Unsolicited advice https://www.youtube.com/@unsolicitedadvice9198 en My aim is to provide philosophy that people may find helpful. Take what works for you, and leave the rest. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/7dcccb00-a56a-11f1-9efa-93e9acef703f/image/4af306f5eb145f73ea0697e845ed8039.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Unsolicited advice https://www.youtube.com/@unsolicitedadvice9198 no episodic Unsolicited advice My aim is to provide philosophy that people may find helpful. Take what works for you, and leave the rest. My aim is to provide philosophy that people may find helpful. Take what works for you, and leave the rest.

]]> Unsolicited advice wauntedlabrador7777@gmail.com How to Lie With Statistics (and get away with it) Aren't statistics wonderful things. If used correctly they can provide profound illumination on how the world is. But let's say you didn't want to do that. How would you use every trick in the book to manipulate, fool, and lie to people with statistics to believe whatever you want them to. Well, that is just what we are going to look at today.Uploaded 04-06-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7Article on Correlation and Causation: https://www.nature.com/articles/nmeth.358700:00 Fantastic Statistics and Where to Find Them02:04 Devious definitions04:48 Strange inferences07:47 Samples and Representativeness12:01 The Average Joe16:17 The Buttery Biscuit Base Rate Neglect19:26 The Abuse of Proportions23:03 Correlation and Causation26:59 Causation and Attribution Errors29:30 The Dazzle of StatisticsStandard Deviation Curve example: By Ajay Raavi MD JD - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116977508Spurious correlations website: https://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Aren't statistics wonderful things. If used correctly they can provide profound illumination on how the world is. But let's say you didn't want to do that. How would you use every trick in the book to manipulate, fool, and lie to people with statistics to believe whatever you want them to. Well, that is just what we are going to look at today.Uploaded 04-06-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7Article on Correlation and Causation: https://www.nature.com/articles/nmeth.358700:00 Fantastic Statistics and Where to Find Them02:04 Devious definitions04:48 Strange inferences07:47 Samples and Representativeness12:01 The Average Joe16:17 The Buttery Biscuit Base Rate Neglect19:26 The Abuse of Proportions23:03 Correlation and Causation26:59 Causation and Attribution Errors29:30 The Dazzle of StatisticsStandard Deviation Curve example: By Ajay Raavi MD JD - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116977508Spurious correlations website: https://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Aren't statistics wonderful things. If used correctly they can provide profound illumination on how the world is. But let's say you didn't want to do that. How would you use every trick in the book to manipulate, fool, and lie to people with statistics to believe whatever you want them to. Well, that is just what we are going to look at today.

Uploaded 04-06-24

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

Article on Correlation and Causation: https://www.nature.com/articles/nmeth.3587

00:00 Fantastic Statistics and Where to Find Them
02:04 Devious definitions
04:48 Strange inferences
07:47 Samples and Representativeness
12:01 The Average Joe
16:17 The Buttery Biscuit Base Rate Neglect
19:26 The Abuse of Proportions
23:03 Correlation and Causation
26:59 Causation and Attribution Errors
29:30 The Dazzle of Statistics

Standard Deviation Curve example: By Ajay Raavi MD JD - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116977508

Spurious correlations website: https://tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations



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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2250 no Reacting to your HOTTEST book takes Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 10-06-26I love a hot takes video. We have done a few about philosophy, but I am interested to see your hottest takes on literature, and books more generally. There are some really spicy ones here, and I'm looking forward to reading them.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Literature is Just Content10:31 Audiobooks Don't Count15:11 Intention and Interpretation26:50 Movies are Better than Books34:42 Modern Books are Bad38:35 We care too much about relatability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 10-06-26I love a hot takes video. We have done a few about philosophy, but I am interested to see your hottest takes on literature, and books more generally. There are some really spicy ones here, and I'm looking forward to reading them.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Literature is Just Content10:31 Audiobooks Don't Count15:11 Intention and Interpretation26:50 Movies are Better than Books34:42 Modern Books are Bad38:35 We care too much about relatability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICE

Uploaded 10-06-26

I love a hot takes video. We have done a few about philosophy, but I am interested to see your hottest takes on literature, and books more generally. There are some really spicy ones here, and I'm looking forward to reading them.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 Literature is Just Content
10:31 Audiobooks Don't Count
15:11 Intention and Interpretation
26:50 Movies are Better than Books
34:42 Modern Books are Bad
38:35 We care too much about relatability



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3162 no The Internet is All Ragebait Now. Here's Why It has become almost cliche to observe that the internet often seems to bring out the worst in us. Yet the question of why remains elusive. So today we are going to check out a number of philosophers who, in my view, can help us understand our current internet predicament, and hopefully try to solve it.Uploaded 22-06-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Dehumanizing Human15:04 Echo Chambers and Rationality29:06 Anonymity and Manners40:18 The Task of Love and the Future of The Internet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice It has become almost cliche to observe that the internet often seems to bring out the worst in us. Yet the question of why remains elusive. So today we are going to check out a number of philosophers who, in my view, can help us understand our current internet predicament, and hopefully try to solve it.Uploaded 22-06-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Dehumanizing Human15:04 Echo Chambers and Rationality29:06 Anonymity and Manners40:18 The Task of Love and the Future of The Internet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It has become almost cliche to observe that the internet often seems to bring out the worst in us. Yet the question of why remains elusive. So today we are going to check out a number of philosophers who, in my view, can help us understand our current internet predicament, and hopefully try to solve it.

Uploaded 22-06-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 The Dehumanizing Human
15:04 Echo Chambers and Rationality
29:06 Anonymity and Manners
40:18 The Task of Love and the Future of The Internet



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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3527 no How Nihilism Destroys You | Tolstoy's Confession An Existential Crisis is a uniquely painful experience. It robs all the joy out of life and leaves us a heaping mess on the floor. But luckily, we can turn to some of the greatest minds in history to guide us through. And foremost among these is Tolstoy's Confession, where he outlines how he fell into existential despair, and how he eventually started to dig himself out of it.Uploaded 14-07-24Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Tolstoy's Existential Crisis01:34 The Brutality of Nihilism08:13 Four Futile Paths14:27 Faith, Reason, and Conflict20:57 Finding Normativity: An Open Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice An Existential Crisis is a uniquely painful experience. It robs all the joy out of life and leaves us a heaping mess on the floor. But luckily, we can turn to some of the greatest minds in history to guide us through. And foremost among these is Tolstoy's Confession, where he outlines how he fell into existential despair, and how he eventually started to dig himself out of it.Uploaded 14-07-24Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Tolstoy's Existential Crisis01:34 The Brutality of Nihilism08:13 Four Futile Paths14:27 Faith, Reason, and Conflict20:57 Finding Normativity: An Open Challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices An Existential Crisis is a uniquely painful experience. It robs all the joy out of life and leaves us a heaping mess on the floor. But luckily, we can turn to some of the greatest minds in history to guide us through. And foremost among these is Tolstoy's Confession, where he outlines how he fell into existential despair, and how he eventually started to dig himself out of it.

