From Nowhere to Nothing

Society & Culture

About

In this podcast, we look at philosophers, abstract ideas, concrete cultural issues, and everything in between with a down-to-earth demeanor and willingness to explore.

Episodes

  • Altered States of Consciousness

    In this episode, we tied together our discussions of the binding and boundary problems by discussing Altered States of Consciousness.

  • Boundary Problem

    This episode of From Nowhere to Nothing explores the concept of the conscious self and its separation from outside interactions.

  • Binding Problem

    This episode examines the philosophical concept of the binding problem, discussing the mechanisms through which the mind unifies separate perceptions into a single, coherent consciousness.

  • Frontiers

    The podcast episode 'Frontiers' from the show 'From Nowhere to Nothing' discusses the physical and metaphorical interpretations of the term 'Frontiers'.

  • Moral Purview

    This episode of From Nowhere to Nothing explores categories of Moral Purview, examining them through the lens of current events and various viewpoints.

  • Malthusian Crises

    This episode examines Malthusian Crises, exploring resource scarcity and overshoot within a broader conceptual framework.

  • Paradoxes Part 2

    In this episode, we look at several Paradoxes and discuss them in light of previous categorical descriptions.

  • Paradoxes Part 1

    In this episode, we lay some foundational groundwork for understanding Paradoxes.

  • AI Ethics

    In this episode, we discuss a base of philosophy regarding agency before delving into current events and issues surrounding ethical use of AI.

  • Antifragility

    In this episode, we explore the positive and negative aspects of Antifragility from systemic and individual perspectives.

  • Contemporary Philosophers of Color

    In this episode, we explore the works of Michele Moody-Adams, Adrian Piper, Lewis Gordon, and Liam Kofi Bright, integrating themes for deeper reflective consideration.

  • Incommensurability

    In this episode, we discuss Kuhn's notion of Incommensurability: the lack of neutral standards in comparing paradigms.

  • Hygge

    In this episode, we explore the Danish notion of Hygge, exploring its limits and our own.

  • Progress vs Evolution

    In this episode, we examine an article written by Adam Neiblum in Philosophy Now regarding the conflation of Progress and Evolution.

  • Friendship

    In this episode, we dissect the moral, transactional, and social elements of what constitutes Friendship.

  • Passion

    In this episode, we discuss multiple dimensions of Passion: conceptual clarity, internal vs external influences, temporal stability, and much more.

  • The Paranormal

    In this episode, we attempt to take a look at the Paranormal from a balanced viewpoint, with neither dismissal nor abandoning critical reflection.

  • Giving

    In this episode, we look at the nuanced interactional effects of internalized states and contextually contingent external Giving behaviors when examining virtuosity.

  • Somebody Should Do Something

    In this episode, we talk about the individual capacity for social change with authors Michael Brownstein and Daniel Kelly, as discussed in their book, Somebody Should Do Something.

  • Horror

    In this episode, we discuss the nature of Horror, including both its existence in real life, and as a media aesthetic.

  • Modal Realism

    In this episode, we tackle the unintuitive and nuanced idea of Modal Realism and possible worlds. Stay tuned for bonus content at the end of the episode!

  • Attention

    In this episode, we discuss Attention, its relationship to consciousness, and our interpretation of reality.

  • James Geary: Aphorisms

    In this episode, author James Geary dives into the philosophy of aphorisms with us in preparation for his new book, The World in a Phrase.

  • Dr. Wind Goodfriend: Cults

    In this episode, special guest Dr. Wind Goodfriend helps us discuss the philosophy and psychology of Cults.

  • Fear!

    In this episode, we contrast the ideas of Fear and anxiety, looking at philosophical as well as physiological and psychological facets in determining their constitution.

  • Society

    In this episode, we parse apart Society, including pithy discussions of culture, language versus communication, and the role of individuals.

  • John Searle

    In this episode, we discuss the life and work of John Searle, visiting his philosophies of mind, language, and society from a critical context.

  • Brute Facts

    In this episode, we discuss Brute Facts: concepts that defy explanation in causal terms.

  • Bruce Schneier: Rewiring Democracy

    In this episode, we discuss Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sander's upcoming book, Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship.

  • Antinomy

    In this episode, we ask some difficult questions about Antinomy: when a concept has multiple logical explanatory theories that are contradictory.

  • Substantivalism

    In this episode, we present the cases for Substantivalism and Relationalism as we discuss space and time.

  • Ableism

    In this episode, we wrestle with the discriminatory notion of Ableism.

  • Friluftsliv

    In this episode, we discuss the phenomenological, ontological, and ethical aspects of the Norwegian concept Friluftsliv.

  • Tarab

    In this episode, we explore the idea of Tarab from the Arabic world: an enchantment with music and its ability to provide deep meaning.

  • Yugen

    In this episode, we discuss the Japanese notion of Yugen, drawing on metaphorical and personal examples to demonstrate the concept.

  • Ubuntu

    In this episode, we explore Ubuntu: a concept from southern Africa regarding the relationality and communal nature of humanity.

  • A Treatise on Challenges from Nature to Anthropocentric Ontology

    In this episode, the duo switches seats, as Norm interviews Joel about his newly released book, "A Treatise on Challenges from Nature to Anthropocentric Ontology."

  • Ontological Closure

    In this episode, we delve headlong into the end of being, interweaving established philosophical positions with anecdotal experiences.

  • Alasdair MacIntyre

    In this episode, we discuss the nuance of Alasdair MacIntyre's philosophical musings, particularly on virtue ethics.

  • Space Exploration

    In this episode, we discuss the history, impetus, and consequences of Space Exploration.

  • Pets!

    In this episode, we discuss our reasoning for, and relationship with, our lovable Pets.

  • Identity

    In this episode, we explore the multifaceted notions of Identity.

  • Hypnocracy

    In this episode, we discuss the philosophical performance experiment of Andrea Colamedici's AI-written book, "Hypnocracy."

  • Surprise Round #5

    In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: The Finely Wrought Object Joel's: Zeno's Dichotomy/Arrow

  • Surprise Round #4

    In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: Hedonine and Pononine Joel's: The Two-Space Myth

  • Surprise Round #3

    In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: The Language Game Joel's: The Split Brain

  • Surprise Round #2

    In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: Eternal Recurrence Joel's: The Inquiring Murderer

  • Surprise Round #1

    In this episode, we surprise each other with philosophical thought experiments: Norm's: The Experience Machine Joel's: The Problem of the Speckled Hen

  • Thought Experiments

    In this episode, we lay the groundwork for a series of shows focusing on philosophical Thought Experiments by examining a couple of familiar examples and discussing their constituent elements.

  • Compliance

    In this episode, we discuss some technical and definitional aspects of Compliance, including concepts of authority, power, obedience, and perspective.