Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchHoP 471 Unclear and Indistinct Ideas: Debating the Meditations
Episode 473
Descartes’ Meditations caused controversy as soon as it appeared. In this episode we look at criticisms including the “Cartesian Circle,” and how Des…
1 year, 3 months ago
HoP 470 Gary Hatfield on Descartes' Meditations
Episode 471
We're joined in this episode by a leading expert on one of the most famous works of philosophy ever written: Descartes' Meditations.
1 year, 4 months ago
HoP 469 Ghost in the Machine: Cartesian Dualism
Episode 468
The word “Cartesian” is synonymous with a radical contrast between mind and body. What led Descartes to his dualism, and how can he explain vital act…
1 year, 4 months ago
HoP 468 Perchance to Dream: Descartes’ Skeptical Method
Episode 470
How Descartes fashioned a “method” to repel even the strongest and most radical forms of doubt, with the cogito argument as its foundation.
1 year, 5 months ago
HoP 467 Written in Mathematics: Descartes’ Physics
Episode 469
For Descartes body is purely geometrical. So how does he understand features we can perceive, like color, and causation between bodies?
1 year, 5 months ago
HoP 466 Well Hidden: Descartes’ Life and Works
Episode 467
How René Descartes’ understanding of his own intellectual project evolved across his lifetime.
1 year, 5 months ago
HoP 465 Modern Times: France and the Netherlands in the 17th Century
Episode 465
A look at the political and religious ferment that made up the historical context of philosophy in 17th century France and the Netherlands.
1 year, 6 months ago
HoP 464 Howard Hotson on the Republic of Letters
Episode 466
In this interview we learn more about the Republic of Letters: its importance for the history of ideas, it geographic breadth, who was involved, and …
1 year, 6 months ago
HoP 463 Doctors without Borders: the Republic of Letters
Episode 464
How scholars around Europe created an international network of intellectual exchange. As examples we consider the activities of Mersenne, Peiresc, Le…
1 year, 7 months ago
HoP 462 Freedom to Philosophize: Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy
Episode 463
What is Enlightenment, anyway?
1 year, 7 months ago