PLAY PODCASTS
Philosophy for the People

Philosophy for the People

139 episodes — Page 1 of 3

Why Thomism Still Matters w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to the podcast to discuss his recent editted volume Thomism Revisited: https://amzn.to/4m3Z4Jx For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Mar 31, 20261h 5m

Aquinas's Five Ways Are Stronger Than You Think (w/ Dr. Rob Koons)

Dr. Robert Koons has two forthcoming books on Aquinas's Five Ways—one popular, one academic—so we spend this episode walking through how he understands and defends each of the Five Ways, and why they're far more philosophically interesting than they're usually given credit for. For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack at https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Jan 13, 20261h 22m

Can Evolution Fit With Christianity? Dr. Tim Pawl Says Yes.

Pat talks with philosopher Dr. Tim Pawl, author of Jesus and the Genome, about the theological and philosophical challenges raised by evolutionary biology and how Christians can think clearly about them. Jesus and the Genome: https://amzn.to/4il5Ys8 Tim on Substack: https://pawlineepistles.substack.com/ Pat on Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Nov 25, 20251h 18m

Did the Church Change Her Mind on the Death Penalty? (Catholics Debate the Death Penalty)

Pat is joined by Suan Sonna and Daniel Vecchio to discuss recent controversies related to capital punishment and magisterial teaching. Pat's Substack article: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/p/an-intelligent-catholics-guide-to Ed Feser's article: https://edwardfeser.blogspot.com/2025/10/fastiggi-and-sonna-on-catholicism-and.html

Oct 16, 20252h 12m

Does God Exist? Contingency, Beauty, and Evil | Dr. Mark Spencer

Dr. Mark Spencer returns to the podcast to discuss natural theology. Head to Pat's Substack for more: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Aug 21, 202558 min

Bible Basics w/ John Derosa

John DeRosa is launching an online Bible Workshop--and you should join! Here's the link: https://classical-theism-podcast.aweb.page/p/3e983115-1a58-48ed-a9cc-e5b9ef419c28

Aug 18, 202545 min

John Henry Newman on Common Sense, Faith, and Epistemology | w/ Dr. Logan Paul Gage

Dr. Logan Paul Gage joins Pat for a conversation on the thought of John Henry Newman—soon to be declared a Doctor of the Church—with a special focus on his commonsense epistemology and how it compares to modern epistemological projects. For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Aug 1, 20251h 4m

Philosophy and the Interpretation of Scripture w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss another recent article of his: Primary Causality, Providence, and Scripture. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/new-blackfriars/article/abs/primary-causality-providence-and-scripture/4A69C86C7310F54F7D413FC6261EBE06 Please like, share, comment, and subscribe! For more philosophy content, see https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Jul 21, 20251h 4m

The Nature and Conditions of Knowledge w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss Thomistic epistemology and cognitional theory. We discuss the metaphysics of knowledge, proper functionalism, error theory, whether Aquinas was an externalist, and more. Please like, share, and subscribe! For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ Check out Pat's book The Best Argument for God here: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Argument-God-Patrick-Flynn/dp/1644137801

Jul 14, 20251h 5m

Establishing the Real Distinction w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss some of the recent work he's been doing with respect to the Thomistic understanding of existence. For most philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://streamyard.com/72mnfcbg7j

Jul 7, 202544 min

Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? w/ Tomas Bogardus

Pat is joined by Dr. Tomas Bogardus to discuss the question of whether Muslims and Christians worship the same God. We chat philosophy of language, including different theories of reference (descriptivism, causal theories, etc.) and how the occurrence of reference drift can make answering this questions somewhat difficult! For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: hps://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com

Jul 2, 20251h 30m

Analyzing (Some of) Jordan Peterson's Claims

In this episode, Pat and Mike respond to Jordan Peterson's recent appearance on Surrounded. For more undoubtedly awesome philosophy content, head to Pat's Sbstack at https://substack.com/@journalofabsolutetruth

Jun 23, 202557 min

Flynn & DeRosa Respond to Dr. Brett Weinstein on Creation & Evolution

This episode is a replay from John DeRosa's Classical Theism Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classical-theism-podcast/id1432200694

