Uncertainty
Uncertainty
Podcast Description
A philosophy graduate student working his way, with the world's leading thinkers, through the problems of philosophy, religion, science, and the existential struggle with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - similar to Alex O'Connor, but more American. Who wants to come along for the ride?
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes such as the intersection of philosophy and religion, scientific realism, fine-tuning arguments, the historicity of Jesus, and existential inquiries into belief systems. Specific episodes include debates on the resurrection of Jesus with Dr. Richard Carrier, an examination of anti-realism in science with Dr. Barry Loewer, and discussions on cosmic origins with various experts.

A philosophy Ph.D. student working his way, with the world’s leading thinkers, through the problems of philosophy, religion, science, and the existential struggle with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – similar to Alex O’Connor, but more American. Who wants to come along for the ride?
Emily McRae, professor of philosophy at the University of New Mexico, offers an overview of Buddhist philosophy. In particular, we discuss the different traditions within Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, and Zen – the doctrine of emptiness, the Four Noble Truths, and the ontology of Nirvana: annihilation, eternal bliss, or a state of mind in the here and now?
Video of this interview is available on YouTube.
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EPISODE CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:55 Moral ignorance in Buddhist philosophy
00:06:47 What drew Emily to Buddhist philosophy?
00:10:36 Analytic philosophy vs. Buddhist philosophy
00:13:41 What kind of ethical theory is Buddhism?
00:21:26 Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy?
00:24:37 The major schools of Buddhism
00:29:56 Emptiness and the Buddhist theory of the self
00:37:47 Why the Buddha refused to answer some questions
00:43:02 The Four Noble Truths
00:46:01 The first Noble Truth: suffering
00:51:04 The second Noble Truth: the causes of suffering
00:53:43 The third Noble Truth: the end of suffering
00:56:10 What is nirvana?
01:00:14 Does Buddhism ultimately teach annihilation?
01:07:15 Buddhism vs. Christianity on desire
01:12:18 The fourth Noble Truth: the Eightfold Path
01:16:16 What reason is there to believe Buddhism is true?
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