the inner doubts of Descartes, the radical hope of Spinoza to the solitude of Simone Weil. Whether you're curious about philosophy or simply seeking calm at day’s end, Sleep with Philosophy offers a peaceful place to listen, wonder, and let go. Subscribe now, or listen ad-free with Whisper Premium at www.whisper.fm.
Gilbert Ryle (b.1900)
In the calm expanse of thought where philosophical depths intertwine with the essence of language, we traverse the landscape of Gilbert Ryles profound musings on the mind and its expressions. Through the whisper of pages turning in The Concept of Mind, we navigate the delicate dance of behavior as the true display of the mind, challenging the archaic divides of Cartesian dualism with luminous clarity. In our gentle journey under Ryle’s guiding insights from Essays in Conceptual Analysis and Dilemmas, we unlock the serene understanding that language molds our perception of philosophical quandaries, and through it, we can fi...
Alfred North Whitehead (b.1861)
As the velvet night wraps its soft arms around the world, we embark on a journey through Alfred North Whitehead’s profound philosophical landscape, exploring the interplay of reality, science, and existence. Through his seminal works, Whitehead weaves a delicate kaleidoscope of ideas, challenging the static views of traditional materialism and inviting us into a universe characterized by perpetual becoming and interconnectedness. His thoughts dance between the rigorous logic of mathematics and the fluid dynamics of process philosophy, suggesting a reality that pulsates with creativity and is ever evolving. Let us drift into these complex notions, where every thought is...
G. E. M. Anscombe (b.1919)
As we trace the quiet contours of G.E.M. Anscombes philosophical journey, we find ourselves immersed in a world shaped by profound inquiries into intention, ethics, and language. Her keen exploration of moral psychology in Intention redefines our understanding of actions and outcomes, weaving a delicate mixture of thought that challenges and comforts. In her critical revival of virtue ethics through Modern Moral Philosophy, Anscombe gently invites us to reconsider the very foundations of our moral judgments. Tonight, let us drift into the depths of her insightful critiques and translations, where each thought is a soft step towards...
Friedrich Nietzsche (b.1844)
Tonight, we delve into the serene yet profound realm of Nietzsches philosophy, exploring the meandering paths of inquiry and reflection illuminated by his seminal works. As the whispers of Thus Spoke Zarathustra blend with the thoughtful critiques of Beyond Good and Evil, we find ourselves wandering through a landscape rich with the challenge of redefining morality and the pursuit of individual meaning. In the hushed tones of the night, On the Genealogy of Morality and The Birth of Tragedy echo the complex dance between the birth of cultural values and the transformative power of art. Let us drift into...
Cornelius Castoriadis (b.1922)
Tonight, we drift into the philosophical realms explored by Cornelius Castoriadis, where the fabric of society is woven not just from the tangible but from the shared dreams and the unseen threads of the collective imagination. As we gently unravel his thoughts on how myths and symbols shape our realities, we touch upon the serene yet profound idea that our world is an ongoing creation of our collective minds. Delve deeper with us into the soft folds of The Imaginary Institution of Society and beyond, where each theory and critique crafts a mosaic of human experience vibrant with autonomy...
Richard Swinburne (b.1934)
In the quietude of our minds, we embark on a serene journey through the profound depths of philosophical theology, exploring Richard Swinburnes pioneering trilogy that seeks to articulate the existence of God with analytic precision. Each tome, a meticulous layering from the foundational questions of divine coherence to the symphony of evidences that gently hint at the divine, beckons us to contemplate the delicate weave of logic and faith. As we drift closer to the shores of sleep, let us unravel the threads of cumulative reasoning and the harmonious relationship between faith and reason, finding tranquility in the intellectual...
Diogenes of Sinope (b.412 BC)
Under the serene moonlight, we revisit the ancient streets of Athens where Diogenes of Sinope, with his audacious spirit, challenged the norms of his time through acts of theatrical defiance. Through whispered narratives, we encounter the eccentric philosopher who sought truth by holding a lamp to the daylight, searching for an honest man amidst the pretenses of society. As he makes his bed in a large ceramic jar, eschewing the comforts that chain others to convention, we sense the profound simplicity in his quest for authenticity. Let us untangle the layers of his philosophy tonight, finding peace in the...