Uploaded 14-07-24

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Tolstoy's Existential Crisis
01:34 The Brutality of Nihilism
08:13 Four Futile Paths
14:27 Faith, Reason, and Conflict
20:57 Finding Normativity: An Open Challenge



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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1909 no How to Live a Meaningless Life | Albert Camus and Absurdism Few thinkers are talked about as much online as Albert Camus, and few works are discussed as much as The Myth of Sisyphus. But for all that, I haven't seen a video that does a long, chapter-by-chapter guide to the text. So I thought I would fill the gap, and ask - how can Sisyphus actually be happy?Uploaded 28-04-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Life is Absurd - What Now?14:04 Absurdism: Opening Principles26:10 Meet the Absurd Men39:28 Absurd Creation and Play55:00 Imagining Sisyphus Happy01:14:04 A Tale of Two Camus(-es) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Few thinkers are talked about as much online as Albert Camus, and few works are discussed as much as The Myth of Sisyphus. But for all that, I haven't seen a video that does a long, chapter-by-chapter guide to the text. So I thought I would fill the gap, and ask - how can Sisyphus actually be happy?Uploaded 28-04-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Life is Absurd - What Now?14:04 Absurdism: Opening Principles26:10 Meet the Absurd Men39:28 Absurd Creation and Play55:00 Imagining Sisyphus Happy01:14:04 A Tale of Two Camus(-es) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Few thinkers are talked about as much online as Albert Camus, and few works are discussed as much as The Myth of Sisyphus. But for all that, I haven't seen a video that does a long, chapter-by-chapter guide to the text. So I thought I would fill the gap, and ask - how can Sisyphus actually be happy?

Uploaded 28-04-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 Life is Absurd - What Now?
14:04 Absurdism: Opening Principles
26:10 Meet the Absurd Men
39:28 Absurd Creation and Play
55:00 Imagining Sisyphus Happy
01:14:04 A Tale of Two Camus(-es)



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5230 no 9 novels that are better than any self-help book Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 22-05-26I have often said that I think reading good fiction and novels can improve your life, as much if not more than books written with that purpose in mind. So here is a list of phenomenal works of fiction to get you started, each of which I am confident will improve your life more than any self-help book out there.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/Here is a good production of Othello (I can't find the one I had in mind but it has Ian McKellen in so chances are it is fantastic): https://youtu.be/oX0cbcrMAdo?si=2aPO4BsUsK0lB6_n00:00 A Hopeful Apocalypse05:56 An Envious Tragedy10:18 An Existential Affliction16:03 Some Fabulous Fables20:34 Some Satanic Scribbles25:50 A Pessimistic Psychology31:31 Some Ancient Epics36:12 A Fraught Romance39:13 A Religious Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 22-05-26I have often said that I think reading good fiction and novels can improve your life, as much if not more than books written with that purpose in mind. So here is a list of phenomenal works of fiction to get you started, each of which I am confident will improve your life more than any self-help book out there.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/Here is a good production of Othello (I can't find the one I had in mind but it has Ian McKellen in so chances are it is fantastic): https://youtu.be/oX0cbcrMAdo?si=2aPO4BsUsK0lB6_n00:00 A Hopeful Apocalypse05:56 An Envious Tragedy10:18 An Existential Affliction16:03 Some Fabulous Fables20:34 Some Satanic Scribbles25:50 A Pessimistic Psychology31:31 Some Ancient Epics36:12 A Fraught Romance39:13 A Religious Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICE

Uploaded 22-05-26

I have often said that I think reading good fiction and novels can improve your life, as much if not more than books written with that purpose in mind. So here is a list of phenomenal works of fiction to get you started, each of which I am confident will improve your life more than any self-help book out there.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

Here is a good production of Othello (I can't find the one I had in mind but it has Ian McKellen in so chances are it is fantastic): https://youtu.be/oX0cbcrMAdo?si=2aPO4BsUsK0lB6_n

00:00 A Hopeful Apocalypse
05:56 An Envious Tragedy
10:18 An Existential Affliction
16:03 Some Fabulous Fables
20:34 Some Satanic Scribbles
25:50 A Pessimistic Psychology
31:31 Some Ancient Epics
36:12 A Fraught Romance
39:13 A Religious Experience



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3152 no The War On The Humanities It is no secret that the humanities are under threat. This is for many reasons, but among them is the idea that the humanities are "useless". But at the same time, I am a bit dissatisfied with many of the ways we currently defend these fields. So today we re going to look at the war on the humanities, using Eric Adler's book "The Battle Of The Classics".Uploaded 22-07-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Decline and Fall of the Humanities07:48 Critical Thinking is Not Enough15:57 What's the Point of The Humanities?24:27 How to Actually Defend the Humanities37:14 A Defence in Practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice It is no secret that the humanities are under threat. This is for many reasons, but among them is the idea that the humanities are "useless". But at the same time, I am a bit dissatisfied with many of the ways we currently defend these fields. So today we re going to look at the war on the humanities, using Eric Adler's book "The Battle Of The Classics".Uploaded 22-07-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Decline and Fall of the Humanities07:48 Critical Thinking is Not Enough15:57 What's the Point of The Humanities?24:27 How to Actually Defend the Humanities37:14 A Defence in Practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It is no secret that the humanities are under threat. This is for many reasons, but among them is the idea that the humanities are "useless". But at the same time, I am a bit dissatisfied with many of the ways we currently defend these fields. So today we re going to look at the war on the humanities, using Eric Adler's book "The Battle Of The Classics".

Uploaded 22-07-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 The Decline and Fall of the Humanities
07:48 Critical Thinking is Not Enough
15:57 What's the Point of The Humanities?
24:27 How to Actually Defend the Humanities
37:14 A Defence in Practice



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3202 no These dumb philosophy takes stole my kidneys Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 18-04-26There is great philosophy, and then there is this. I am going to have a go at defending deliberately bad or dumb philosophy takes, because I like making life less pleasant.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Luck is fair08:20 Agnostics don't exist14:26 Lies are good for you21:20 Existential crises don't exist24:52 Consciousness is an illusion (but not illusionism)26:40 Nepotism is good, actually31:21 This is confusing, therefore it must be deep36:38 Don't return your shopping carts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 18-04-26There is great philosophy, and then there is this. I am going to have a go at defending deliberately bad or dumb philosophy takes, because I like making life less pleasant.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Luck is fair08:20 Agnostics don't exist14:26 Lies are good for you21:20 Existential crises don't exist24:52 Consciousness is an illusion (but not illusionism)26:40 Nepotism is good, actually31:21 This is confusing, therefore it must be deep36:38 Don't return your shopping carts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICE

Uploaded 18-04-26

There is great philosophy, and then there is this. I am going to have a go at defending deliberately bad or dumb philosophy takes, because I like making life less pleasant.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 Luck is fair
08:20 Agnostics don't exist
14:26 Lies are good for you
21:20 Existential crises don't exist
24:52 Consciousness is an illusion (but not illusionism)
26:40 Nepotism is good, actually
31:21 This is confusing, therefore it must be deep
36:38 Don't return your shopping carts



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3044 no How to Turn Suffering Into Art Though many philosophers throughout history have talked about beauty and suffering, very few have done this to the same extent as Friedrich Nietzsche. In his book The Birth of Tragedy he explores how the sufferings and pains of life can be rendered beautiful through art, and this ties in interestingly with his wider philosophy. So let's see what this great thinker can teach us about the life of art and the art of life.Uploaded 23-06-24Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 A Tragic Life01:30 Apollo, Dionysus, and Unbearable Truths07:30 Beware Greeks Bearing Scripts13:40 Humanity as Art and Artist19:59 An Excess of Apollo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Though many philosophers throughout history have talked about beauty and suffering, very few have done this to the same extent as Friedrich Nietzsche. In his book The Birth of Tragedy he explores how the sufferings and pains of life can be rendered beautiful through art, and this ties in interestingly with his wider philosophy. So let's see what this great thinker can teach us about the life of art and the art of life.Uploaded 23-06-24Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 A Tragic Life01:30 Apollo, Dionysus, and Unbearable Truths07:30 Beware Greeks Bearing Scripts13:40 Humanity as Art and Artist19:59 An Excess of Apollo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Though many philosophers throughout history have talked about beauty and suffering, very few have done this to the same extent as Friedrich Nietzsche. In his book The Birth of Tragedy he explores how the sufferings and pains of life can be rendered beautiful through art, and this ties in interestingly with his wider philosophy. So let's see what this great thinker can teach us about the life of art and the art of life.

