#1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression?

Overview

This episode explores the practical relevance of philosophy in modern life, the evolution of philosophical thought, and its impact on personal and societal well-being. The discussion delves into ancient and modern philosophical schools, the nature of consciousness, the role of emotions in morality, and the responsibilities of philosophers in the age of social media.

Notable Quotes

- Philosophy doesn't develop in the way that something like physics does. Everyone has to sort of start afresh, which is why ancient and modern philosophers often end up saying the same thing. - Alex O’Connor, on the cyclical nature of philosophical inquiry.

- Philosophy is most helpful when it's interdisciplinary. The best work often happens at the intersection of philosophy and other fields like neuroscience or linguistics. - Joe Folley, on the value of cross-disciplinary approaches in philosophy.

- The meaning of life is literally whatever is keeping you from killing yourself. - Alex O’Connor, quoting Albert Camus on existential purpose.

🧠 The Practicality of Philosophy

- Chris Williamson questions whether philosophy was always meant to be practical or if this is a modern reinterpretation.

- Joe Folley explains that ancient philosophy, especially Greek philosophy, was deeply interconnected and practical, focusing on questions like What is the good life?

- Alex O’Connor critiques modern philosophy for often attempting ethics without metaphysical grounding, likening it to conjectural vibes rather than systematic progress.

🌌 The Rise of Panpsychism and Consciousness Studies

- Panpsychism, the idea that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe, is gaining traction.

- Alex O’Connor highlights the combination problem, questioning how individual conscious entities combine into a unified experience.

- The discussion touches on split-brain patients and the implications for understanding consciousness, suggesting that the unity of self may be an illusion.

🤔 Emotivism and the Nature of Morality

- Emotivism posits that moral statements are expressions of emotion rather than objective truths.

- Alex O’Connor explains that saying murder is wrong is akin to expressing boo murder rather than stating a factual claim.

- The hosts explore how moral debates often revolve around factual disagreements rather than fundamental moral principles.

🌀 The Incest Question and Universal Taboos

- The incest question is used as a case study for emotivism, with Alex O’Connor arguing that the universal taboo against incest is rooted in emotional disgust rather than rational justification.

- The discussion examines evolutionary explanations like the Westermarck effect, which creates sexual aversion among siblings raised together.

🎙️ The Ethics of Philosophical Influence

- The hosts reflect on their responsibility as public-facing philosophers.

- Joe Folley emphasizes the importance of presenting philosophy as a starting point for personal exploration rather than definitive answers.

- Alex O’Connor acknowledges the ethical duty to approach sensitive topics, like suicide, with care, recognizing the potential impact on listeners.