Noam Chomsky (b.1928)
Tonight, we wander through the luminous corridors of the mind with Noam Chomsky as our guide, exploring the profound depths of language and thought. Drifting from the groundbreaking Syntactic Structures into the reflective pools of Language and Mind, we unearth how language mirrors our cognitive landscapes, revealing universal grammars soft whispers across humanitys diverse tongues. As the gentle currents of understanding carry us forward, Chomskys theories refine into a delicate critique of media in Manufacturing Consent, where truths are softly sculpted by unseen hands. Let us unfurl these intricate thoughts like night-blooming flowers, discovering tranquility in the intellectual embrace...
David Chalmers (b.1966)
As night falls, we immerse ourselves in the profound, quiet waters of David Chalmerss exploration of consciousness, tracing the gentle ripples he leaves in the philosophy of mind. His thoughts meander through the complexities of experience, where the hard problem of consciousness asks why subjective sensations exist at all amidst a world of observable phenomena. Chalmerss pioneering naturalistic dualism, suggesting that our conscious experiences are as fundamental as time or space, acts as a beacon, guiding us through the shadowy realms of thought and theory. Let us drift into the depths of this contemplative space, where the whispers of...
Max Horkheimer (b.1895)
In the quiet stillness of reflection, we explore the depths of Max Horkheimer’s profound critiques on the trajectory of modern thought. Our journey traverses the harsh landscapes of reason turned instrument of oppression, as revealed in the Dialectic of Enlightenment, and delves deeper into the Eclipse of Reason, where reasons transformation into a mechanistic tool unravels. In the gentle embrace of the night, we reflect on the emancipatory potential of critical theory that Horkheimer champions, seeking to transform not only our understanding but also the fabric of society itself. Let us drift into a contemplative reverie, where ideas fl...
PREMIUM: Max Horkheimer (b.1895)
In the quiet stillness of reflection, we explore the depths of Max Horkheimer’s profound critiques on the trajectory of modern thought. Our journey traverses the harsh landscapes of reason turned instrument of oppression, as revealed in the Dialectic of Enlightenment, and delves deeper into the Eclipse of Reason, where reasons transformation into a mechanistic tool unravels. In the gentle embrace of the night, we reflect on the emancipatory potential of critical theory that Horkheimer champions, seeking to transform not only our understanding but also the fabric of society itself. Let us drift into a contemplative reverie, where ideas fl...
Leo Strauss (b.1899)
Tonight, we delve into the timeless currents of thought flowing from the pen of Leo Strauss, a thinker who challenged the foundations of modern political philosophy by advocating a return to the ancient wisdom of Plato and Aristotle. In the hushed ambiance of contemplation, we explore how Natural Right and History presents a steadfast critique of relativism, asserting that the principles of natural rights hold eternal truths that address the moral and ethical crises of today. Through Persecution and the Art of Writing, we uncover the secretive layers woven into philosophical texts, a dance of concealment and revelation under...
Heraclitus (b.535 BCE)
In the whispered echoes of ancient Ephesus, we meander through the remnants of Heraclituss profound wisdom, where every fragment invites us into a universe in perpetual motion. As we explore the concept of Logos, we find a cosmic order that pervades the ceaseless change, suggesting a deep yet often unrecognized continuity that binds existence. The river of his thoughts flows infinitely, reminding us that you cannot step into the same river twice, and inviting us to perceive the harmonious dance of opposites that shapes our understanding and being. Let us drift into the serene rhythms of these ancient insights...
Zeno of Citium (b.334 BC)
In the hushed whispers of ancient wisdom, we explore the serene teachings of Zeno of Citium, whose Stoic philosophy promised a life led by virtue and unfettered by the chains of material desires. Our journey weaves through the ethereal remnants of his thoughts, from envisioning a society governed by love and wisdom in his Republic to seeking harmony with the universe in On Human Nature. As we delve into his musings on mastering our emotions in On the Passions, we cultivate a peaceful introspection, allowing the tranquility of Zeno’s ideals to guide us into a state of restful co...
Friedrich Schelling (b.1775)
As twilight folds into the velvet night, we wander through Friedrich Schellings philosophical garden, where ideas blossom into profound insights linking humanity with the cosmos. Drifting past the early whispers of nature’s intelligence and the deeper echoes of self-consciousness, we explore the intricate dance between our inner worlds and the expansive universe. Through Schelling’s thoughts, we glimpse the seamless weave of nature and mind, revealing a collage of infinite connections and artistic expressions. Let us unfurl the delicate petals of his wisdom, inviting tranquility and a deeper understanding of our place within the universal expanse.This episode is h...
