In this episode of ‘Everyday philosophy,’ your host Sam Burns is back to delve even deeper into the captivating world of philosophical thought. Sam starts with a heartfelt thank you to all listeners who enjoyed his previous episode on the basics of philosophy, which you can revisit here.
Today, Sam is excited to build on that foundation by exploring some famous quotations from Western philosophers and unpacking the deeper principles behind them. He emphasises that this focus on Western thinkers is due to his familiarity with their works, but he promises a future episode featuring Eastern philosophers if there’s enough interest.
Join Sam as he dives into the iconic words of René Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, Socrates and William of Ockham. Discover the profound ideas behind Descartes’ “Cogito ergo sum,” Hobbes’ bleak yet insightful view of the “State of nature,” Socrates’ timeless assertion that “The unexamined life is not worth living,” and the elegant simplicity of Ockham’s Razor.
Through these explorations, Sam aims to show how these philosophical concepts are not just abstract theories but practical tools that can enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world. By breaking down complex ideas into manageable insights, this episode strives to make philosophy accessible, engaging and relevant to everyday life.
Tune in and deepen your appreciation of philosophy, learning how the wisdom of the ages can illuminate your path in the modern world.