Thinking About What Matters

Join Rebecca in "Cartesian Consequences" as she explores the enduring legacy of Rene Descartes, one of the most influential philosophers of all time. Discover the rationalist epistemology and attempt to prove the existence of God, while examining the arguments against rationalism from empiricists and the limits of pure reason in achieving knowledge. Engage with the ontological argument and its criticisms, as well as the broader consequences of Descartes' philosophy, including his method of doubt and his dualism of mind and body. Share your own thoughts and perspectives on the relationship between reason and knowledge, the nature of reality, and the limits of human understanding.

In this podcast, philosopher Rebecca Goldstein explores the Cartesian Demands of Justification, a set of criteria for evaluating the strength and validity of knowledge claims proposed by philosopher René Descartes. Goldstein delves into each of the four demands, including the requirement for evident clarity, indubitability, universal validity, and deductive certainty. She provides insights into how these demands provide a strict framework for evaluating the soundness of knowledge claims, while also acknowledging criticisms of their rigidity. With her expertise in philosophy of science and experience teaching at prestigious institutions, Goldstein offers a nuanced and intelligent perspective on Descartes's approach to justification.

Rebecca Goldstein, a philosopher known for her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity, presents a thought-provoking exploration of the fundamental question of what constitutes knowledge in her latest Megaphone podcast titled "What Is Knowledge?" Drawing on the principles of epistemology, Goldstein discusses the various ways in which we acquire knowledge and how we can distinguish it from mere belief. Her video offers a nuanced and accessible examination of this complex and essential concept, inviting viewers to engage in deeper thinking about what it means to truly know something.

Rebecca Goldstein's episode on Epistemology provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts and debates in this complex branch of philosophy. Through her engaging and relatable style, Goldstein explores the nature of knowledge, truth, and justification, and examines the challenges posed by skepticism and the relationship between knowledge and belief. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the nature of knowledge and the ways in which we can come to know the world around us.

In “Aristotle and the Question of Appearance Vs. Reality” Rebecca Goldstein uses engaging and clear explanations to bring Aristotle's understanding of the relationship between appearance and reality to life. Goldstein emphasizes the need to look beyond surface-level observations and identify the underlying substance and purpose of things, and provides examples to illustrate Aristotle's approach to understanding appearance and reality.

In "Platonism vs Mathematics", philosopher Rebecca Goldstein presents a clear and engaging overview of the Platonic philosophy of mathematics. She explores how Platonism emphasizes the existence of abstract, eternal concepts or "Forms" that exist independently of physical objects, and how this view extends to the realm of mathematics. Goldstein also discusses the implications of Platonism for the study of mathematics, including the development of formal axiomatic systems and the search for universal, abstract principles that underlie mathematical phenomena.

In this episode Rebecca Goldstein delves into the life and philosophy of Plato, one of the most important figures in the history of Western thought. Goldstein provides an accessible and engaging overview of Plato's ideas, focusing on his theory of Forms, his conception of knowledge, and his views on ethics and politics. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of philosophy, Goldstein also explores the lasting impact of Plato's ideas on subsequent thinkers, and how they continue to shape our understanding of the world today. Through her thoughtful and insightful analysis, Goldstein offers listeners a deeper appreciation for the intellectual legacy of this towering figure in the history of philosophy.

Discover the power of Socrates' superior perspective in "Why Socrates was So Successful". In this video, Rebecca Goldstein unveils the timeless Socratic method: still used today to uncover the underlying principles of ideas. Explore the relevance of Socrates' belief that morality cannot be based on arbitrary whim or divine command alone, but must have an independent standard. With an educational approach, Goldstein walks us through the Euthyphro argument and the impact it continues to have on discussions about ethics and morality. Get ready to be awakened by the brilliance of Socrates and his timeless brilliance. Watch the full video, and remember to share and subscribe!

Join renowned philosopher Rebecca Goldstein as she delves into the timeless wisdom of the Socratic Method. Discover how Socrates’s ancient and powerful technique can help transform your thinking and reasoning by exposing your own internal contradictions and unfounded presumptions. Through Goldstein’s engaging approach, learn how to apply self-critical reasoning to your own beliefs, and unlock a world of greater clarity and understanding.

The pre-Socratic philosophers had a reductive intuition, where they believed that there was an underlying simplicity and unity to reality that could be arrived at through reasoning. They rejected the idea of naive realism, that reality was exactly as it appeared, and instead subjected appearances to analysis to uncover the underlying reality. This approach to understanding reality continues to influence contemporary scientific views, such as Einstein's theory of relativity, which describes a world very different from our everyday appearances. In this video, Rebecca Goldstein explores the questions posed by the earliest Greek philosophers, known as the Pre-Socratics. These philosophers shared the belief that there was an underlying simplicity and unity to the world, and rejected the idea of naive realism, which holds that reality is exactly as it appears. They instead sought to analyze appearances to arrive at a deeper understanding of the underlying reality. The Pre-Socratics' ideas continue to influence contemporary scientific world views and the distinction between appearance and reality. For more on this fascinating subject, watch the full video and remember to share and subscribe!