In this (our 50th!) episode we talk about cancel culture as a pop culture phenomenon. We look a bit at the history of cancel culture and discuss the ethics of it. In the end we unwisely refrain from canceling ourselves. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Slow Dissolve https://www.purple-planet.com

I Think, Therefore I Fan Podcast

Canceled Like Socrates

In this episode we talk about the myriad of philosophical issues raised in the MCU limited television series WandaVision. Along the way we discuss a number of really fun topics such as regret, life’s really devastating choices, death, existential dread, and the ship of Theseus. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Gothic Horror https://www.purple-planet.com

(Wanda)Visions of Theseus

In this episode we talk about the philosophical aspects of conspiracy theories, especially as they are found in pop culture. Along the way we fake a moon landing, rig an election or two, and try, but fail, to make birds real again. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Maelstrom https://www.purple-planet.com

Birds, Moon Landings, and Other Things that Are Not Real

In this episode we talk to philosopher Jamie Watson about his new book, Expertise. Along the way we talk about the portrayal of experts in pop culture, and re-establish that philosophers are the ultimate authorities on everything (see: Plato, philosopher kings). Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Project Plan https://www.purple-planet.com

Who Ya Gonna Call?

In this episode we talk to philosopher Ian Olasov about his Ask a Philosopher project and book. We discuss all things public philosophy, and Ian shares some terrific stories. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Feelin’ Good https://www.purple-planet.com

The Doctor (of Philosophy) is In!

In this episode we interview philosopher and political candidate Randy Auxier. We discuss elections as pop culture as well as elections in pop culture. As a bonus we save democracy, while establishing the rule of philosopher kings, by voting early and voting often. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Big Day Out https://www.purple-planet.com

A Vote for Philosophy is a Vote for The Good Life

In this episode we resume our tradition of devoting at least one episode each October to philosophical themes in horror. This year’s Halloween episode discusses philosophical themes in the works of Stephen King. Tune in to see if we take a Shining Stand on anything of just leave IT at that. Music in the Episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Creepy Hollow https://www.purple-planet.com

It’s Good to Be the (Philosophical) King

In this episode we talk with philosopher Nathan Nobis about personal identity thought experiments. Along the way we split a few brains, swap a few minds, and transport a few bodies to Mars. You can find some of the resources we discuss in this week’s episode here: https://www.nathannobis.com/2020/09/personal-identity.html and here: https://1000wordphilosophy.com/ Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Decline and Fall https://www.purple-planet.com

Invasion of the Body Swappers

In this episode we talk about topics related to the great free will debate as it makes its way into pop culture. Along the way, fail to make any choices, and eventually reject the Principle of Alternate Podcasts. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Cobwebbed https://www.purple-planet.com

Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose

In this episode we discuss COVID-19, changes in education, and the educators in pop culture (shout out to those who get the Mr. Dixon reference). This is the only thing left in the universe that isn’t coming by way of a Zoom meeting. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Evolving Plans https://www.purple-planet.com

A Virus Walked into a Schoolhouse…

In this final episode of Season 5 we discuss the coronavirus as pop culture. Along the way we discuss ethics, the environment, existentialism, and stoicism. Mostly, we just chastise those who fail to practice social distancing. Music in this episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Deadlock https://www.purple-planet.com

A Plague in All Our Houses

In this episode we discuss a variety of philosophical themes in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Along the way we sort out all the pertinent philosophical questions pertaining to God, souls, possible worlds, epistemology, the afterlife, and, just for the heck of it, time travel (even though it is not part of the story). Music in this episode:"Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Byzantium https://www.purple-planet.com

Lyra, a Spyglass, and Bears, Oh My!

In this episode we discuss a number of interesting philosophical topics raised by the Netflix documentary Tiger King. While the discussion is fresh, topical, and lively, the highpoint of the episode is the segment in which Rachel gives herself a mullet. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Low Down Dirty https://www.purple-planet.com

Tractatus Feline-Exoticus

In this episode we discuss the great (and recently departed) Max Von Sydow. In particular we take a close look at the many existential themes in The Seventh Seal. Along the way we provide some strategy tips for winning at chess, such as don’t tell the grim reaper that you are planning on using a secret knight/bishop combination. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Epiphany https://www.purple-planet.com

Cheating Death!

In this episode we ask some important contemporary philosophers about their favorite philosophical thought experiments as they appear in pop culture. We interview Mark Doorley, Alan Tomhave, and Devon Belcher. Along the way we sort out most of the main problems in philosophy, hijack a trolley, dismantle (and reassemble) some ships, and enter an experience machine. Music in this episode: "Attack of the Mole Men" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Fat Cartoon Jazz https://www.purple-planet.com Robotik https://www.purple-planet.com

Dude, I Think We Might Be in a Cave

This podcast discusses philosophical themes in pop culture.