Possible Worlds Semantics [70:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3989)
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What is a possible world? Where do possible worlds come from? And what are they used for? How many possible worlds are there? Are they real worlds? Concrete worlds? Or are they just descriptions or stories about the way things might have been? Are there any impossible worlds? If so, what are they? And why? How does it all work? What should we make of these modal mysteries? Is there any way to tame this important philosophical beast and remove some of the mystery that overshadows its merits? Is it possible to explain what possible worlds are and how philosophers use them without getting too technically entangled? Be sure and join the GRS crew and special guest Choibacca (University of California, Santa Barbara) for this exciting discussion.

(Original Air Date, 01.21.07)

 Meta-Ethics [55:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (3042)
 Preview [1:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (822)

What is Meta-Ethics? What separates Meta-Ethics from other branches of moral philosophy? How should we understand the nature of moral properties, ethical statements, moral judgments and moral reasons? What is moral goodness? Are there any moral facts? If so, what are they and where are they located? Are there objective, absolute moral values or is moral value relative? What are the semantics of moral language? What’s the best way to analyze or define ethical terms such as ‘good’, ‘ought’, and ‘right’. Should we be internalists or externalists about moral reasons? And how do moral attitudes motivate action? Be sure and join the GRS crew and special guest Carl Barnes (University of California, Santa Barbara) for this exciting discussion.

(Original Air Date, 01.20.07)