Drunken Philosophy

Trigger warning for any capitalist fat cats: This episode contains some pretty harsh language directed at the economic system known as capitalism. These sick burns and criticisms come courtesy of the father of Communism himself, Karl Marx. Your hosts, Connor and Dan, break down the intrinsic flaws of capitalism, such as alienation, expendability, and instability, and offer the listener only the most poorly thought out solutions, such as "what if everyone had money?" Regardless, it's a good ep. Enjoy!

How can you be sure strawberries are red? How can you be sure the sun will rise tomorrow? How can you be sure Connor and Dan haven't done this exact episode before? You can't! And neither can they! But that's OK because David Hume says so. Sort of. This week, your hosts dive into epistemology once again to discuss David Hume's skeptical approach to induction. Just because something has happened in the past, doesn't mean it will continue into the future. Like this podcast!

This week on philosophy Connor and Dan finally get back to something Connor actually gives a shit about: robutts. Specifically, whether we should be afraid of them or impressed by them. To answer these questions, your hosts consult the One Pump Chumpsky himself, Noam Chomsky. The linguistics expert from MIT has some pretty damning things to say about all this Artificial Intelligence fervor, and one person on this podcast is happy to hear it (hint: it's not Connor). All things being equal: this is a fun episode! Enjoy it!

This week on Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan wade into the murky waters of political philosophy and discuss the unforeseen dangers of majority rule in a democratic state. What could possibly go wrong when you let the majority decide what's best? What could be the problem with letting a small fraction of the electorate dictate the course of nation? Turns out, a lot! Featuring a brief cameo from Jack Sparrow.

This week Drunken Philosophy gets a little spooky (clanking chains!) because it's spring time and that means it's time to talk about death. Connor and Dan explore different philosophers' opinions on death and specifically whether or not we should be afraid of it. Also, because it came up completely organically, they spend an inordinate amount of time discussing Star Wars...sorry. Also, Connor's audio was a bit quiet this episode but hopefully it's leveled out some in the mix. Enjoy! Love you all!

This week on Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan dive head first into some phenomenological philosophy and see how many times they can trip over that particular phrase. They're specifically discussing Matthew Ratcliffe's recent lecture entitled Phenomenology, Naturalism, and Sense of Reality in which he attempts to describe the presupposed "world" that surrounds us in phenomenological terms. It's a trip, man. Which is why it's a perfect episode for Connor to quit drinking and imbibe some THC. Also discussed: Silly Puddy, Aliens movies, and philosophers with a side of beef!

Try, for a moment, to put yourself in somebody else's shoes. Now, hopefully that person is also listening to this podcast, otherwise you're going to miss out. This week, Connor and Dan try on all sorts of shoes as they discuss empathy and how it plays a part in different aspects on philosophy. They talk philosophy of mind and Connor admits he's an automaton. They talk morality and what pieces of crap little kids are. They talk the about the Internet and Dan explains the wonders of Sonic the Hedgehog virtual chat rooms. It gets weird.

This week, Connor and Dan treat you to an extra sloppy episode of Drunken Philosophy. Connor took it upon himself to do some extracurricular studying this week and came over-prepared for the drinking portion of the podcast. Luckily, Dan is there to sour his mood with some truly pessimistic philosophy. They're talking about John Gray's 2002 book Straw Dogs, which takes a big crap on humanism and basically tells everyone to give up. Oh also, these two drunk dummies solve all the problems in the Middle East. You're welcome, World!

Who better to discuss superintelligence then two of the most super-intelligent podcasters working today? Unfortunately John Hodgman in Ira Glass were unavailable, so Connor and Dan are taking a crack at discussing Nick Bostrom and his theories on the future of hard AI, specifically as expressed in his 2014 book Superintelligence. Topics discussed: the singularity, the danger of a superintelligence, and the danger of drinking rubbing alcohol. Also, Connor wants to put himself in a jerk-off machine. What else is new.

There's a new hot little video game out on the market and maybe you've heard of it. It's called Everything and, wouldn't you know it, it's semi-related to philosophy! Specifically, the philosophy of the rascal guru himself Mr. Alan Watts. This week, Connor and Dan get in touch with the everything that exists inside every individual. They're stripping themselves of their egos and their submerging their consciousness into the ocean of the universe. It's no surprise that mushrooms are discussed at length.

