Skepticism [59:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)
 Preview [1:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)

What is skepticism? Are there different varieties of skepticism? Is skepticism primarily an epistemological issue? What’s the aim of a skeptical argument? Should skeptical arguments be taken seriously? If so, why? What’s philosophically significant about skepticism? Can a certain amount of skepticism be healthy? What’s the best strategy for responding to skeptical arguments? Is there a rational response that could be offered against the skeptic? If not, what sort of implications are we left to deal with? Are we all just brains in vats? Be sure and join the GRS crew for this interesting discussion.

(Original Air Date, 05.16.06)

 Paradoxes & Puzzles 2 [60:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)

Paradoxes & Puzzles 2: The Ship of Theseus, The Lottery & Kripke’s Puzzle About Belief

What is a paradox anyway? And why are philosophers so interested in paradoxes? Is a paradox just a fancy kind of riddle? Or is it some kind of demonstration that a contradiction (or absurd consequence) follows from apparently reasonable assumptions? Do paradoxes actually point out some inexplicable fact about the nature of the world? Or are they just logical/linguistic games? Perhaps the notion of paradox includes all of these elements… or maybe none at all. What merit is there, if any, in analyzing and discussing philosophical paradoxes? Join the GRS crew as they consider the puzzling complexities of the Ship of Theseus, The Lottery and Kripke’s Puzzle About Belief.

(Original Air Date, 05.02.06)

 Paradoxes & Puzzles 1 [61:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)

Paradoxes & Puzzles 1: The Sorites & The Liar

What is a paradox anyway? And why are philosophers so interested in paradoxes? Is a paradox just a fancy kind of riddle? Or is it some kind of demonstration that a contradiction (or absurd consequence) follows from apparently reasonable assumptions? Do paradoxes actually point out some inexplicable fact about the nature of the world? Or are they just logical/linguistic games? Perhaps the notion of paradox includes all of these elements… or maybe none at all. What merit is there, if any, in analyzing and discussing philosophical paradoxes? Join the GRS crew as they consider the puzzling complexities of the Sorites and the Liar paradoxes.

(Original Air Date, 04.25.06)

 Philosophy of Mind 101 [58:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2807)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (780)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 12)

What sort of thing is the mind? And what’s the relationship between the mind and the body, between mental things and physical things? Is the mind composed of some sort of non-physical substance? Or is the mind just a particular sort of physical substance, perhaps organized in a distinctive way? Is there some other way of understanding the relationship between mind and body? Are minds merely brains? Are mental states just identical to certain kinds of brain states? Are mental states nothing more than certain dispositions to behave in certain ways? What is the nature of consciousness? Is it possible for a purely physical object to be conscious? Could a sophisticated machine be conscious? What is the nature of thought? How does the mind represent the world? Are the content of our thoughts determined by the brain or by the environment? What’s the relation between the philosophy of mind, psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, cognitive science and other fields with interest in human minds? Be sure and join the GRS crew and special guest Aaron Zimmerman, Ph.D. (University of California, Santa Barbara) for this exciting discussion.

(Original Air Date, 04.18.06)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 The 28th Episode Spectacular [56:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2367)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (664)

A Special GRS Episode

So what’s the GRS all about, really? Over the years, many have inquired and tonight the crew hopes to set the record straight (that is, at least, insofar as the record can be straight!). Where did the GRS come from? What are the particular objectives (or goals) of the GRS? Is there any aim to the show at all? If so, what are we trying to do? What are we NOT trying to do? What about the particular format of the GRS? The music, commercials, monologues, discussions, guests and street interviews… is there any method to the madness? Is this an appropriate way to do philosophy? Can a philosophy talk show be fun, sarcastic, informal, goofy AND informative, engaging, relevant and thought provoking? These are just some of the interesting questions that the GRS crew will be addressing during this special ‘tell-all’ GRS exposé– So get ready, its The 28th Episode Spectacular on the GRS!

(Original Air Date, 04.11.06)

 Philosophy of Language 101 [60:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3174)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1313)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 11)

What is the philosophy of language? How does the philosophy of language differ from linguistics, or from other branches of philosophy? Why do philosophers study language? What is the purpose of language? How does language relate to the mind, both of the speaker and the interpreter? How does language relate to the world? What is the nature of meaning? What is the relation between meaning and reference? How are sentences composed into a meaningful whole, and what are the meanings of the parts of sentences? Why do expressions have the meanings they have? How do words and sentences acquire meanings? Be sure and join the GRS crew and special guest Nathan Salmon, Ph.D. (University of California, Santa Barbara) for an important discussion about the Philosophy of Language and the upcoming Steven Humphrey Excellence in Philosophy Conference entitled ‘Advances in the Theory of Meaning’ (February 17-20, 2006).

