Language has a clear impact not only on how others perceive and react to us, but on how we treat and see ourselves. What are our internal narratives of who we are and how we live? How do linguistic distinctions affect these perceptions? This week, we welcome Dan Farina to explore one such verbal line: the difference between using "can be" and "am". How do these and associated terms represent a spectrum of being? Where does language fail to capture the nuances and potential within lived experience?
Episode 204: Silent or Spoken Retrospective
Philosophy and introspection present us with numerous questions, concepts and theories, some of which are far more applicable than others. One such practical question asks "Which is better: To say something and wish you hadn't or say nothing and wish you had?" How do we judge worth in the subjective spaces of conversation and silence? How do social factors judge our speech as we might not? How do different spaces and circumstances treat silence differently?
Episode 203: Why We Study Art History
Many of us approach the realm of art history with degrees of apprehension, uncertainty and intellectual dread. We treat its topics as pedantic and its concepts as cumbersome, but why? This week, we welcome Tamar Avishai to discuss the study of art history and how it might inform the world beyond the field. What can the subject teach us about storytelling or the detachments of the ivory tower? How do we make art history and other topics unnecessarily distant because of our perceptions?
Further Reading:
The Lonely Palette
Episode 202: Deepening Our Democracy
Of all that defines America, our history as a democratic nation that places faith in the people is quite possibly our brightest beacon and most ambitious goal. As recent years have shown us, we are often vocally and sharply positioned against one another in discussions of politics and logistics. Despite the clashes and rancor there are those like Pete Davis, this week's guest, who believe wholeheartedly in the mission of democracy. Specifically, we took the opportunity this week to explore how we might deepen our democracy. Why is that important? How does democracy exist and manifest outside the realm of politics?
Episode 201: The Great Lesser, Vulnerability
Although vulnerability and openness offer rich and meaningful connection to the world, mainstream Western culture appears directly opposed to its philosophy. Concerns about appearances, status, and fame treat vulnerability as a weakness and a non-essential element to life. This week, we welcome Kate Krosschell to discuss the dichotomy and cultural divide. How are these perspectives not only different, but in sharp contrast to one another? What can each worldview learn from the other?