Behind every great man is a woman letting him know that he's getting a bunch of shit wrong. This week on Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan are talking about Elisabeth of Bohemia, a super smart and savvy lady that nobody talks about for some reason. Specifically, they're talking about her influential correspondence with Renee Descartes during which she took that dumb ol' boy to school. Also discussed: smoking has in Amsterdam, the funny papers, and finally what's up with Pluto?

This week Connor and Dan take on two master debaters. You know them, you love them, it's Chomps and the Frenchman. In 1971, these two titans of thought sat down on Dutch television to debate the existence of human nature. Almost 45 years later, two drunk guys are sitting on a podcast trying to parse out what the hell they were talking about. Other topics discussed: sub-genres of sex, being born on a soccer field, and potentially racist terms from the Vietnam War.

150! Seven score and ten more, as they say. That's how many intellectually stimulating eps of Drunken Philosophy there have been. And almost five of them were good! This week, Connor and Dan take a short break from the regularly scheduled programming to reminisce about episodes long past. They're talkin' movies, they're talkin' robots, and of course, they're talkin' bestiality for some reason...

What makes you the same as you? Specifically the you from five minutes ago that decided it was time to listen to this podcast? Are those two people the same person? This week on Drunken Philosophy, Connor and Dan get a little sloppy while discussing John Locke's theories on personal identity. Hear Dan try to say "consistency of consciousness" without slurring too much, and hear Connor reminisce about the hats he owned in kindergarten. Also discussed: M. Night Shyamalan movies, the existence of souls, and many Garys.

What does the end of history look like? Is it communist? Is it capitalist? Is very chill and good? These questions and more are answered on this week's Drunken Philosophy. Connor and Dan dig into the Hegelian dialectic, the Communist Manifesto, and Francis Fukuyama's controversial post-Cold War political philosophy. Also, Connor eats nine tacos.

Welcome to the upside down! This week, Connor takes a turn at being the smart one after watching an episode of YouTuber Vsauce's new YouTube Red show that's all about AI. Alternatively, Dan takes a week off and does absolutely nothing productive for a full hour. Discussed in this ep: sexy robots, chess robots, Jeopardy robots, and, of course, Connor masturbating.

This week, Connor and Dan venture to the far east to explore the philosophy of premier Japanese philosopher Keiji Nishitani, specifically his work on nihilism and nothingness. Like with every episode that touches on Eastern philosophy, there's a lot of talk about one-ness and nirvana courtesy of two white guys who barely know what that means. Also, Connor goes to the hospital and details his date with a 32-year-old Japanese bikini store clerk, Dan fondly remembers terrible internet videos and everybody gets out of there in under 40 minutes.

This week Connor and Dan dive head first into the very topical issue of refugees and totalitarian states. Though they get there through a real roundabout way via Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben and his books Homo Sacer and State Of Exception. Spoiler alert: this sh*t is complicated! Also discussed on this ep: a small amount of t-shirts, #BearLife, Dan's unwillingness to help Connor's bits, and Connor's continuing adventures in semi-sobriety.

How big of a role does luck play in our moral lives? Are we still to blame if certain factors are out of our control? How much are you allowed to drink at Dave & Busters? That last question might be unrelated. But that won't stop Connor and Dan from discussing it on this week's episode all about Moral Luck. Also discussed: the total dick move of drunk driving, and Connor's continued success with temporary sobriety.

Prepare to be bummed out! This week on DP, Connor and Dan are discussing the major bummer philosophy of Peter Wessel Zapffe, specifically his book The Last Messiah. How do humans deal with the fact that we're too dang smart? Turns out, just laying down and dying might be a good option. Hear that and so much more on this ep!

(Apologies for the white noise, Dan recorded this episode on vinyl) Connor and Dan brave the California winter storms to bring you an episode on Friedrich Nietzsche's experimental novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra. They're talkin' Ubermensch. They're talkin' eternal recurrence. And, of course, even though nobody asked them to, they're talkin' Star Wars. Stay spoke y'all!