Saul Kripke (b.1940)
As twilight deepens, we unravel the serene complexities of Saul Kripkes philosophical universe, where names and identities transcend mere existence and bind us across worlds unseen. In the quietness of our thoughts, we explore Naming and Necessity, a journey through a landscape where words are more than symbols—they are anchors, holding true no matter where they drift in the ocean of possibilities. Through his compelling challenge to conventional wisdom and a deep dive into linguistic structures, Kripke invites us to ponder the essential truths that names conjure in the silence of the infinite worlds. Let these thoughts be th...
Michel Foucault (b.1926)
As dusk settles and the world quiets, we drift into the labyrinthine intellect of Michel Foucault, exploring how shadows of power and whispers of knowledge shape the fusion of society. From the solitary confinements of madness to the penetrating scrutiny of the medical gaze, Foucaults thoughts weave through the delicate fabric of our cultural and historical constructs. In the soft, fading light, his words challenge the boundaries of what we accept as normal, inviting us to reconsider the unseen forces that govern our lives. Let us unravel these threads together, finding comfort in the complexity of thought as night...
Epictetus (b.55)
Tonight, we delve into the tranquil realms of ancient wisdom, where the stoic teachings of Epictetus guide us through the gentle art of letting go. In the soft whispers of the night, The Enchiridion offers us the serene clarity of distinguishing what is within our control and what lies beyond it, instilling a peaceful acceptance in the soul. Through The Discourses, we engage in a deeper, more reflective conversation, exploring how the philosophy of Stoicism applies to the intricacies of daily life and the pursuit of virtue. Allow these age-old insights to seep into your evening, bringing a calm...
Alva Noë (b.1964)
In the quiet twilight of our thoughts, we explore the profound insights of philosopher Alva Noë, who invites us to view perception not as a passive reception but an active engagement with the world around us. Through the gentle unfolding of ideas, we discover how our bodies and minds are not mere observers but vibrant participants in the tapestry of experience. As we delve into the notion that consciousness extends beyond the confines of our brains, intertwining with every breath and heartbeat, we find ourselves reimagining the art of perception and consciousness. Let these thoughts linger in the soothing s...
Nancy Fraser (b.1947)
In tonights journey through the quiet realms of thought, we explore the delicate interlace of Nancy Frasers philosophical insights on social justice, power dynamics, and the evolution of feminist theory. As the night deepens, well navigate the subtle transitions from socialism to postsocialism, witnessing how nuanced forms of capitalism and governance unfold through Frasers critical reflections. Drifting further into the realms of discourse, her exploration on the entwining paths of redistribution and recognition emerges, contending the deep entanglements of economic and cultural dimensions. Let us gently unfurl these complex layers of thought, finding tranquility in the intellectual tapestry that...
Ernesto Laclau (b.1935)
As twilight deepens, we explore the tranquil yet profound sphere of Ernesto Laclau’s political theories, where ideas of populism and hegemony whisper through the fabric of our collective understanding. In the gentle hush of evening, his texts wrap around the notions of radical democracy and the intricate dance of social movements, like vines slowly climbing the walls of ancient universities. Through Laclaus thoughts, we weave a serene tapestry of discourse, highlighting the unity and diversity of voices that shape the echoes of our time. Let us drift into the contemplative realms of political philosophy, finding quiet insights in th...
Nicolaus Cusanus (b.1401)
In the quiet hours of twilight, we drift into the contemplative realms explored by Nicolau Cusanus, where philosophy gently collides with the divine. His profound musings bring us De Docta Ignorantia, a dialogue on the bounds of human understanding and the paradox of knowing through unknowing. This journey extends through De Concordantia Catholica, where the intertwining of ecclesiastical governance and spiritual wisdom paints a panorama of harmonious coexistence. As night deepens, let the mystical echoes of De Visione Dei guide our thoughts to places where the divine gaze meets ours, inviting a serene encounter with the infinite.This episode...
Seyyed Hossein Nasr (b.1933)
As twilight deepens, our thoughts drift to the quiet, profound reflections of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, whose works explore the delicate interplay between knowledge and the sacred. In the serene spaces of our imaginations, we traverse vast landscapes of wisdom embedded in tradition and innovation, from the spiritual essence in education to the symbiotic relationship of man and nature. Nasrs eloquent discourse invites us into a contemplative garden, where the mysticism of Sufism blooms alongside philosophical and ecological inquiries. Here, in this episode, we allow the tranquility of deeper understanding to enfold us in a peaceful embrace, urging us to...
