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Philosophize This!

Philosophize This!

Written by: Stephen West
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About this listen

 Beginner friendly if listened to in order! For anyone interested in an educational podcast about philosophy where you don't need to be a graduate-level philosopher to understand it. In chronological order, the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in are broken down and explained.2024 Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode #244 ... After Virtue - Alasdair MacIntyre (why moral conversations feel unsatisfying)

    Episode #244 ... After Virtue - Alasdair MacIntyre (why moral conversations feel unsatisfying)
    Feb 11 2026
    Today we talk about the book After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre. We talk about his genealogy of moral discourse. The teleologies of Aristotle. The failure of the Enlightenment moral project. Our modern culture of Emotivism and the sorts of characters that thrive in it. Shared practices and community as a way to revitalize moral conversation. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Episode #243 ... Hamlet - William Shakespeare

    Episode #243 ... Hamlet - William Shakespeare
    Dec 27 2025
    Today we talk about the play Hamlet written by William Shakespeare. We compare more traditional takes on the themes of the play to a more modern, philosophical analysis of the play done by Simon Critchley and Jamieson Webster. We talk about Hamlet and his inability to take action. Surveillance in 16th century England. Ophelia as the tragic hero of the play. How ultimately Hamlet may best be described as a play about "nothing". Hope you love it. :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: ⁠https://nordvpn.com/philothis ⁠ Better Help: ⁠https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS⁠ Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website:⁠ https://www.philosophizethis.org/⁠ Patreon:⁠ https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis⁠ Social: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast⁠ X:⁠ https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest⁠ Facebook:⁠ https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Episode #242 ... Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare

    Episode #242 ... Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare
    Nov 29 2025
    Today we talk about the philosophy behind the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. We talk about how ineffective violence and honor codes are as ways of maintaining the stability of a society. How catastrophe may be a deterrent to violence. The tension presented by Shakespeare between a Christian view of love, marriage and salvation and an alternative religion of love from his time. How in the kinds of love we most admire there is sometimes an element of irrationality that makes it possible. Hope you love it. :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
All stars
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a great review/introduction to various aspects of philosophy! I am a huge fan and enjoy listening while I drive.

fantastic!

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Start at the beginning and hit play, that's all!

Stephen West, if you're reading this, your show is exceptional. please don't stop, even if we get hit by an apocalypse! (speaking of, please make an episode on apocalyptic societal philosophy/structures)

my favourite way to enjoy this podcast was by going for late night walks with my dog while listening to this. Excellent examples, great dissection of the literature and teaches you how thinking has changed over Millenia. I came with an open mind, and left with a full one, motivated to continue my pursuit in philosophy. I've recommended this to many people IRL.

Best way to start your philosophy journey

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this is the best podcast I have ever listened to to access complex philosophical subjects. he has a gift.

remarkable gift for summaries of complex subjects.

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I have listen to the complete serie two time on Spotify! If you love to learn, you gonna love this show !

A podcast you can’t stop listening

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Followed since the early days - great podcast. very edifying. 👌 Stephen improves from good to great during the show.

Long time fan, only gets better!

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