Intellect PlusPhilosophy
492 cards. Each one is a 40-second story with a five-minute read behind it. Page 2 of 9.
Why knowing more can sometimes mean understanding lessIn an era of information overload, we are increasingly prone to living in filtered realities. Philosopher Michael Patrick Lynch explores how to break through these personal biases…
What does it mean to know everything for sure?Shortly before her 61st birthday, author Anne Lamott set out to document her certainties. This talk explores her reflections on navigating a complex, emotional, and beautiful worl…
Why the worship of the self leaves us more afraidIn an era of rapid change and rising extremism, we often retreat into the safety of the individual. But Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks argues that this focus on the 'I' creates a profo…
The Philosophy of Desire: Understanding What Drives Human AttractionProfessor Glenn D. Wilson explores the underlying mechanics of human desire. This lecture examines the psychological and philosophical frameworks that shape what we find attractiv…
Why the lack of a theory of value threatens our futureDr. Matthew Kiernan explores why modern economics struggles to define what things are actually worth. By examining the roots of value, he reveals how these foundational gaps impac…
Can modern art be interpreted through the lens of theology?This discussion explores how theological frameworks can provide a deeper layer of meaning to contemporary artistic expression. It is worth watching for those interested in the int…
The opera of secrets: how Debussy explores the nature of truthKatherine Bergeron examines the final act of Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande to uncover how the work navigates the elusive concept of truth.
Is consciousness a fundamental building block of the universe?Modern science often treats consciousness as a mysterious byproduct of matter, but philosopher Philip Goff argues we have it backward. He suggests that instead of brains creating …
You might be a philosophical zombie with a very convincing story.Is your inner life a real experience or just a clever trick of biology? Philosopher Daniel Dennett suggests that consciousness isn't a central theater in your mind, but a series o…
The radical act of caring in an indifferent worldPoet Cleo Wade explores why advocacy for love and acceptance requires a specific kind of courage. This performance moves beyond abstract ideals to offer a grounded philosophy on h…
Why our binary labels of good and bad fail the truthHeather Lanier challenges the way we categorize human experiences. By sharing her journey raising a daughter with a rare genetic condition, she argues against the stereotypes of t…
Why choosing to love is a radical act of justiceIn an era defined by rising nationalism and deep polarization, Valarie Kaur argues that love is not just a feeling, but a revolutionary tool for social change.
What would water do? Finding fulfillment through ancient flow.Raymond Tang explores how the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Tao Te Ching offers a roadmap for navigating a constantly changing world. By adopting the 'philosophy of water,' he…
Can the arts serve as a moral compass in difficult times?Sir Andrew Motion explores whether the arts are merely decorative or if they possess the power to recalibrate our human direction amidst profound economic and social upheaval.- Is a market of infinite choices actually a form of freedom?We often equate market freedom with the sheer volume of options available to us. But if freedom is merely the ability to choose any end we desire, does it lose its moral compass? …
How can we decide which global problems deserve our immediate attention and resources?Moral philosopher Will MacAskill introduces a framework for prioritizing humanity's most urgent challenges. By applying the principles of effective altruism, he offers a structure…
Can we bridge the gap between our current selves and our true potential?Writer and activist Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes delivers a performance exploring the nature of hope and truth. This talk examines the internal space that exists between who we are to…
How Neo-Confucianism reshaped Chinese philosophy during the Song dynastyThis video examines the evolution of Chinese thought, tracing the shifting influence of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism from the Han through the Song dynasties. It highlights t…
Does measuring the long term inherently destroy its meaning?The financial world often demands long-term thinking, yet the tools we use to track progress might be undermining that very goal. This panel explores the tension between the neces…
Is individual self-determination eroding our shared public life?Explore a theological and philosophical critique of modern liberalism. This lecture examines how an obsession with individual autonomy might be reshaping—and potentially undermini…
Why your sense of transcendence challenges a purely materialist worldIf all knowledge begins with experience, what do we do with the experiences that feel larger than ourselves? Professor Keith Ward explores how human encounters with art and morali…
Can comedy exist without breaking the rules of truth?Following her groundbreaking special 'Nanette,' comedian Hannah Gadsby explores the intersection of humor, purpose, and contradiction. This talk examines how performance can chall…
Why the idea that everything happens for a reason can be harmfulWhen life takes a devastating turn, we often reach for narratives that provide comfort. Kate Bowler explores why some of our most beloved spiritual and emotional anchors might act…
Escaping the valley of isolation through the art of weavingDavid Brooks argues that our modern social crisis stems from a culture of fragmentation. By observing those who build deep communal bonds, he proposes a cultural revolution center…- Why the ultimate victory might be forgetting who wonPico Iyer reflects on how a simple neighborhood game of ping-pong in Japan shifted his perspective from the obsession with winning to a deeper understanding of competition.