Welcome to the new year! Unfortunately, this is still the same old podcast. This week, Connor and Dan dig into Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions. This ep is a real paradigm shift (that reference makes more sense if you listen to the episode)! Also, you'll hear Dan mix his drink with his finger, Connor lie about making out with a girl, and you'll be reminded to poke your dad. So lay down in your car and enjoy this ep!

Once again, Connor and Dan are jumping in the way back machine. They're headed to Ancient Greece to see what those old fuddy duddys had to say about free will. Do the Gods decide our fate? Are we just cogs in a cause-and-effect machine? Or do we really have control over our actions? Who cares? Hopefully you! Also in this ep: Connor learns what a cutty bang is, Ewoks in metal bikinis, and a farewell to 2016. Enjoy!

Just in time for the holiday season, Connor and Dan are back with a wet and wild Drunken Philosophy. This week, they're discussing the complex postmodernist theories of Jean Boudrillard. You'll find our what a simulacrum is, you'll find out if you live in a hyperreality, and you'll find out what kind of stapler Dan uses (Fair warning: you'll probably only find out that last thing). Also, Connor gripes about Best Buy and blacks out at Star Wars.

Do we form our own desires or do we simply copy them from someone else? Did you actually want those fajitas or did that sizzling platter just trick you into thinking so? Both those questions (mostly the second) are answered on this week's episode! Connor and Dan discuss the social philosophy of Rene Girard, mimetic desire, and the scapegoat mechanism.

The time has come for more discussion of time! This week, Connor and Dan dive back into the giant butter dish of time theory. Specifically, the growing block universe theory and something funky called Serialism. Also discussed: the logistics of Home Alone, what animals are ok to boil, and history's most popular president, TAFT.

It took a lot more effort and a lot more time than usual, but Connor and Dan have put another satisfactorily recorded podcast in the books. These week, they discuss consequentialism and some of it's many forms, including negative consequentialism which ironically may have more positive results. Also discussed: the Battlefield video game franchise, Dan's expensive sex toy collection, and the long road Connor took to recording one single damn episode.

Connor couldn't record this week so you're old uncle Dan sat down to record an extra special solo ep just for you. This week, we're discussing Jean-Paul Sartre's essay "Anti-Semite and Jew" which unfortunately has a very timely application these days. There aren't a whole lot of jokes in this ep, just some good, old-fashioned philosophy and a lot of audio that will one day be cut together to make Dan look like a terrible person. Enjoy!

And we're back! After missing a week, Connor and Dan are back to talk about bees, ants, police, and game theory. But this ain't frivolous bug talk. This is a serious exploration of how to avoid corruption in complex societies. Very serious. Also, we're drunk. Apologies for Connor's mic this week, which is explained in the episode, but things should be back to normal next week. Enjoy!

It's that spooky special time of year again when the ghosts and ghouls come out to play. That's right, it's time to watch Black Mirror. Oh, and also Halloween. This week Connor and Dan discuss some episodes from the third season of Black Mirror (available on Netflix) and the philosophical implications of simulated realities therein. There be spoilers in this ep so beware!

Time to Blaise it up! This week Connor and Dan discuss French philosopher, mathematician, and all around genius Blaise Pascal. In addition to being what Connor called "a fuck-ugly guy with a hunchback," Pascal is responsible for some pretty interesting writing on Christian faith. Also in this episode: Some really great ideas for Spencer's Gifts t-shirts. Enjoy!

In the unofficial part three of their discussion on knowledge and epistemology, Connor and Dan explore the other side of the coin, specifically the virtuous side. Sometimes it's better to become a person who can know things rather than understand what things you should know. You know? If not, just listen to the podcast. Also, hear Dan fretting about the debate and Connor talk about Ancient Aliens.

This week your hosts are going with the flow as they take a deep dive into the philosophy and religion of Taoism (or Daoism if you're a stickler). Connor and Dan take some broad swipes at the differences between Eastern and Western society, and ponder what it would be like to live a slower, more relaxed life like Lao Tzu. Also discussed: Connor's rap battles on Chatroulette, Zombie movies, and getting called by the wrong name.

This week Dan is partially handicapped by a case of the flu, but that's not going to stop your hosts from discussing the nihilistic egoism of Max Stirner. He's a relatively unknown philosopher who's looking out for number one and not afraid to say it. He's also a meme, which is...weird. Also discussed this week: Force Awakens reviews, Elon Musk is a weirdo, and more!