Edmund Husserl (b.1859)
In the quiet chambers of the mind, we explore the labyrinthine thoughts of Edmund Husserl, whose profound ideas redefined our understanding of consciousness. As night descends, we delve gently into the essence of phenomenology, navigating through the serene concepts of time, intentionality, and the transcendental ego. Our journey mirrors Husserls quest to uncover the pure experiences that form the fabric of our perception, setting aside the noise of the external world to embrace the tranquility of introspection. Let us drift into the depths of philosophical reflection, finding solace in the rich tapestry of ideas that connect us more deeply...
Jerry Fodor (b.1935)
In the tranquil chambers of our minds, we wander through the foundational theories of cognitive science crafted by Jerry Fodor, exploring the intricate architecture of thought and language. Each concept, from the language-like structure of our thinking depicted in The Language of Thought to the compartmentalized modules of cognition in The Modularity of Mind, unfolds like chapters in a quiet symphony of understanding. As we delve into these profound insights, we appreciate how they scaffold our comprehension of mental processes and their empirical blueprints. Let us drift into the serene realms of cognition and discover a gentle, intellectual harmony...
Hilary Putnam (b.1926)
In the quiet hours of an academic journey, we explore the corridors of Hilary Putnams mind, walking through the pages of his seminal works that challenge the constructs of philosophy. From the logical labyrinths in Philosophy of Logic to the existential queries posited by the brain in a vat in Reason, Truth, and History, each step delves deeper into the essence of truth and reality. As we wander through The Collapse of the Fact/Value Dichotomy, we encounter the intertwined nature of facts and values, enriching our understanding of the world as a complex weave of science and ethics...
Paul Ricoeur (b.1913)
As the evening dims into twilight, we drift into the profound philosophical landscapes shaped by Paul Ricoeur, whose explorations into the spheres of freedom, ethics, and the narrative of human existence offer a serene backdrop for tonights sleepcast. In the hush of night, we ponder the intricate dance between the voluntary and involuntary within us, as explored in Ricoeurs Freedom and Nature, where human will wrestles with the boundaries of our own nature. Delicate threads of thought weave through Finitude and Guilt, revealing the tender faults and the shadows of evil in our collective consciousness, enriched further by the...
Judith Butler (b.1956)
As twilight embraces the world in its quietude, we delve into the eloquent tapestry of thought woven by Judith Butler, exploring the fluid landscapes of gender, identity, and the power of language in shaping our social norms. Through her seminal works, from Gender Trouble to Excitable Speech, we trace the contours of human interaction and the performative nature of gender, challenging the very foundations upon which societal expectations are built. Each page turns like leaves in a gentle breeze, revealing the dynamic interplay between our bodies and the words we use to define them. Join us in a contemplative...
Daniel Kahneman (b.1934)
As dusk gathers and stars blink awake, our thoughts often drift to the intricate dance between intuition and logic, a duality profoundly explored in Daniel Kahneman’s work on human cognition. In the quiet spaces between wakefulness and sleep, we muse on the delicate interplay of fast, instinctive decisions that shape our days and the slow, deliberate thoughts that chart our future. Tonight, we delve into a serene exploration of how these streams of thought flow through the landscape of our minds, shaping our perceptions and guiding our choices with invisible hands. Let us uncover the whispers of our de...
Thomas Aquinas (b.1225)
As night unfolds, we wander through the hallowed halls of Thomas Aquinass intellect, where philosophical inquiry meets the divine. His profound synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology created a serene yet stirring universe of thought, revealing the quiet beauty in the pursuit of divine truths. Each page of his works, from the structured depths of the Summa Theologica to the contemplative realms of the Summa Contra Gentiles, invites us into a meditation on existence, virtue, and the sublime mysteries that bridge the earthly with the ethereal. Let us drift into sleep with whispers of wisdom that have echoed...
Michael Walzer (b.1935)
Tonight, we delve into a realm where the tapestry of justice and moral inquiry weaves through the corridors of philosophical thought, guided by Michael Walzers seminal works. In Spheres of Justice, we explore a landscape where diverse spheres of human action maintain their unique metrics of justice, untouched by the overpowering shadows of economic might or political influence. Meanwhile, Just and Unjust Wars transports us to historical battlegrounds, examining the delicate balance between ethical conduct and the harsh realities of conflict. As we drift into these thoughtful meditations, may our minds find peace in the complexities of equality and...
George Berkeley (b.1685)
As dusk settles and the world quiets, we drift into the serene, profound realms of George Berkeleys philosophy, where the very essence of existence whispers gently in the breeze of our perception. In the tender embrace of the night, we explore his compelling argument that to be is to be perceived, unraveling the intricate tapestry of reality as it dissolves into the sensations that we, alone, can feel. Through his masterful dialogues and poignant critiques, Berkeley invites us into a dance of ideas, where the tangible meets the intangible in a delicate ballet of existence. Let us float on...
