Latin-American Philosophy
From Philosophy Talk | Part of the Philosophy Talk series | 53:59
How does Latin-American philosophy distinguish itself from European and American philosophy?
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Latin American Philosophy began centuries before anything of much philosophical consequence happened in North America. Yet in our own time, Latin American Philosophy is undergoing a protracted identity crisis. Is it just transplanted European philosophy? A reaction to analytical philosophy? A reflection of the themes of liberation theology? John and Ken explore Latin America's philosophical traditions with Joseph Orosco from Oregon State University, author of Cesar Chavez and the Common Sense of Nonviolence. This program was recorded live at OSU in Corvallis.
Islamic Philosophy
From Philosophy Talk | 54:00
Astronomy, mathematics, linguistics, politics, justice, and the state -- the heritage of the West, given to Christianity by Islam.
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- Islamic Philosophy
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Some of the many topics discussed in Islamic philosophy are the Qur'an, knowledge, dreams, justice, poetry, reality, prophethood, peace, and the State. How has Islamic philosophy interacted historically with other philosophical traditions? How has philosophy influenced the popular practice and interpretation of Islam? When has Islamic philosophy melded with or clashed with Islam's religious teachings? John and Ken are joined by Mashhad Al-Allaf, Imam Khattab Chair of Islamic Studies at the University of Toledo and author of The Essential Ideas of Islamic Philosophy and The Essence of Islamic Philosophy.
Taoism: Following the Way
From Philosophy Talk | 53:59
Is Taoism a religion, a philosophy, a spiritual practice, or a way of life?
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- Taoism: Following the Way
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Taoism (sometimes Daoism) is one of the great philosophical traditions of China. Lao-Tzu, who is commonly regarded as its founder, said that “Those who know, do not speak; those who speak, do not know.” The arguments that Taoist texts offer for skepticism may seem surprisingly modern. Yet these same texts also offer recommendations for certain ways of life over others. So what exactly is Taoism, and what are its main tenets? Is it a religion, a philosophy, or a way of life? How do Taoists reconcile endorsing a specific way of life with skepticism about human thinking? John and Ken go east with Bryan Van Norden from Vassar College, author of numerous translations and books on Chinese thought, including Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy.
Zen
From Philosophy Talk | 53:59
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
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- Zen
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Does Zen Buddhism provide a unique perspective on the world that transcends the wisdom in Western Philosophy? Is there a special kind of Zen logic? Or is it just one more religion? John and Ken welcome Robert Scharf from UC Berkeley, author of Coming to Terms with Chinese Buddhism.
Confucius
From Philosophy Talk | 53:59
Confucius laid down a pattern of thinking followed by more people for more generations than any other person on Earth.
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- Confucius
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No matter what religion, no matter what form of government, the Chinese (and most other East Asian civilizations) and their way of thinking can in some way be shown to have Confucian elements about them. John and Ken discuss the ancient wisdom of Confucius with Paul Kjellberg from Whittier College, co-author of Essays on Skepticism, Relativism, and Ethics in the Zhuangzi.