Look inside the mind of a famous thinker: Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now and writer Daryn Green talk to author and Philosophy Now columnist Raymond Tallis about his latest book, In Defence of Wonder, and about the influences and motivations which have made him a philosopher. Recorded on 31 May 2012 ..read more

Both philosophy and literature represent the world and reflect on it. They are clearly different, yet converge, overlap and relate to one another in various ways. Can anything be gained philosophically by examining literature? Conversely, does it add to our understanding of literature to look at it from a philosophical point of view? Anja Steinbauer, President of Philosophy For All, and her guests Gregory Currie from the University of Nottingham, Stacie Friend from Heythrop College, University of London, and Edward Harcourt from Keble College, University of Oxford, discuss truth and ethics in ..read more

Given what we now know about the mind’s connection with brain activity, and that brain activity, being normal physical activity, apparently must be determined by physical laws, is it possible to say we have free will anymore? If so, in what way? If not, what are the implications? And what is free will anyway? To discuss these and related questions, Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now is joined by Sam Coleman from the University of Hertfordshire, Norman Bacrac from the South Place Ethical Society and independent scholar Camilla Martin. First broadcast on 20 March 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

Should schools teach philosophy? When literacy and numeracy levels have not improved in 55 years, shouldn’t teachers be concentrating on improving the three Rs rather than introducing a fourth? Peter Worley, co-founder and CEO of The Philosophy Foundation, talks with Michael Hand from the Institute of Education and Stephen Boulter from Oxford Brookes University about whether children can do philosophy, and if schools should teach it, how should it be done? First broadcast on 13 March 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

What is the scientific method? What’s special about it? What are the limits of its application? How does science compare with other ways of knowing and when should we use those other ways in preference to science – if ever? Helping Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now answer these questions will be Ken Gemes from Birkbeck, University of London, Gary Retallick from the Workers’ Educational Association, and Dean Peters from the London School of Economics. First broadcast on 6 March 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

He’s known as the philosopher of pessimism, and he has a remarkably cheerless view of the nature of reality, but he’s also a poetic writer who advocates compassion and loves art. Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now finds out about Arthur Schopenhauer from Christopher Janaway of the University of Southampton and Daniel Came of St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Live music is provided by Ruth Merry. First broadcast on 28 February 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

How should we deal with the tragic side of life? And how have the philosophers responded to the tragic fragility of life and happiness, especially in modern times, from Nietzsche onwards? Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now talks to Christopher Hamilton and Simon May from King’s College London, and Ken Gemes from Birkbeck, University of London. First broadcast on 21 February 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

What is the future of humanity? What limits should we impose on our biotechnological and other scientific developments – what will happen when we don’t? Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now asks Debra Shaw from the University of East London, Blay Whitby from the University of Sussex, and David Gamez from Imperial College London, for answers. With live music from Bucky Muttel on the Chapman Stick. First broadcast on 14 February 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

Anja Steinbauer, President of Philosophy For All, is joined by ethical philosophers Piers Benn, Carwyn Hooper and Elselijn Kingma to discuss our responsibilities for our own health, government initiatives to makes us lead healthier lives, patient automomy and choices, as well as enter the minefield of organ transplant ethics. First broadcast on 7 February 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more

Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now discusses Socrates, his ideas and role in Western philosophy, with M.M. McCabe from King’s College London, and Tim Chappell from the Open University. First broadcast on 31 January 2012 on Resonance FM ..read more