Thomas Pogge (b.1953)
As dusk falls across the world, draping the globe in shadows of tranquility, we explore the profound insights of philosopher Thomas Pogge on global ethics. Through the gentle weave of his narratives in World Poverty and Human Rights and Realizing Rawls, we are invited into a contemplation of our own roles within international justice and the moral compass guiding our actions. Pogges persuasive urge to rethink economic structures and the fairness of our policies unveils a moral framework tied deeply to the quiet heartbeat of humanitys interconnectedness. In tonights sleepcast, let us drift into a serene introspection on the...
Herbert Spencer (b.1820)
In the quiet chambers of thought where society’s blueprint unfolds, we explore Herbert Spencer’s profound visions of evolution and liberty. Through his seminal works, Social Statics and The Principles of Sociology, we drift across ideas of a society gracefully maturing towards greater freedom, where individuals blossom under the minimalist touch of governance. His theories, mirroring the delicate balance of natures own systems, suggest a world where social constructs adapt and thrive like organisms in their natural habitat. As we delve into Spencer’s meticulous analysis of social organisms, let the mind find rest in the intricate dance of soc...
Thomas Hobbes (b.1588)
In the deep quiet of the night, our thoughts drift to the profound musings of Thomas Hobbes, whose masterwork Leviathan paints a stark tableau of human existence without governance—a life solitary, poor, and unsheltered. Through the echoes of De Cive and The Elements of Law, Hobbes traces the delicate threads of social contracts and the necessity of an overriding authority that binds society into a cohesive whole. Each tome navigates the intricate dance between individual desires and the collective need for peace and security, inviting us into a contemplative journey through the human psyche and the pillars of ci...
Philip Kitcher (b.1947)
As dusk falls on the landscape of the mind, we embark on a journey through Philip Kitchers introspective pursuit of the woven threads between science, ethics, and democracy. In the soft shadowed libraries of thought, his books serve as lanterns, illuminating the intricate dance of knowledge as it evolves within the embrace of societal needs and communal wisdom. Each page turns like a gentle whisper, revealing how our collective scientific endeavors and ethical choices are not just driven by stars of empirical data but also by the quiet constellations of our shared human condition. Join us as we drift...
Patricia Churchland (b.1943)
Embark on a cerebral journey with the latest episode of "Sleep with Philosophy". As we dive deep into the life and craft of thinker Patricia Churchland, it's more than just a glimpse into abstract thoughts; it's about crossing an intriguing bridge between philosophical and scientific worlds. Trace her path through the hallowed halls of academia from British Columbia to Oxford, and how her work in neurophilosophy revolutionized our understanding of mind, brain, ethics, and consciousness. This exploration isn't merely academic—it reverberates in our day-to-day decisions. Indulge in this intellectual odyssey and uncover profound implications on self, society, and th...
Henry David Thoreau (b.1817)
As twilight clings, we traverse Thoreau's intellectual wilderness—a timeless echo urging deeper conversations with nature and self. From charming New England to the grand Walden Pond, indulge in the soulful symphony of simple living. Fathom the depths of Thoreau's criticism of materialism, his inspirations for preserving Earth, and his penchant for spiritual awakening. While we acknowledge Thoreau's contradictions, the tranquillity of thoughts we explore promise to be transformative. Prepare to drift into a serene night teeming with philosophical insights and peaceful sleep. Sleep sweetly, thinkers.
Emmanuel Levinas (b.1906)
Explore how a single encounter can become a meaningful ethical engagement. As we navigate Levinas's sweeping philosophy, you'll delve deep into texts that redefined Western thought, and wrestle with questions that challenge the fabric of our relationships. You'll not only learn about Levinas's life and work but also be encouraged to examine your own connections with others. Don't miss this voyage into the heart of ethics — it's a contemplative journey that promises to enrich your waking life. Tune in now and let the calm discourse lead you towards sleep.
John Stuart Mill (b.1806)
Unravel the threads of Mill's transformative ideas as you're gently lulled into a world where the pursuit of happiness takes on a nuanced meaning. As the shadow lengthens and the bustle fades, we reflect on Mill's ground-breaking principle—"Liberty comes first"—which cultivated critical pillars of modern democracies. Venture with us into the corridors of thought Mill lit, understand how his beliefs have shaped your world, and find comfort in our shared intellectual heritage. Tune in and let the echo of Mill's philosophies guide you into a serene night's rest.