Uploaded 23-06-24

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 A Tragic Life
01:30 Apollo, Dionysus, and Unbearable Truths
07:30 Beware Greeks Bearing Scripts
13:40 Humanity as Art and Artist
19:59 An Excess of Apollo



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1783 no The Biggest Problem with Social Media Nobody Talks About Social Media. It is something everyone seems to agree has some pretty negative consequences, along with some positives. But we rarely stop and ask what it is about this simple collection of words and images that seems to cause so much distress. And in The Transparency Society, Byung-Chul Han aims to answer this very thing. So, let's learn how we killed privacy, and why you hate social media.Uploaded 27-08-24Support me on Patreon here (you absolutely wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The Transparency Society01:39 The Society of Exhibition07:47 Forced Intimacy and No Intimacy14:15 The Uninformative Deluge20:14 Transparency and Control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Social Media. It is something everyone seems to agree has some pretty negative consequences, along with some positives. But we rarely stop and ask what it is about this simple collection of words and images that seems to cause so much distress. And in The Transparency Society, Byung-Chul Han aims to answer this very thing. So, let's learn how we killed privacy, and why you hate social media.Uploaded 27-08-24Support me on Patreon here (you absolutely wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The Transparency Society01:39 The Society of Exhibition07:47 Forced Intimacy and No Intimacy14:15 The Uninformative Deluge20:14 Transparency and Control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Social Media. It is something everyone seems to agree has some pretty negative consequences, along with some positives. But we rarely stop and ask what it is about this simple collection of words and images that seems to cause so much distress. And in The Transparency Society, Byung-Chul Han aims to answer this very thing. So, let's learn how we killed privacy, and why you hate social media.

Uploaded 27-08-24

Support me on Patreon here (you absolutely wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 The Transparency Society
01:39 The Society of Exhibition
07:47 Forced Intimacy and No Intimacy
14:15 The Uninformative Deluge
20:14 Transparency and Control



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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1930 no Why We're Obsessed with Identity (and why we should stop) | Dr. Alexander Douglas In the modern world we are obsessed with identity - including the idea of "being yourself". I have expressed some scepticism of this idea in the past, but haven't quite been able to put my finger on why. So today we are talking to the wonderful Dr. Alexander Douglas all about his latest book - Against Identity - a critique of the very concept of a fixed identity. I hope you enjoy!Uploaded 08-07-26You can find Alex's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DT1K9W2N/?bestFormat=true&k=against%20identity&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_16_de&crid=2I1NZ64U6309U&sprefix=against%20identityAnd his Substack here: https://substack.com/@alexxdouglasSupport me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 What's wrong with being yourself08:45 How does Daoism question identity?22:33 Should our identities be more fluid?31:20 Identity as social technology?36:45 Spinoza and identity50:00 The pressure of a fixed identity55:04 What is Girard's theory of mimetic desire1:17:20 Girard's Christianity1:24:55 What was the most interesting idea you came across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice In the modern world we are obsessed with identity - including the idea of "being yourself". I have expressed some scepticism of this idea in the past, but haven't quite been able to put my finger on why. So today we are talking to the wonderful Dr. Alexander Douglas all about his latest book - Against Identity - a critique of the very concept of a fixed identity. I hope you enjoy!Uploaded 08-07-26You can find Alex's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DT1K9W2N/?bestFormat=true&k=against%20identity&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_16_de&crid=2I1NZ64U6309U&sprefix=against%20identityAnd his Substack here: https://substack.com/@alexxdouglasSupport me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 What's wrong with being yourself08:45 How does Daoism question identity?22:33 Should our identities be more fluid?31:20 Identity as social technology?36:45 Spinoza and identity50:00 The pressure of a fixed identity55:04 What is Girard's theory of mimetic desire1:17:20 Girard's Christianity1:24:55 What was the most interesting idea you came across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the modern world we are obsessed with identity - including the idea of "being yourself". I have expressed some scepticism of this idea in the past, but haven't quite been able to put my finger on why. So today we are talking to the wonderful Dr. Alexander Douglas all about his latest book - Against Identity - a critique of the very concept of a fixed identity. I hope you enjoy!

Uploaded 08-07-26

You can find Alex's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DT1K9W2N/?bestFormat=true&k=against%20identity&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_16_de&crid=2I1NZ64U6309U&sprefix=against%20identity

And his Substack here: https://substack.com/@alexxdouglas

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 What's wrong with being yourself
08:45 How does Daoism question identity?
22:33 Should our identities be more fluid?
31:20 Identity as social technology?
36:45 Spinoza and identity
50:00 The pressure of a fixed identity
55:04 What is Girard's theory of mimetic desire
1:17:20 Girard's Christianity
1:24:55 What was the most interesting idea you came across in the past year and why?



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5669 no The Problem with Modern Love Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadviceUploaded 27-07-24It seems like there is only one thing everyone can agree on at the moment - there is something wrong with modern love. Though people may disagree with exactly what it is or what the solutions might be, no one is happy, and everyone has a bone to pick. So I hope you'll join me in exploring the philosophy behind the problem with modern love.LINKS AND CORRECTIONSSupport me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The State of Love02:36 The Terrifying Power of Love08:28 Lofty Expectations14:59 The Cult of Eros22:02 The Mysteries of Compatibility27:45 The Aesthetic Stage of Love33:24 The Terror of Beauty39:30 The Expectation of Self-Love46:07 Dissonance and Harmony53:05 Romantic Nihilism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadviceUploaded 27-07-24It seems like there is only one thing everyone can agree on at the moment - there is something wrong with modern love. Though people may disagree with exactly what it is or what the solutions might be, no one is happy, and everyone has a bone to pick. So I hope you'll join me in exploring the philosophy behind the problem with modern love.LINKS AND CORRECTIONSSupport me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The State of Love02:36 The Terrifying Power of Love08:28 Lofty Expectations14:59 The Cult of Eros22:02 The Mysteries of Compatibility27:45 The Aesthetic Stage of Love33:24 The Terror of Beauty39:30 The Expectation of Self-Love46:07 Dissonance and Harmony53:05 Romantic Nihilism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadvice

Uploaded 27-07-24

It seems like there is only one thing everyone can agree on at the moment - there is something wrong with modern love. Though people may disagree with exactly what it is or what the solutions might be, no one is happy, and everyone has a bone to pick. So I hope you'll join me in exploring the philosophy behind the problem with modern love.