Is the physical world merely a projection of the human mind?Most of us assume matter is the foundation of existence. However, the philosophical school of idealism suggests the opposite: that conscious being is the fundamental form of reali…
Is belief in God a logical outcome of human experience?The sheer diversity of global religions often leads us to assume they are merely contradictory superstitions. However, Professor Keith Ward suggests that these varied beliefs may …- Can science and faith coexist as partners in understanding reality?Professor Alister McGrath explores why these two fields are often viewed as opposites when they might actually be complementary. This lecture series examines how the narratives of…
The most significant forces in our universe are invisible to the eyeFrom the atoms that compose your body to the gravity holding the planets in place, the most fundamental truths of existence cannot be seen. This animation of John Lloyd's classic …- The martial artist who mastered the art of self-actualizationBeyond the iconic kicks and cinematic stunts, Bruce Lee was a dedicated philosopher. His daughter, Shannon Lee, explores how his principles of self-actualization can be applied to…
Why our obsession with speed might be making us less productiveHistorian Edward Tenner explores the counterintuitive reality that seeking maximum efficiency can actually hinder our progress. Watch to discover how embracing "inspired inefficie…- Are we approaching a technological 'black ball' that could end humanity?In this conversation with TED's Chris Anderson, philosopher Nick Bostrom explores the existential risks posed by breakthroughs that spiral out of our control and the strategies av…
Is wonder a destination or a doorway to deeper truth?The feeling of awe we experience in nature is often treated as a final destination. But for some of history's greatest thinkers, that shiver of amazement is actually a starting po…
Is faith inherently irrational or a different kind of logic?This lecture examines the tension between scientific evidence and religious belief. It moves beyond the
The 'Black Ball' problem: How our own inventions could end usPhilosopher Nick Bostrom explores the existential risks posed by rapid technological advancement. This conversation identifies the specific vulnerabilities humanity faces as our i…
What would you tell a newborn about living in our world?Imagine explaining the complexity of modern existence to a child who has yet to experience it. Visual artist Oliver Jeffers addresses this profound question in a poetic letter to …
Why Martin Luther King, Jr. argued for direct action in his jailhouse letterThis video examines the profound arguments presented in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail,' exploring his philosophical stance on civil disobedience …- Where the scientific narrative of origination meets the religious story of creationProfessor Alister McGrath explores the historical and philosophical friction between the eternity of the world and the concept of creation. This lecture examines how theological t…
The medicalization of the self: how we learned to 'fix' our thoughtsWe treat changing our minds as a simple internal shift, but it is actually a complex historical evolution. From ancient practices of behavior modification to modern mental health …
Is noise just music we haven't learned to appreciate yet?From the silence of John Cage to the 'noise' of modern streaming, this lecture explores how our definitions of beauty and music have shifted alongside 20th-century politics.
The awesome responsibility of deciding whether a human being should live or dieEven after the abolition of the death penalty, judges still face harrowing life-and-death decisions. From conjoined twins to seriously mentally disabled infants, the legal system …
How can we reconcile the beauty of existence with the reality of suffering?This lecture explores the profound contradiction between the wonders of the natural world and the presence of evil. Drawing on Christian insights, Lord Harries and Professor Alis …
Does the human soul have a physical weight of 21 grams?Professor Alister McGrath explores the tension between our material bodies and our spiritual aspirations. This lecture uses Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy to examine whet…
Is your personal information a form of property or a sacred secret?We often treat our private data as personal property, but this perspective creates profound ethical dilemmas. When does the duty to protect a patient's confidentiality clash with …
How to defeat extreme force without resorting to violenceCan you stop a bully without becoming a thug? Scilla Elworthy explores the specific skills required to resist aggression through non-violence, examining the philosophies that allo…
Why is comedy so difficult to define?Comedy often defies formal definition, making it a subject of philosophical debate. This video explores how the genre works by breaking down the very boundaries that definitions a…
Decoding the ancient philosophy of yin and yangThis video explores the roots of the ubiquitous yin-yang symbol within Taoism. Discover how these opposing forces represent the fundamental balance required in human life.
Why does time exist at all?Cosmologist Sean Carroll explores the fundamental nature of time and the universe. This video investigates why time exists and how potential answers might suggest a surprising vie…- How can we become better ancestors for the generations to come?Philosopher Roman Krznaric explores how our current decisions impact future descendants. Discover how to act as a 'Time Rebel' through devotion to our planet and the pursuit of in…
Did the Ancient Greeks believe music could fundamentally shape human morality and character?Music was not merely entertainment in Ancient Greece; it was an essential, omnipresent force woven into the fabric of daily life. This video explores the profound cultural signifi…- Why Westerners believe they alone possess the correct view of realityHistorian Greg Anderson challenges the modern assumption that our perspective is the only objective truth. This talk explores how Western thought became the dominant reality and w…
Why do humans possess a universal sense of wonder?If humans are as advanced as we claim, why does our world remain so fractured? Oxford theologian Alister McGrath suggests the answer lies in a fundamental human trait: a deep-seat…- Does a finite universe mean we are inherently meaningless?Professor Alister McGrath explores how our shifting scientific understanding of the cosmos shapes our sense of purpose. This lecture examines whether modern cosmology leaves us ad…
Is time merely a fourth dimension, or is physics missing the point?Physicists often treat time as just another dimension of space-time, ignoring the flow of life. But does a mathematical equation truly capture the essence of a morning, a longing,…
Do facts alone satisfy our deepest human longings?In a post-truth era, this discussion explores whether science and faith are in conflict or if human beings possess a natural, innate instinct for religion.
Is your reality a dream or a scientific deception?Explore the fundamental question of existence through the lens of René Descartes. This video investigates whether our perception of reality is authentic or a sophisticated illusio…- Is a cat both dead and alive at the same time?Explore one of the most famous paradoxes in physics. This video breaks down Erwin Schrödinger's thought experiment to illustrate how quantum mechanics challenges our basic underst…
- The hidden sensory architecture of your abstract thoughtsWe usually think of senses as inputs and ideas as outputs. This video explores ideasthesia, a theory suggesting that our mental processes might be far more interconnected, where a…
- The scientific boundary between life and death is harder to define than you thinkHumans have long been captivated by the mystery of resurrection and the transition from living to dead. This video explores the scientific theories that attempt to define the exac…
- Why choosing happiness is a radical act of resistanceMiracle Jones explores how joy functions as a vital tool for survival and protection. In a world that often demands surrender, she argues that thriving despite systemic trauma is …