(Original Air Date, 02.07.06)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 Philosophy & Film [55:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2697)
 Preview [1:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (743)

What’s the distinction (if any) between the philosophy of film, philosophy in film, philosophy and film or philosophy through film? Do these different titles refer to different disciplines with different objectives? Or is there some unifying relation between these notions? What’s the primary interest in pursuing the notion of philosophy & film? Is the interest interpretative (i.e., making use of philosophical positions, concepts, etc in the interpretation of films)? Or is the primary interest pedagogical (i.e., making use of film in order to illustrate some philosophical position, concept, etc)? Is it both? Neither? How does philosophy & film relate to (or deal with) more traditional philosophical questions related to aesthetics? Is film an art form? If so, what sort of art form is it? In what can the aesthetic value of a film consist? Are some films artworks, while other are just entertainment? If so, what is the difference? Is film somehow especially helpful when it comes to teaching and/or understanding philosophical positions, concepts, etc? If so, why? Be sure and tune in for this exciting discussion with special guest William Irwin, Ph.D (Kings College).

*** Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties at the radio station, the audio quality of the recorded version of this GRS broadcast is less than desirable. Sorry for the inconvenience.

(Original Air Date, 01.31.06)

 Intelligent Design Theory [61:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2729)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (963)

What is Intelligent Design Theory? Is Intelligent Design Theory a scientific theory? Why or why not? If so, is it a good theory? What is the philosophical significance of the debate about intelligent design? How is Intelligent Design Theory different from other theories or theses involving design? What claims are Intelligent Design Theorists committed to? What claims are they not committed to? What is the explanatory aim of Intelligent Design Theory? Are we justified in teaching Intelligent Design Theory in public schools? What would make it justified or unjustified? Do certain religious views force one to decide between intelligent design and evolution? If so, why? Be sure and tune in for this provocative discussion with special guest Paul Nelson, Ph.D (Discovery Institute: Center for Science & Culture) and the GRS crew.

(Original Air Date, 01.24.06)

 The Philosophy of Science 101 [51:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2814)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (738)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 10)

What is the philosophy of science? What is it that philosophers of science do? What sort of issues is the philosophy of science interested in investigating? What is the relationship between science and the philosophy of science? How do philosophers add to the work of scientists? Do scientists need philosophers of science? Can the structure and history of science tell us anything about how to do philosophy? What scientific fields ought to be studied more by philosophers of science? Be sure and join the GRS crew and special guest Christopher Smeenk, Ph.D. (University of California, Los Angeles) for this important discussion!

(Original Air Date, 01.17.06)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 Logic 101 [59:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2801)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (874)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 9)

What is logic? What does it mean to think logically? Can anyone be logical? What sorts of issues are logicians interested in reconciling? Is being logical better than being illogical? Is it always better? If so, why? Why should people think logically? What benefits are there to thinking in a logically consist manner? Are there different kinds of logic? If so, how should we evaluate the merits of a particular logical system?

(Original Air Date, 01.10.06)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 The Socratic Couch [57:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2481)
 Preview [1:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (705)

A Special GRS Episode

Why does it seem like everyone’s in some sort of therapy these days? You’ve got the psychiatrists, the psychologists, social workers and counselors galore! Marriage counselors, Divorce counselors, Economic counselors, and Spiritual counselors. No one’s questioning the fact that people enjoy having specialists helping them out with their problems. I guess the real question is, are individuals getting the help they need from these therapeutic specialists? Are these therapeutic aficionados the right people to consult when you want a problem resolved? Perhaps they are. But how come no one ever asks a philosopher to help with their problems? Philosophers have been in the “problem solving business for over 2000 years, and are often able to work through difficult issues in unimaginable ways. In this special GRS episode, the crew is going to try and put our money where their mouths are and do some live philosophical counseling. So if you’d like to have a real problem solving professional analyze one of your personal conundrums, have a seat on the ‘Socratic Couch’ and tune into this ‘tongue in cheek’ episode of the GRS.

(Original Air Date, 11.08.05)

 Eastern Philosophy [63:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3264)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (744)

What is ‘Eastern’ philosophy? What sort of distinction(s) is intended by the use of Eastern in this context? Is the distinction primarily intended to differentiate between Eastern and Western philosophy? If so, is this a legitimate distinction to make? And on what grounds is such a distinction predicated? Is such a distinction more misleading than enlightening? Can all non-Western philosophy be classified as Eastern philosophy? Are there similarities between the various Eastern philosophical schools? If so, what are they? Are there differences? If so, what are they? Would it be better to conceive of Eastern philosophy as Eastern religion? Is there a difference between philosophy and religion for these Eastern schools of thought? Join the GRS crew and special guest Roger Ames, Ph.D. (University of Hawaii) for this important discussion!

(Original Air Date, 11.01.05)

 Analytic vs. Continental Philosophy [60:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (5)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

What is the distinction between ‘Analytic’ and ‘Continental’ philosophy anyway? Is there a legitimate distinction to be made at all? If so, what’s the best way to distinguish between the two schools: Along geographical lines? By the leading figures of each tradition? Methodological commitments? Topical interests? What are the historical roots (and development) of each school? What are the major topics currently under discussion in each school? What are the closest points of approach between Analytic and Continental philosophy? Is Analytic philosophy merely a way of doing philosophy? Or are there specific interests of Analytic philosophy that are not shared by those doing Continental philosophy? Join the GRS crew and special guest Pierre Keller, Ph.D. (University of California, Riverside) for this interesting discussion!