Jun 2, 202553 min

1 philosopher everyone should read

Pat and Mike discuss one particular philosopher everyone should read (that isn't Plato, lol). For more philosophy content see Pat's substack at https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

May 21, 202532 min

talking arguments for God (w/ Mike Schramm)

Pat introduces Mike Schramm, new associate editor for The Journal of Absolute Truth. They then discuss the state of some argumetns for God. https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

May 12, 202542 min

The Philosophy of Freud (Part 1)

Pat and Jim begin a new series on Freud. Live QnA at the end! More philosophy content on Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Jan 13, 202550 min

Our Favorite Philosophy Books of 2024 (Plus Live QnA)

Pat and Jim do a year in review, including discussing some of their favorite books. Also, live QnA at the end. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Jan 6, 20251h 5m

Divine Hiddenness and Dogmatic Authority w/ Fr. James Dominic Rooney

Fr. James Dominic Rooney returns to the podcast to discuss some of his recent work on divine hiddenness and dogmatic authority (two distinct topics!). For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Dec 10, 202455 min

What Exactly Is a Brute Fact?

Let's talk about brute facts, baby! More on Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Dec 9, 202412 min

Boethius, the Good, and Philosophy as Therapy w/ Dr. Tom Ward

Pat is joined once again by Dr. Thomas Ward, this time to discuss his recent book After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher. You can check out his new book (which I highly recommend) here: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/after-stoicism?srsltid=AfmBOoq8MR4WeWFZ8S75xXQ5Cxc_uzDN96t1wXRCQlGxvT0oEhwOrxot For more philosophy content, subscribe to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Oct 28, 20241h 2m

Ratzinger's Notion of Person: a Thomistic Response w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Pat is joined by Dr. Gaven Kerr to explore the notion of personhood from a Thomistic perspective. This builds on Dr. Kerr's recent lecture Ratzinger's Notion of Person in Theology: a Thomistic Response. For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Oct 20, 20241h 20m

Thomistic Metaphysics: an Introduction w/ Dr. Michael Gorman

Dr. Michael Gorman has authored an excellent new book: A Contemporary Introduction to Thomistic Metaphysics. In this episode, Pat interviews Dr. Gorman about some of the contents of that book, including how Aquinas thinks about composition, fundamentality, and God. To order the book: https://amzn.to/3BmsGP1 For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Oct 2, 20241h 2m

Contingency, Grounding, and God w/ Dr. Kenneth Pearce

Pat is joined by Dr. Kenneth Pearce to discuss some of his recent work related to metaphysical grounding, contingency, and the existence of God. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Sep 20, 20241h 11m

How God Knows He's Not a Brain In a Vat w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Pat and Gaven discuss cool things, like Aquinas's theory of existence and how God knows He's not a brain in a vat. More on Pat's Substack - https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Sep 19, 202452 min

Skeptical Theism w/ Dr. Perry Hendricks

Pat is joined by Perry to discuss his work on Skeptical Theism. https://www.perryhendricks.com/

Aug 27, 202437 min

The Best Arguments for God w/ Matthew Adelstein

Pat is joined by Matthew Adelstein to discuss some of their (current) favorite arguments for God.

Aug 26, 20241h 57m

Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse w/ Jack Boczar

Pat is joined by Jack Boczar to discuss his forthcoming paper, Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse. Jack has published on Aquinas and Augustine and is currently working on medieval metaphysics. His PhilPeople page can be accessed here: https://philpeople.org/profiles/jack-boczar

Aug 23, 20241h 3m

The NEW Philosophical Case for Theism w/ Dr. Joshua Sijuwade

Pat talks with Joshua Sijuwade about his new book Analytic Theism. If you like this conversation, please comment, share, and subscribe. For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/

Jul 30, 20241h 25m

The Problem of Animal Suffering w/ Dr. Kyle Keltz

Pat is joined by Dr. Kyle Keltz to discuss some of his recent work on the problem of evil with respect to animal suffering. Also, to announce a new volume on the problem of animal suffering that Dr. Keltz is editting and that Pat is contributing to.

Jul 3, 20241h 22m

Discussing Divine Simplicity w/ Dr. Gavin Ortlund

Dr. Gavin Ortlund recently debated Dr. Ryan Mullins on divine simplicity. After, John DeRosa hosted Gavin and myself for a bit of a debrief and extended conversation on the topic. Here's the replay, from John's Classical Theism podcast.

