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May 17, 2010 12:12 PM

"Why? Philosophical Discussions" about everyday life may be the world's first call-in philosophy show. Its mission is to create a large-scale conversation between philosophical professionals and the general public.

WHY? radio, from the University of North Dakota's Institute for Philosophy in Public Life, is a monthly, call-in radio show hosted by philosophy professor Jack Russell Weinstein. "...the show was created to illustrate how day-to-day life is steeped in deep philosophical commitments and to provide a venue for exploration of those same commitments." Shows feature notable guests such as Martha Nussbaum, Amelie Rorty, and Amartya Sen.
posted by Lutoslawski (12 comments total)

Listening to episode 12 now - strange that the audio includes the NPR news from that day... but kind of useful because it sets the tone for the news of the day that might be on the minds of the callers.

At any rate, the episode starts out with a really interesting discussion about satire.
posted by jardinier at 12:27 PM on May 17, 2010

This is pretty great, thanks. For everyone else's reference, the podcast is available.
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 12:32 PM on May 17, 2010

The NYTimes has a new philosophy blog: The Stone features the writing of contemporary philosophers on issues both timely and timeless. The series moderator is Simon Critchley, chair of the department of philosophy of New School in New York.
posted by homunculus at 12:45 PM on May 17, 2010

...which has already been posted to MeFi. How about that.
posted by homunculus at 12:47 PM on May 17, 2010

Interesting news, but I am not sure it's first. What about Philosophy Talk with Stanford's John Perry and Ken Taylor? They've been chugging along with a show for quite a number of years now.
posted by rw at 1:01 PM on May 17, 2010

Thanks!

The ABC also has a pretty good philosophy radio show. Not call in though, there's a website where different philosophers of stature write responses to emailed questions.
posted by stratastar at 1:56 PM on May 17, 2010

Unless it changed in the last few years, Philosophy Talk isn't a call in show (goodness, I miss listening to it on OPB).
posted by thebestsophist at 2:21 PM on May 17, 2010

Philosophy Talk has been call in for at least 5 years. Here in Portland it's delayed, so we always hear the warning not to call. They also do live shows where the audience asks questions.
posted by msalt at 2:52 PM on May 17, 2010

Not sure if it's been on MF before, but Philosophy Bytes (podcast/blog) is also worth checking out.
posted by a small part of the world at 4:41 PM on May 17, 2010

ha! I used to work at KUND*/KFJM - the radio/studio this show is likely recorded at. Loved it. What a great time.

*sold to the Catholics a while back so they can get the word out about their plans, or something.
posted by zenon at 6:54 PM on May 17, 2010

Fun; thanks for posting it.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:47 PM on May 17, 2010

Six Questions for Martha Nussbaum
posted by homunculus at 6:09 PM on June 1, 2010