Category: Podcast

Postmodernist philosophy is famous for being paradoxical. Claims like “the truth is that there is no truth” or “everything is relative” are popular – especially among academics. Many proponents are even OK with logical contradictions in their worldview.

To me, a contradiction is a demonstration of error, and not caring about intellectual consistency is synonymous with being irrational. But according to Dr. Stephen Hicks, that’s because I have a certain psychological response to contradictions. Postmodernists have a different psychological response, and so they aren’t as bother by inconsistency.

Dr. Hicks thinks it’s possible to be intellectually respectable while defending internally-inconsistent views. I don’t think it’s possible. What do you think?

Guest’s Website

Explaining Postmodernism: From Rousseau to Foucault

Previous Episode with Dr. Hicks

The Praxis Apprenticeship

                                           

Do numbers exist when we aren’t thinking about them? What about ideas?

If I claim “Harry Potter has square glasses”, is that true or false? If it’s false, does that imply that “Harry Potter exists and does not have square glasses”?

How can we talk about something that doesn’t exist?

These are the questions I’m covering in my interview breakdown of Episode 33: Do Mathematical Objects Exist | Dr. Jody Azzouni.

What are the fundamentals of Zen Buddhism? What is the purpose of meditation, or zazen? Is the philosophy or the practice of Buddhism more important?

I asked these questions to Keiho Nishigaki, the head monk at the Nan’yoji temple outside of Osaka, Japan. He was kind enough to work me through the basics, in addition to giving me a guided Zen meditation session.

Check out Praxis, and see why I keep raving about them

Here’s a selfie we took after the interview!

                                           

How fundamental is the conflict between science and religion? Is it true that the history of the church is filled with anti-intellectualism and the suppression of scientific inquiry? Is religious fundamentalism to blame for the tension between science and religion?

I’ve got my own suspicions about these questions, but I decided to ask Dr. Peter Harrison, who teaches History at the University of Queensland. He specializes in the topic of “Science versus Religion”.

Guest’s Website

Guest’s Books

Free Praxis Module

                                           

For thousands of years, people have ingested psychedelic drugs in order to alter their consciousness. They report having profound experiences – many of which are life-changing. But is this just simple delusion? What is the psychedelic experience like? Can you really learn important truths while on drugs? I think it’s a grave mistake to dismiss the possibility out of hand.

To help me answer, I’m joined by the World Wanderers: Ryan Ferguson and Amanda Kingsmith, who have traveled to more than 45 countries together. While in Peru, they both had an ayahuasca experience that they consider to be life-changing in a positive way.

The World Wanderers

The World Wanderers Podcast

Free Praxis Module

                                           

A year ago, I started Patterson in Pursuit. Ten countries later, I’ve learned a thing or two, and I want to share my thoughts. Topics include academia, multiculturalism, traveling, religion, and some new ideas I’ve encountered on my journey.

Free Praxis Module