LINKS AND CORRECTIONS

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 The State of Love
02:36 The Terrifying Power of Love
08:28 Lofty Expectations
14:59 The Cult of Eros
22:02 The Mysteries of Compatibility
27:45 The Aesthetic Stage of Love
33:24 The Terror of Beauty
39:30 The Expectation of Self-Love
46:07 Dissonance and Harmony
53:05 Romantic Nihilism



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3880 no How to Win Any Debate (Without Being an A**hole) Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Take this quiz for up to 60% off your subscription ➡️. Here: https://bit.ly/unsolicitedadviceaugUploaded 09-08-24Philosophers have always been pretty sceptical about debate, and for pretty good reason. Underhanded tactics can be used to manipulate, sway, and mislead. But Aristotle wanted to know how we could rehabilitate debate for someone who did not just want to do these things, but wanted to strive for an honest persuasive approach. So here is how to win a debate, without being a nefarious so-and-so.Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The Art of Persuasion02:10 Why Learn Rhetoric06:50 Reasons and Persons13:01 I've got a feeling (woo-hoo)18:28 Knowing me knowing you (aha)22:49 A Touch of Style Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Take this quiz for up to 60% off your subscription ➡️. Here: https://bit.ly/unsolicitedadviceaugUploaded 09-08-24Philosophers have always been pretty sceptical about debate, and for pretty good reason. Underhanded tactics can be used to manipulate, sway, and mislead. But Aristotle wanted to know how we could rehabilitate debate for someone who did not just want to do these things, but wanted to strive for an honest persuasive approach. So here is how to win a debate, without being a nefarious so-and-so.Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The Art of Persuasion02:10 Why Learn Rhetoric06:50 Reasons and Persons13:01 I've got a feeling (woo-hoo)18:28 Knowing me knowing you (aha)22:49 A Touch of Style Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Start speaking a new language in 3 weeks with Babbel 🎉. Take this quiz for up to 60% off your subscription ➡️. Here: https://bit.ly/unsolicitedadviceaug

Uploaded 09-08-24

Philosophers have always been pretty sceptical about debate, and for pretty good reason. Underhanded tactics can be used to manipulate, sway, and mislead. But Aristotle wanted to know how we could rehabilitate debate for someone who did not just want to do these things, but wanted to strive for an honest persuasive approach. So here is how to win a debate, without being a nefarious so-and-so.

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 The Art of Persuasion
02:10 Why Learn Rhetoric
06:50 Reasons and Persons
13:01 I've got a feeling (woo-hoo)
18:28 Knowing me knowing you (aha)
22:49 A Touch of Style



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1914 no Dostoevsky's Radical Philosophy of Love Dostoevsky is considered a great thinker on many topics. His ideas about God, Theology, Morality, and Social Reform are famous throughout the world. But I want to take a step back from all that and examine what I take to be a cornerstone of his philosophy: his ideas about love. Because all at once his ideas on love are hopeful, optimistic, demanding, and terrifying. And I am excited to look at them with you today.Uploaded 27-05-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link00:00 Dostoevsky on Love01:20 The Unloving Life is Not Worth Living08:11 The Love of the Egoist16:08 Love and Sacrifice23:36 The Universal Lover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 18:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Dostoevsky is considered a great thinker on many topics. His ideas about God, Theology, Morality, and Social Reform are famous throughout the world. But I want to take a step back from all that and examine what I take to be a cornerstone of his philosophy: his ideas about love. Because all at once his ideas on love are hopeful, optimistic, demanding, and terrifying. And I am excited to look at them with you today.Uploaded 27-05-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link00:00 Dostoevsky on Love01:20 The Unloving Life is Not Worth Living08:11 The Love of the Egoist16:08 Love and Sacrifice23:36 The Universal Lover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Dostoevsky is considered a great thinker on many topics. His ideas about God, Theology, Morality, and Social Reform are famous throughout the world. But I want to take a step back from all that and examine what I take to be a cornerstone of his philosophy: his ideas about love. Because all at once his ideas on love are hopeful, optimistic, demanding, and terrifying. And I am excited to look at them with you today.

Uploaded 27-05-24

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

00:00 Dostoevsky on Love
01:20 The Unloving Life is Not Worth Living
08:11 The Love of the Egoist
16:08 Love and Sacrifice
23:36 The Universal Lover



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2111 no Dostoevsky vs. Nietzsche | Philosophy Fight DISCLAIMER: This is an old video and my understanding of Nietzsche has moved on considerably since I put this out. I am deeply unhappy with my treatment of ressentiment and of Nietzsche’s account of psychology here.Uploaded 09-06-24When it comes to 19th century philosophy, and especially 19th century existentialism, two names are never far from the conversation. Dostoevsky and Nietzsche are two unbelievably fascinating philosophers, and they are wonderful to read together partly because of how much they vehemently disagree on almost everything. And this is just what we shall explore today.Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Nietzsche and Dostoevsky01:46 The Divine Tragedy07:56 Equality and The Ubermensch14:29 Resentment and Power21:01 The "Optimist" and the "Cynic" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice DISCLAIMER: This is an old video and my understanding of Nietzsche has moved on considerably since I put this out. I am deeply unhappy with my treatment of ressentiment and of Nietzsche’s account of psychology here.Uploaded 09-06-24When it comes to 19th century philosophy, and especially 19th century existentialism, two names are never far from the conversation. Dostoevsky and Nietzsche are two unbelievably fascinating philosophers, and they are wonderful to read together partly because of how much they vehemently disagree on almost everything. And this is just what we shall explore today.Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Nietzsche and Dostoevsky01:46 The Divine Tragedy07:56 Equality and The Ubermensch14:29 Resentment and Power21:01 The "Optimist" and the "Cynic" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: This is an old video and my understanding of Nietzsche has moved on considerably since I put this out. I am deeply unhappy with my treatment of ressentiment and of Nietzsche’s account of psychology here.

Uploaded 09-06-24

When it comes to 19th century philosophy, and especially 19th century existentialism, two names are never far from the conversation. Dostoevsky and Nietzsche are two unbelievably fascinating philosophers, and they are wonderful to read together partly because of how much they vehemently disagree on almost everything. And this is just what we shall explore today.

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Nietzsche and Dostoevsky
01:46 The Divine Tragedy
07:56 Equality and The Ubermensch
14:29 Resentment and Power
21:01 The "Optimist" and the "Cynic"



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1972 no The Terrifying Philosophy of Edgar Allan Poe Out of all gothic horror, the name "Edgar Allan Poe" towers as one of the most significant writers of the genre. His exploration of every and any dark aspect of the human psyche is phenomenal to behold. And today we will whet our appetite with three of his short stories, to explore this man's tortured genius.Uploaded 15-06-24Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The Dark Heart of Man01:33 Science, Sanity, and The Rest07:17 Ravenous Grief13:38 Cats, Axes, and Rule-Breaking19:48 The Impotent Rationality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Out of all gothic horror, the name "Edgar Allan Poe" towers as one of the most significant writers of the genre. His exploration of every and any dark aspect of the human psyche is phenomenal to behold. And today we will whet our appetite with three of his short stories, to explore this man's tortured genius.Uploaded 15-06-24Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 The Dark Heart of Man01:33 Science, Sanity, and The Rest07:17 Ravenous Grief13:38 Cats, Axes, and Rule-Breaking19:48 The Impotent Rationality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Out of all gothic horror, the name "Edgar Allan Poe" towers as one of the most significant writers of the genre. His exploration of every and any dark aspect of the human psyche is phenomenal to behold. And today we will whet our appetite with three of his short stories, to explore this man's tortured genius.