 Political Philosophy 101 [25:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2990)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1270)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 8)

What is political philosophy? What does the discipline of political philosophy encompass? What’s the relation between political philosophy and politics? Is there any relevance in theorizing about ideal states? Do we need a state at all? What’s the best way to evaluate different forms of government? How should the relation between an individual’s rights and an individual’s duties to the state be adjudicated? How should a state that is in power be modified, improved or dispensed with?

** Unfortunately, the “full” version of this show is only 30 minuets long (as opposed to the usual 60 minutes). A scheduling mishap at the radio station forced the GRS crew off the air earlier than usual. Sorry for the inconvenience.

(Original Air Date, 10.18.05)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 What Should Philosophers Talk About? [59:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2439)
 Preview [1:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (946)

A Special GRS Episode

Tune in and help the GRS crew decide what topics they should discuss during their upcoming broadcasts. This special show is designed to be an interactive enterprise, so be sure to either call-in or e-mail the gang with your thoughts. This is your chance to make radio history!

(Original Air Date, 10.04.05)

 The Legalization of Drugs [60:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2828)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1192)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 8)

Should drugs be legalized? If so, how? Complete legalization? Controlled legalization? Decriminalization? What is a drug anyway? And “what is it” about a particular drug that makes it either legal or illegal? State legislation? Some inherent property? Consequences related to the drug? Are we asking the right questions? What’s the debate really about? Personal freedom? The protective powers of the state? What are the fundamental philosophical issues?

(Original Air Date, 06.07.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Animal Rights [60:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2622)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1270)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 7)

Do animals have rights? If so, what sort of rights are they? What are they (the animals) entitled to? Whose duty is it to respect their rights? What sort of entities are the proper bearers of rights, anyway? What’s an animal? Are all animals equal? Are the rights that animals possess similar to the rights that humans possess? If so, what is the basis for such rights? Biological life? Moral agency? Consciousness? The awareness of pain or suffering? Does nature tell us anything about how animals should be treated? Should we all become vegetarians?

(Original Air Date, 05.31.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Environmental Ethics [58:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2208)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (865)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 6)

Do We Have An Ethical Duty To Protect The Environment? What is the environment? What is the value and moral status of the environment? Is the value of the environment merely instrumental? Or does the environment posses some intrinsic value? Does the environment exist, primarily, for the benefit of man? What kinds of ethical obligation do humans have towards non-humans? Is it morally wrong to perform actions that are harmful to future generations?

(Original Air Date, 05.10.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Sex [56:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3471)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1422)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 5)

What is sex? What constitutes a sex act? What is the purpose of sex? Reproduction? Pleasure? Both? No purpose? What does nature tell us, if anything, about sex? Are there any moral obligations related to sexual intimacy?

(Original Air Date, 05.03.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Personal Identity [56:11m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2912)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1264)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 4)

Who are we? What sort of things, metaphysically speaking, are you and I and other human beings? What does it mean to be a person? What is it about us that is able to persist through time? What matters most about personal identity?

(Original Air Date, 04.26.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Racism [59:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3014)
 Preview [1:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3069)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 3)

What is Racism? Is race a biological fact or a social construct? What constitutes racist behavior? Can anyone be a racist? Is racism still a problem?

(Original Air Date, 04.19.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Free Will [59:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3247)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (720)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 2)

What is free will? Do human beings have free will? Is free will compatible or incompatible with the concept of determinism? What is determinism? Are human beings morally responsible for their actions?

(Original Air Date, 04.12.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Euthanasia [54:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2299)
 Preview [1:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (800)

GRS Real Philosophy Series (Episode 1)

Is there a moral difference between killing and letting die? Do individuals have a right to die? What constitutes death? What role should the state play, if any, in answering these sorts of questions?

(Original Air Date, 04.05.05)

Life in the real world often forces people to engage themselves in various philosophical enterprises, most of which involve the sorting out of various “tough questions.” This eight-part series will focus on several important philosophical issues related to some of those tough questions.

 Aesthetics 101 [54:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2)
 Preview [1:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (717)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 7)

What is art? How should art be judged? Does aesthetic value lie in the eye of the beholder? Or is aesthetic value objective in some way? What is bad art?

(Original Air Date, 03.08.05)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 Philosophy of Religion 101 (part1) [54:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (4)
 Philosophy of Religion 101 (part2) [58:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1)
 Preview [1:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 6)

Does God exist? What are the arguments that have been offered for the existence of God? Are reason and faith incompatible? What about the problem of evil? Are miracles real?

(Original Air Date, 02.22.05)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.

 Ethics 101 [58:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2864)
 Preview [1:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (718)

Philosophy 101 Series (Episode 5)

What is ethics? What sorts of issues do ethicists consider? What’s the distinction, if any, between ‘ethics’ and ‘morality’? How should we determine right and wrong? What are the various ethical theories that have been developed by philosophers? Are values intrinsic or extrinsic? Should morality be legislated? Do we have a duty to help others?

(Original Air Date, 02.08.05)

The Philosophy 101 Series is designed to give the beginning philosopher (or non-philosopher) a brief introduction to the basic questions, concerns and methodologies associated with the various branches of philosophical inquiry.