You were promised a part 2 so here's you're part 2! This week, Connor and Dan continue their discussion from a few weeks ago about the problems encountered when trying to define knowledge. Clearly, the JTB system doesn't work, so what about Causal Theory or Reliabilism? Want to know what all those words mean? Listen to the pod you dummy! Also this week: an insane number of tangents into all sorts of semi-related topics, and a live reading of a TMNT Topps trading card. Enjoy!

Ever wanted to hear a podcast that was all about another podcast? Well you're in luck! This week Connor and Dan are discussing Sam Harris' appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience (a meeting of Dan's two least favorite minds!) and they're talking about super computers and the future and all sorts of stuff to make you feel scared. Also, chickens are dumb and nerds will be the death of us. All that and more!

As they say in New Jersey: Fo'Gettier 'bout it! Or something like. This week we're talking about Gettier Problems which are specific examples in epistemology (which Dan mispronounces) in which our definition of knowledge doesn't hold up. So we gotta get a new one! If that doesn't make sense, listen to the episode and learn something. Also, Connor and Dan swap snow stories and talk about terrible canned cocktails. If you like the show, tell your friends!

What is that feeling when you're confronted with something so awesome, so immeasurably huge and intimidating that you have to listen to "Santeria" on repeat? That's the Sublime. And that's what we're talking about on today's ep. It's a concept in aesthetic philosophy and it's a bit difficult to describe, but you know when you see it. Other topics discussed include VR Everest, the amount of space in Michigan, and the amount of space in space! Enjoy!

Featuring special guest Sean Fissel! As the election draws nearer, this podcast can't help but get political. So this week, Connor and Dan are discussing the darling of the fiscally conservative and champion of the free market, Ayn Rand. Specifically her philosophy Objectivism and why we hate it. Speaking of objective, this podcast isn't that, so if you really love Ayn Rand or libertarianism you may not enjoy it. Or you could love it! Maybe you're just a weirdo like that! Who are we to judge!

What is justice? What does a just society look like? Is it based completely around Dungeons & Dragons and beer? Probably not! This week, Connor and Dan are discussing Plato's Republic, AKA the philosopher's guide to fascism. There's guardians, there's working class stiffs, there's philosopher kings. This republic has it all, baby! Also, Connor has a disturbing breakthrough about his past experience with Porky's. And Dan has a refreshing afternoon cocktail. All that and maybe two more things on this week's ep!

Why isn't philosophy more like science? What would we gain and what would we lose? Who let all these nerds into our cool club? This week we're discussing Logical Positivism, a popular movement in America in the 1950s which sought to cut the bullshit out of philosophy. Also, Dan drinks a homemade Manhattan, Connor screws up his diet on the first day, and they both debate the state of modern journalism to the enjoyment of no one! Don't forget to subscribe!

(WARNING: Connor's audio is pretty terrible but Dan sounds like an angel. Apologies to fans of Connor or haters of Dan.) This week Connor and Dan asked themselves what makes a person. What makes us worthy of moral consideration? How has rights? Can you kiss corpses? Probably not. Actually, definitely not. But the specifics of what exactly makes someone a "person" can be murkier than you think. Sometimes people record their audio so poorly that you think they shouldn't be people at all. Sometimes...

Welcome to a very special double episode of Drunken Philosophy! This week Connor and Dan are taking a little break from their intense philosophical studies to discuss a terrible movie they both watched— the 1994 video game masterpiece Double Dragon. And boy is there a lot to talk about here. It's not what you would call a smart movie but it sure is intellectually challenging, specifically because it makes absolutely no sense most of the time. If you want to watch it before listening, it's available on YouTube. But you don't have to! The podcast is still fun. Connor and Dan will be back next week with more regular philosophy and regular drinks. Enjoy!

Connor and Dan discuss the film Double Dragon for some reason.

Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of Nietzsche.

Connor and Dan discuss the ethics of bestiality.

Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of the categorical imperative.

Connor and Dan discuss some thought experiments.

Connor and Dan discuss some thought experiments.

Connor and Dan discuss the philosophy of Judith Butler.