Uploaded 15-06-24

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 The Dark Heart of Man
01:33 Science, Sanity, and The Rest
07:17 Ravenous Grief
13:38 Cats, Axes, and Rule-Breaking
19:48 The Impotent Rationality



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1717 no So, what is actually in the Book of Mormon? | Heliocentric I have a soft spot for the weirdest and most wonderful aspects of religious life, and someone who shared my adoring attitude here is @HeliocentricOfficial. I was lucky enough to have Jared stay at my house recently, and I knew I had to have him on the podcast.Uploaded 03-08-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Who is Sweet Daddy?07:10 How did you come to Atheism?11:45 What is actually in the Book of Mormon?33:51 What was it like being in a Jehova's Witness Church?54:42 What is Christian Science?01:12:50 Why are you a nihilist?1:27:35 Why are conversations about God and morality so difficult?01:56:46 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice I have a soft spot for the weirdest and most wonderful aspects of religious life, and someone who shared my adoring attitude here is @HeliocentricOfficial. I was lucky enough to have Jared stay at my house recently, and I knew I had to have him on the podcast.Uploaded 03-08-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Who is Sweet Daddy?07:10 How did you come to Atheism?11:45 What is actually in the Book of Mormon?33:51 What was it like being in a Jehova's Witness Church?54:42 What is Christian Science?01:12:50 Why are you a nihilist?1:27:35 Why are conversations about God and morality so difficult?01:56:46 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I have a soft spot for the weirdest and most wonderful aspects of religious life, and someone who shared my adoring attitude here is @HeliocentricOfficial. I was lucky enough to have Jared stay at my house recently, and I knew I had to have him on the podcast.

Uploaded 03-08-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 Who is Sweet Daddy?
07:10 How did you come to Atheism?
11:45 What is actually in the Book of Mormon?
33:51 What was it like being in a Jehova's Witness Church?
54:42 What is Christian Science?
01:12:50 Why are you a nihilist?
1:27:35 Why are conversations about God and morality so difficult?
01:56:46 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why?



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7516 no We need to talk about Wuthering Heights Learn for free on Brilliant for a full 30 days: https://brilliant.org/Unsolicitedadvice/ . You’ll also get 20% off an annual Premium subscription.Uploaded 08-03-26Wuthering Heights has been getting a lot of publicity recently, largely because of the new film, but also just because it is brilliant! And today I wanted to share some of my own observations about what I think is one of the greatest novels of all time.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Revenge, Strength, and Futility16:27 Eldritch Love35:27 Perspectives and Forgiveness50:37 The Film01:03:45 Final ThoughtsSponsored by Brilliant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Learn for free on Brilliant for a full 30 days: https://brilliant.org/Unsolicitedadvice/ . You’ll also get 20% off an annual Premium subscription.Uploaded 08-03-26Wuthering Heights has been getting a lot of publicity recently, largely because of the new film, but also just because it is brilliant! And today I wanted to share some of my own observations about what I think is one of the greatest novels of all time.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Revenge, Strength, and Futility16:27 Eldritch Love35:27 Perspectives and Forgiveness50:37 The Film01:03:45 Final ThoughtsSponsored by Brilliant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn for free on Brilliant for a full 30 days: https://brilliant.org/Unsolicitedadvice/ . You’ll also get 20% off an annual Premium subscription.

Uploaded 08-03-26

Wuthering Heights has been getting a lot of publicity recently, largely because of the new film, but also just because it is brilliant! And today I wanted to share some of my own observations about what I think is one of the greatest novels of all time.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 Revenge, Strength, and Futility
16:27 Eldritch Love
35:27 Perspectives and Forgiveness
50:37 The Film
01:03:45 Final Thoughts

Sponsored by Brilliant



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4345 no Pleasure Will Destroy Society | Brave New World To learn more than ever from important non-fiction books, join me on Shortform: https://shortform.com/joseph. You’ll get a 5-day free trial and a discounted annual subscription. One of my favourite books on Shortform is Thinking Fast and Slow (NB - this is an affiliate link, so at no extra cost I will get a small percentage of your sign up)Uploaded 19-06-24Brave New World is one of the most fascinating books in history. It is simultaneously an exploration of the human mind, a critique of Plato and Utilitarianism, and a treatise on how prioritising pleasure may rob us of the very things that matter most to us. And behind it all is one simple yet profound idea: is there something more important than happiness? And if so, what is it?Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Huxley's Nightmare02:37 A Brave New Overview09:30 Alone in Public15:46 Plato, Class, and Gratitude22:42 Creativity and Consumption28:27 Love and Free Love34:08 Isolation and Shame39:49 The Necessity of Sacrifice46:07 The Right to be Unhappy52:15 The Warnings of Brave New World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice To learn more than ever from important non-fiction books, join me on Shortform: https://shortform.com/joseph. You’ll get a 5-day free trial and a discounted annual subscription. One of my favourite books on Shortform is Thinking Fast and Slow (NB - this is an affiliate link, so at no extra cost I will get a small percentage of your sign up)Uploaded 19-06-24Brave New World is one of the most fascinating books in history. It is simultaneously an exploration of the human mind, a critique of Plato and Utilitarianism, and a treatise on how prioritising pleasure may rob us of the very things that matter most to us. And behind it all is one simple yet profound idea: is there something more important than happiness? And if so, what is it?Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Huxley's Nightmare02:37 A Brave New Overview09:30 Alone in Public15:46 Plato, Class, and Gratitude22:42 Creativity and Consumption28:27 Love and Free Love34:08 Isolation and Shame39:49 The Necessity of Sacrifice46:07 The Right to be Unhappy52:15 The Warnings of Brave New World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices To learn more than ever from important non-fiction books, join me on Shortform: https://shortform.com/joseph. You’ll get a 5-day free trial and a discounted annual subscription. One of my favourite books on Shortform is Thinking Fast and Slow (NB - this is an affiliate link, so at no extra cost I will get a small percentage of your sign up)

Uploaded 19-06-24

Brave New World is one of the most fascinating books in history. It is simultaneously an exploration of the human mind, a critique of Plato and Utilitarianism, and a treatise on how prioritising pleasure may rob us of the very things that matter most to us. And behind it all is one simple yet profound idea: is there something more important than happiness? And if so, what is it?

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7


00:00 Huxley's Nightmare
02:37 A Brave New Overview
09:30 Alone in Public
15:46 Plato, Class, and Gratitude
22:42 Creativity and Consumption
28:27 Love and Free Love
34:08 Isolation and Shame
39:49 The Necessity of Sacrifice
46:07 The Right to be Unhappy
52:15 The Warnings of Brave New World



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3761 no How a Society Collapses The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/unsolicitedadvice08241Uploaded 01-08-24Among the work of Albert Camus, there is one work that stands out as the bleakest story he has ever written. The Plague documents a pestilence that devours the town of Oran in French Algeria. It is a disturbing tale that explores the depths of human despair, as well as the heights of heroism that can thrive under the worst possible conditions. So let's explore how the world collapses, at the behest of a ruthless plague.Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Plagues and Pestilence02:26 Denial and Illusion08:40 The Grief of Disaster16:12 The Banality of Goodness23:43 Temporary Peace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/unsolicitedadvice08241Uploaded 01-08-24Among the work of Albert Camus, there is one work that stands out as the bleakest story he has ever written. The Plague documents a pestilence that devours the town of Oran in French Algeria. It is a disturbing tale that explores the depths of human despair, as well as the heights of heroism that can thrive under the worst possible conditions. So let's explore how the world collapses, at the behest of a ruthless plague.Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Plagues and Pestilence02:26 Denial and Illusion08:40 The Grief of Disaster16:12 The Banality of Goodness23:43 Temporary Peace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/unsolicitedadvice08241

Uploaded 01-08-24

Among the work of Albert Camus, there is one work that stands out as the bleakest story he has ever written. The Plague documents a pestilence that devours the town of Oran in French Algeria. It is a disturbing tale that explores the depths of human despair, as well as the heights of heroism that can thrive under the worst possible conditions. So let's explore how the world collapses, at the behest of a ruthless plague.