May 4, 202459 min

Fr. Thomas Joseph White on the Existence of God and the Rationality of Religious Belief

Pat is joined by Fr. Thomas Joseph White to discuss some of the contents of his recent book Principles of Catholic Theology, Book 2: On the Rational Credibility of Christianity https://amzn.to/4dgsn78

Apr 25, 202456 min

Mathematical Objects Are Non-Physical (and You Are Too) w/ Dr. Selmer Bringsjord - Part 1

This converation was originally hosted for the Mind Matters podcast, but is now being shared here.

Mar 28, 202425 min

Classical Theism, Divine Simplicity, and Ultimate Explanation (replay from Classical Theism Podcast)

This episode -- focusing on classical theism, divine simplicity, and ultimate explanation -- is a special replay of a conversation with Dr. Christopher Tomaszewski as featured on The Classical Theism Podcast. Pat appears toward the end to engage Chris on what resources (if any) classical theism might afford to meta-epistemology. Check out John's Classical Theism Podcast (it's one of the best) and consider supporting him on Patreon: https://www.classicaltheism.com/support

Mar 4, 20241h 13m

The Problem of Divine Hiddenness | Is There Non-Resistant Non-Belief Belief? w/ Dr. Stephen Napier

Dr. Stephen Napier returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss his recent publication in response to the problem of divine hiddenness: Is There Non-Resistant Non-Belief? https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/religious-studies/article/is-there-nonresistant-nonbelief/21F4527C7306B350D49B46E2CB8BDDD0 PS - Sorry for the "beeping" noise throughout. Is what it is.

Jan 24, 202457 min

Philosophy QnA w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Gaven takes listener questions on philosophy, theology, and how to get published.

Jan 22, 20241h 10m

Substance Dualism w/ Dr. Stewart Goetz and Dr. Charles Taliaferro

Please enjoy this conversation exploring substance dualism. Subscribe if you want. Or not!

Jan 8, 20241h 6m

Scripture and Metaphysics (plus QnA) w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Come hang with Dr. Gaven Kerr as we chat Scripture and Metaphysics. PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/48fhsYb

Dec 29, 20231h 21m

Catholicism and the Problem of God w/ Dr. Mark Spencer

Dr. Mark Spencer has a new Element out called Catholicism and the Problem of God. In this episode, we explore some of the contents of that book, including the apparent tensions that arise between Catholic claims concerning God and philosophy of God, or features of God and features of the world (i.e., problem of evil). For more, check out Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com Also, Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3RFm8Ra

Dec 12, 202356 min

Is God the World's Soul? A Thomistic Critique of Panentheism w/ Fr. James Dominic Rooney

Fr. James Dominic Rooney returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss his recent critique of panentheism. If you like the video, hit like and subscribe to Philosophy for the People for more! More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QHzf2N

Dec 5, 20231h 9m

The Logical Problem of Evil - Is It Dead or Alive?

Pat offers a brief introduction to the logical problem -- or better, logical argument -- from evil (against the existence of God). 👉 More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP

Nov 29, 20234 min

A Brief History of the Problem of Evil w/ Dr. Jim Madden

Pat and Jim offer a brief history of the problem of evil, highlighting how this philosophical challenge to the existence of God, and various responses to it, have evolved over time. Share your thoughts on today's conversation below. All comments and perspectives welcome, just keep it courteous! If you like the video, hit like and subscribe to Philosophy for the People for more! 👉 More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP

Nov 28, 202348 min

The Value of Knowing: Myth or Reality? The Epistemic Value Question w/ Dr. Jonathan Fuqua

Most of us strongly assume that knowing is valuable. Moreover, that it is valuable to come to truth truth apart from instances of luck. Why? Can we give a good philosophical accounts of this? Dr. Fuqua argues we can, in his recent article "Proper Functionalism, Perfectionism, and the Epistemic Value Problem." That is what we discuss today! More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP

Nov 24, 202347 min

Read Philosophy Like a Pro: Simple Techniques for Deep Understanding

Whether you're new to philosophy or looking to deepen your understanding, this video is your guide to tackling philosophical texts with confidence. In this episode, Pat offers tips on everything from having the right mindset when engaging philosophical texts to practical approaches for absorbing the most from them. More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/47Djn89