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more (occasional) philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Plagues and Pestilence
02:26 Denial and Illusion
08:40 The Grief of Disaster
16:12 The Banality of Goodness
23:43 Temporary Peace



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1983 no Reacting to the most insane philosophy papers ever written Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 20-03-26Sometimes philosophers want to tackle the big questions, and other times they want to find out why flatulence is funny. So today we are looking at the most ridiculous philosophy papers ever, courtesy of Philpapers.00:00 Why Flatulence is Funny10:43 Sometimes there is nothing wrong with letting a child drown17:39 Dad Jokes and the Deep Roots of Fatherly Teasing26:32 The Mind of Santa Claus34:49 The Unreality of TimePapers:Why Flatulence is Funny: https://philpapers.org/rec/SPIWFIThe Mind of Santa Claus: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781444325386.ch8?msockid=198d1558d66f6f573e7f0327d7406eaaDad Jokes Paper: https://philpapers.org/rec/HYEDJASometimes there is nothing wrong with letting a child drown: https://academic.oup.com/analysis/article-abstract/75/2/204/165347The Unreality of Time: https://philpapers.org/archive/MCTTUO.pdfCheck out Nathan Hawkins' excellent channel here: @drnathanhawkins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:33:29 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 20-03-26Sometimes philosophers want to tackle the big questions, and other times they want to find out why flatulence is funny. So today we are looking at the most ridiculous philosophy papers ever, courtesy of Philpapers.00:00 Why Flatulence is Funny10:43 Sometimes there is nothing wrong with letting a child drown17:39 Dad Jokes and the Deep Roots of Fatherly Teasing26:32 The Mind of Santa Claus34:49 The Unreality of TimePapers:Why Flatulence is Funny: https://philpapers.org/rec/SPIWFIThe Mind of Santa Claus: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781444325386.ch8?msockid=198d1558d66f6f573e7f0327d7406eaaDad Jokes Paper: https://philpapers.org/rec/HYEDJASometimes there is nothing wrong with letting a child drown: https://academic.oup.com/analysis/article-abstract/75/2/204/165347The Unreality of Time: https://philpapers.org/archive/MCTTUO.pdfCheck out Nathan Hawkins' excellent channel here: @drnathanhawkins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICE

Uploaded 20-03-26

Sometimes philosophers want to tackle the big questions, and other times they want to find out why flatulence is funny. So today we are looking at the most ridiculous philosophy papers ever, courtesy of Philpapers.

00:00 Why Flatulence is Funny
10:43 Sometimes there is nothing wrong with letting a child drown
17:39 Dad Jokes and the Deep Roots of Fatherly Teasing
26:32 The Mind of Santa Claus
34:49 The Unreality of Time

Papers:
Why Flatulence is Funny: https://philpapers.org/rec/SPIWFI
The Mind of Santa Claus: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781444325386.ch8?msockid=198d1558d66f6f573e7f0327d7406eaa
Dad Jokes Paper: https://philpapers.org/rec/HYEDJA
Sometimes there is nothing wrong with letting a child drown: https://academic.oup.com/analysis/article-abstract/75/2/204/165347
The Unreality of Time: https://philpapers.org/archive/MCTTUO.pdf

Check out Nathan Hawkins' excellent channel here: @drnathanhawkins



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3073 no Debating Philip Goff on Consciousness, God, and Drugs I am a naturalist, and Philip is a panpsychist, and as a result we disagree an awful lot on questions to do with consciousness and God. So we met up to chat about both of these topics, as well as the subject of religious experiences, and see what common ground we share. This was a very fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy!Uploaded 10-05-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/Check out Philip's reply to my fine-tuning argument here: https://open.substack.com/pub/philipgoff/p/i-was-wrong-on-fine-tuningor-was?r=2ohjsz&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewerHere are Philip’s links - please do check them out :)‘Why? The Purpose of the Universe’: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Purpose-Universe-Philip-Goff/dp/0198883765/‘Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness’: https://www.amazon.com/Galileos-Error-Foundations-Science-Consciousness/dp/1524747963 Philip’s channel https://www.youtube.com/@philipgoffphilosophy Philip’s X: https://twitter.com/Philip_Goff00:00 Why Panpsychism Doesn't Help Explain Consciousness09:35 Why Panpsychism Does Help Explain Consciousness23:35 My Problems with the Panpsychist Argument40:05 Can we know the nature of consciousness intrinsically?59:56 Are the physicalist and panpsychist at argumentative bedrock?1:23:22 Philip's Religious Experience1:33:31 Are religious experiences reliable?1:40:10 Religious experiences and Orthodox Christianity1:50:16 Debating the fine-tuning argument2:14:06 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice I am a naturalist, and Philip is a panpsychist, and as a result we disagree an awful lot on questions to do with consciousness and God. So we met up to chat about both of these topics, as well as the subject of religious experiences, and see what common ground we share. This was a very fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy!Uploaded 10-05-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/Check out Philip's reply to my fine-tuning argument here: https://open.substack.com/pub/philipgoff/p/i-was-wrong-on-fine-tuningor-was?r=2ohjsz&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewerHere are Philip’s links - please do check them out :)‘Why? The Purpose of the Universe’: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Purpose-Universe-Philip-Goff/dp/0198883765/‘Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness’: https://www.amazon.com/Galileos-Error-Foundations-Science-Consciousness/dp/1524747963 Philip’s channel https://www.youtube.com/@philipgoffphilosophy Philip’s X: https://twitter.com/Philip_Goff00:00 Why Panpsychism Doesn't Help Explain Consciousness09:35 Why Panpsychism Does Help Explain Consciousness23:35 My Problems with the Panpsychist Argument40:05 Can we know the nature of consciousness intrinsically?59:56 Are the physicalist and panpsychist at argumentative bedrock?1:23:22 Philip's Religious Experience1:33:31 Are religious experiences reliable?1:40:10 Religious experiences and Orthodox Christianity1:50:16 Debating the fine-tuning argument2:14:06 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I am a naturalist, and Philip is a panpsychist, and as a result we disagree an awful lot on questions to do with consciousness and God. So we met up to chat about both of these topics, as well as the subject of religious experiences, and see what common ground we share. This was a very fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy!

Uploaded 10-05-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

Check out Philip's reply to my fine-tuning argument here: https://open.substack.com/pub/philipgoff/p/i-was-wrong-on-fine-tuningor-was?r=2ohjsz&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer

Here are Philip’s links - please do check them out :)

‘Why? The Purpose of the Universe’: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Purpose-Universe-Philip-Goff/dp/0198883765/
‘Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness’: https://www.amazon.com/Galileos-Error-Foundations-Science-Consciousness/dp/1524747963
Philip’s channel https://www.youtube.com/@philipgoffphilosophy
Philip’s X: https://twitter.com/Philip_Goff

00:00 Why Panpsychism Doesn't Help Explain Consciousness
09:35 Why Panpsychism Does Help Explain Consciousness
23:35 My Problems with the Panpsychist Argument
40:05 Can we know the nature of consciousness intrinsically?
59:56 Are the physicalist and panpsychist at argumentative bedrock?
1:23:22 Philip's Religious Experience
1:33:31 Are religious experiences reliable?
1:40:10 Religious experiences and Orthodox Christianity
1:50:16 Debating the fine-tuning argument
2:14:06 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why?



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 8736 no The Most Terrifying Story Ever Written | I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream There are many post-apocalyptic tales. Some are hopeful, some are hopeless, some are funny, and some are tragic. But few are as bleak as Harlan Ellison's I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream. A terrifying warning about AI, Existential Terror, Hatred, and More, Ellison's story remains one of the greatest post-apocalyptic tales of all time. And is, perhaps, the most disturbing story ever written.Uploaded 06-06-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Ellison's Nightmare01:48 Trapped in Identities08:22 Hate and Hatability14:45 Love and Sacrifice19:16 Powerlessness and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice There are many post-apocalyptic tales. Some are hopeful, some are hopeless, some are funny, and some are tragic. But few are as bleak as Harlan Ellison's I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream. A terrifying warning about AI, Existential Terror, Hatred, and More, Ellison's story remains one of the greatest post-apocalyptic tales of all time. And is, perhaps, the most disturbing story ever written.Uploaded 06-06-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Ellison's Nightmare01:48 Trapped in Identities08:22 Hate and Hatability14:45 Love and Sacrifice19:16 Powerlessness and Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are many post-apocalyptic tales. Some are hopeful, some are hopeless, some are funny, and some are tragic. But few are as bleak as Harlan Ellison's I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream. A terrifying warning about AI, Existential Terror, Hatred, and More, Ellison's story remains one of the greatest post-apocalyptic tales of all time. And is, perhaps, the most disturbing story ever written.

Uploaded 06-06-24

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Ellison's Nightmare
01:48 Trapped in Identities
08:22 Hate and Hatability
14:45 Love and Sacrifice
19:16 Powerlessness and Reflections



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1746 no Answering your personal and philosophical questions | 900k QnA Thank you so much for 900 thousand subscribers! I am so grateful and I look forward to answering your questions!Uploaded 29-05-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 How am I?05:58 What would I do if not philosophy?09:45 What are my non-philosophical hobbies?12:18 What do I want to be when I grow up?15:12 Why is emotional sincerity cringe?23:13 What defines philosophical literature?29:46 Where am I in the consciousness discussion?39:34 Favourite author style-wise42:27 How to not take disagreement personally47:22 do I journal?50:33 Which philosopher would I bring to the modern day?56:47 Did I like philosophy as a kid?1:01:38 Who is the smartest philosopher of all time?1:06:37 What do you think about Byung-Chul Han?1:11:17 Will I do videos about logic?1:17:04 What have I changed my mind on since starting the channel?1:22:43 What makes me angry?1:26:55 Should philosophers have beards?Here is a Frank Ramsey paper: https://www.fitelson.org/probability/ramsey.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Thank you so much for 900 thousand subscribers! I am so grateful and I look forward to answering your questions!Uploaded 29-05-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 How am I?05:58 What would I do if not philosophy?09:45 What are my non-philosophical hobbies?12:18 What do I want to be when I grow up?15:12 Why is emotional sincerity cringe?23:13 What defines philosophical literature?29:46 Where am I in the consciousness discussion?39:34 Favourite author style-wise42:27 How to not take disagreement personally47:22 do I journal?50:33 Which philosopher would I bring to the modern day?56:47 Did I like philosophy as a kid?1:01:38 Who is the smartest philosopher of all time?1:06:37 What do you think about Byung-Chul Han?1:11:17 Will I do videos about logic?1:17:04 What have I changed my mind on since starting the channel?1:22:43 What makes me angry?1:26:55 Should philosophers have beards?Here is a Frank Ramsey paper: https://www.fitelson.org/probability/ramsey.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thank you so much for 900 thousand subscribers! I am so grateful and I look forward to answering your questions!

Uploaded 29-05-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 How am I?
05:58 What would I do if not philosophy?
09:45 What are my non-philosophical hobbies?
12:18 What do I want to be when I grow up?
15:12 Why is emotional sincerity cringe?
23:13 What defines philosophical literature?
29:46 Where am I in the consciousness discussion?
39:34 Favourite author style-wise
42:27 How to not take disagreement personally
47:22 do I journal?
50:33 Which philosopher would I bring to the modern day?
56:47 Did I like philosophy as a kid?
1:01:38 Who is the smartest philosopher of all time?
1:06:37 What do you think about Byung-Chul Han?
1:11:17 Will I do videos about logic?
1:17:04 What have I changed my mind on since starting the channel?
1:22:43 What makes me angry?
1:26:55 Should philosophers have beards?

Here is a Frank Ramsey paper: https://www.fitelson.org/probability/ramsey.pdf



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 5772 no The Secret Behind Dostoevsky’s Genius Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 31-08-26Fyodor Dostoevsky is one of my favourite authors, and almost universally recognised as one of the greatest writers of all time. He left behind not only his novels and published works, but a plethora of journals and notes that some very interesting scholars have used to investigate his writing process. We are going to look at just some of their work now.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 A Timely Timeless Man16:54 Breaking News25:25 A Prisoner and a Prophet37:01 The Process of Creation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 31-08-26Fyodor Dostoevsky is one of my favourite authors, and almost universally recognised as one of the greatest writers of all time. He left behind not only his novels and published works, but a plethora of journals and notes that some very interesting scholars have used to investigate his writing process. We are going to look at just some of their work now.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 A Timely Timeless Man16:54 Breaking News25:25 A Prisoner and a Prophet37:01 The Process of Creation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICE

Uploaded 31-08-26

Fyodor Dostoevsky is one of my favourite authors, and almost universally recognised as one of the greatest writers of all time. He left behind not only his novels and published works, but a plethora of journals and notes that some very interesting scholars have used to investigate his writing process. We are going to look at just some of their work now.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 A Timely Timeless Man
16:54 Breaking News
25:25 A Prisoner and a Prophet
37:01 The Process of Creation



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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3474 no When is Ignorance Bliss? | Professor Jimmy Licon Ignorance is one of the most maligned concepts out there. For many of my videos I take it for granted that knowing more is always better. And yet the philosopher Jimmy Licon offers a different perspective. His work highlights where ignorance is beneficial, both ethically and epistemically.Uploaded 16-06-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/Professor Licon's Substack: https://substack.com/@syntheticsocratesProfessor Licon's Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@uncommonwisdomllc?si=0gAAWQjEY9oNn8WG00:00 What are the benefits of ignorance?14:53 What are the benefits of not thinking?24:52 When is virtue signalling good?45:11 Should politics be less transparent?1:07:35 Should our politics be less rational?1:27:45 Will AI kill philosophy?1:43:13 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Ignorance is one of the most maligned concepts out there. For many of my videos I take it for granted that knowing more is always better. And yet the philosopher Jimmy Licon offers a different perspective. His work highlights where ignorance is beneficial, both ethically and epistemically.Uploaded 16-06-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/Professor Licon's Substack: https://substack.com/@syntheticsocratesProfessor Licon's Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@uncommonwisdomllc?si=0gAAWQjEY9oNn8WG00:00 What are the benefits of ignorance?14:53 What are the benefits of not thinking?24:52 When is virtue signalling good?45:11 Should politics be less transparent?1:07:35 Should our politics be less rational?1:27:45 Will AI kill philosophy?1:43:13 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ignorance is one of the most maligned concepts out there. For many of my videos I take it for granted that knowing more is always better. And yet the philosopher Jimmy Licon offers a different perspective. His work highlights where ignorance is beneficial, both ethically and epistemically.