Nov 20, 202321 min

The Power of Why: What Philosophy Is and Why Do It

Welcome to Philosophy for the People, where deep thinking meets practical insight. In this episode, we delve into the fundamental nature of philosophy and its significance in our daily lives. Our discussions aim to illuminate how philosophical thinking shapes our understanding of the world. If you find value in our content, please support us by liking this video and subscribing to our channel. We encourage you to join the conversation by commenting below: What got YOU interested in philosophy? For more philosophy action, head to Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Also, check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QFrHxt

Nov 16, 20236 min

Unlocking Reality: Aristotle's 4 Causes Explained!

Dive into the ancient wisdom of Aristotle as we unravel the mysteries of existence with his theory of the Four Causes. In this brief (but hopefully enlightening!) video, we'll explore the fundamental questions that have captivated thinkers for centuries: What is the essence of being? Why do things occur the way they do? Aristotle's answers lie in his Four Causes – Material, Formal, Efficient, and Final. These causes offer a timeless framework that has shaped philosophical thought and our understanding of the world around us. Don't forget to hit 'Like' if you find Aristotle as fascinating as we do, and 'Comment' with your thoughts or questions to join the conversation. Finally, if you're eager for more philosophical explorations, make sure to 'Subscribe' to our channel and turn on notifications to never miss a discussion. MORE RESOURCES Subscribe to Pat's "Journal of Absolute Truth" philosophy Substack at https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ And if you're into philosophy of religion, check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/467wXQd

Nov 9, 20236 min

Mind Meets World: A Thomistic-Kantian Approach to Understanding Reality w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss the (surprising) harmonies between Thomism and Kantianism concerning theories of knowledge and mind-world relations. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe! PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God at: https://amzn.to/47lhEnX

Nov 6, 202358 min

The Essence of Being: Philosophical Inquiries into Existence

In today's episode, we examine the two-sense theory of existence, and confront one of the paradoxes purported to afflict the commonsense view of existence, where existence is taken to be attribute of individuals. Comment below with your thoughts, questions, or the next philosophical enigma you want us to unravel. Don't forget to hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell to join our community of thinkers and stay updated with our weekly explorations into philosophy. Your support helps us bring philosophy to the people and makes our content more discoverable for others seeking answers to life's big questions. PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/46WtK79

Nov 2, 20237 min

Can We Rule Out Immortality?

Pat and Jim discuss William James' essay Human Immortality: Two Supposed Objections to the Doctrine. PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God https://amzn.to/3Q5qBuz

Oct 20, 202334 min

The One Has the Many: A Synthesis of Aquinas, Scotus, and Palamas w/ Dr. Spencer and Fr. Kirby

Pat is joined by Dr. Mark Spencer and Fr. Matthew Kirby to discuss their recent paper The One Has the Many: A Further Synthesis of Aquinas, Scotus, and Palamas. Link to paper: https://www.academia.edu/108261668/_The_One_has_the_Many_A_Further_Synthesis_of_Aquinas_Scotus_and_Palamas_Co_Written_with_Fr_Matthew_Kirby_International_Philosophical_Quarterly_62_2_June_2022_161_187 Link to Dr. Spencer's academia page: https://stthomas.academia.edu/MarkSpencer Link to Dr. Spencer's book The Irreducibility of the Human Person: https://www.amazon.com/Irreducibility-Human-Person-Catholic-Synthesis/dp/0813235200 Please like, share, comment, and subscribe!

Oct 17, 20231h 14m

The Perennial Importance of Thomistic Philosophy

Pat is joined by Fr. Irenaeus for an introductory conversation on Thomistic philosophy and its modern day relevance. Check out Aquinas 101 at https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute... Support Philosophy for the people by, 1) Liking, sharing, and commenting on this video and, 2) Snagging a copying of Pat's new book The Best Argument for God at https://www.amazon.com/Best-Argument-God-Patrick-Flynn/dp/1644137801/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E6PXZ6FPMCEJ&keywords=the+best+argument+for+God&qid=1697456782&sprefix=the+best+argument+for+god%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

Oct 16, 202331 min