Uploaded 16-06-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

Professor Licon's Substack: https://substack.com/@syntheticsocrates
Professor Licon's Youtube channel: https://youtube.com/@uncommonwisdomllc?si=0gAAWQjEY9oNn8WG

00:00 What are the benefits of ignorance?
14:53 What are the benefits of not thinking?
24:52 When is virtue signalling good?
45:11 Should politics be less transparent?
1:07:35 Should our politics be less rational?
1:27:45 Will AI kill philosophy?
1:43:13 What is the most interesting idea you've come across in the past year and why?



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6710 no One star reviews of classic books that actually understood them perfectly Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 14-07-26You know the drill! Here are some one-star reviews of classic books. But this time I wanted to do something a little bit different. Rather than simply look to them for entertainment, I wanted to pick those reviews that, even though they were uniformly negative, actually had a very good point, and perhaps understood these works better than most other people.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Great Gatsby12:29 American Psycho21:18 Kafka: The Complete Stories28:52 Albert Camus' The Fall37:28 Montaigne's Essays Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICEUploaded 14-07-26You know the drill! Here are some one-star reviews of classic books. But this time I wanted to do something a little bit different. Rather than simply look to them for entertainment, I wanted to pick those reviews that, even though they were uniformly negative, actually had a very good point, and perhaps understood these works better than most other people.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Great Gatsby12:29 American Psycho21:18 Kafka: The Complete Stories28:52 Albert Camus' The Fall37:28 Montaigne's Essays Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code UNSOLICITEDADVICE

Uploaded 14-07-26

You know the drill! Here are some one-star reviews of classic books. But this time I wanted to do something a little bit different. Rather than simply look to them for entertainment, I wanted to pick those reviews that, even though they were uniformly negative, actually had a very good point, and perhaps understood these works better than most other people.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 The Great Gatsby
12:29 American Psycho
21:18 Kafka: The Complete Stories
28:52 Albert Camus' The Fall
37:28 Montaigne's Essays



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3159 no Why Crushes are So Painful Crushes are a fascinating aspect of human life. They have a tendency to reduce even the most rational person to a neurotic mess. But what exactly is it that makes a crush so powerful and so painful, and why do we get them? Well, this question is explored in detail in Stendhal's magnificent book On Love. And we will explore this very topic in this video.Uploaded 31-08-24Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 A Touch of Irrationalism01:43 Crystallisation and Fantasy08:24 Love's Labour's Lost (and Won)15:09 Identity, Vanity, and Ego21:26 Dignifying the Crush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Crushes are a fascinating aspect of human life. They have a tendency to reduce even the most rational person to a neurotic mess. But what exactly is it that makes a crush so powerful and so painful, and why do we get them? Well, this question is explored in detail in Stendhal's magnificent book On Love. And we will explore this very topic in this video.Uploaded 31-08-24Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 A Touch of Irrationalism01:43 Crystallisation and Fantasy08:24 Love's Labour's Lost (and Won)15:09 Identity, Vanity, and Ego21:26 Dignifying the Crush Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Crushes are a fascinating aspect of human life. They have a tendency to reduce even the most rational person to a neurotic mess. But what exactly is it that makes a crush so powerful and so painful, and why do we get them? Well, this question is explored in detail in Stendhal's magnificent book On Love. And we will explore this very topic in this video.

Uploaded 31-08-24

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7


00:00 A Touch of Irrationalism
01:43 Crystallisation and Fantasy
08:24 Love's Labour's Lost (and Won)
15:09 Identity, Vanity, and Ego
21:26 Dignifying the Crush



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1963 no Taking Philosophy Memes Seriously Ancient Greece had the philosophical dialogue, ancient Rome had the hexameter poem, the enlightenment had the essay, and the Romantics had the philosophical novel. But today, we will look at the modern choice for communicating philosophical ideas: memes. And rather than simply laugh or mock them, we are going to take them seriously to see what we can learn from them.Uploaded 05-08-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:23 The Myth of Sisyphus03:03 Shopping Trolley Problem06:19 Frustrated Originality08:21 God and Freedom10:00 The Fear of Being Seen12:13 Philosophy is Annoying14:38 Partying in Absurdity18:08 Moral Monsters19:56 Relativism and its Issues21:44 Philosophy and Self-Help24:29 MC Hammer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Ancient Greece had the philosophical dialogue, ancient Rome had the hexameter poem, the enlightenment had the essay, and the Romantics had the philosophical novel. But today, we will look at the modern choice for communicating philosophical ideas: memes. And rather than simply laugh or mock them, we are going to take them seriously to see what we can learn from them.Uploaded 05-08-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:23 The Myth of Sisyphus03:03 Shopping Trolley Problem06:19 Frustrated Originality08:21 God and Freedom10:00 The Fear of Being Seen12:13 Philosophy is Annoying14:38 Partying in Absurdity18:08 Moral Monsters19:56 Relativism and its Issues21:44 Philosophy and Self-Help24:29 MC Hammer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ancient Greece had the philosophical dialogue, ancient Rome had the hexameter poem, the enlightenment had the essay, and the Romantics had the philosophical novel. But today, we will look at the modern choice for communicating philosophical ideas: memes. And rather than simply laugh or mock them, we are going to take them seriously to see what we can learn from them.

Uploaded 05-08-24

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:23 The Myth of Sisyphus
03:03 Shopping Trolley Problem
06:19 Frustrated Originality
08:21 God and Freedom
10:00 The Fear of Being Seen
12:13 Philosophy is Annoying
14:38 Partying in Absurdity
18:08 Moral Monsters
19:56 Relativism and its Issues
21:44 Philosophy and Self-Help
24:29 MC Hammer



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1782 no Self-improvement has sold us a lie Self-improvement is a noble aim, but can it go too far? I think it can, but I also think that in our rush to condemn self-improvement and self-optimisation, we often forget that obsession is sometimes a wonderful thing, and we ought not to condemn it wholesale.Uploaded 20-09-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The cult of self-optimisation07:54 Keeping Score22:41 The existential temptation of optimisation38:14 In defence of obsession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Self-improvement is a noble aim, but can it go too far? I think it can, but I also think that in our rush to condemn self-improvement and self-optimisation, we often forget that obsession is sometimes a wonderful thing, and we ought not to condemn it wholesale.Uploaded 20-09-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The cult of self-optimisation07:54 Keeping Score22:41 The existential temptation of optimisation38:14 In defence of obsession Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Self-improvement is a noble aim, but can it go too far? I think it can, but I also think that in our rush to condemn self-improvement and self-optimisation, we often forget that obsession is sometimes a wonderful thing, and we ought not to condemn it wholesale.

Uploaded 20-09-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 The cult of self-optimisation
07:54 Keeping Score
22:41 The existential temptation of optimisation
38:14 In defence of obsession



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3466 no The Hidden Problem with Religious Arguments Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadviceUploaded 23-08-24Debates about God are almost always pitched as between atheists and theists. But we do not give very much thought to the middle position. What about the skeptic's position on the issue? What are the strong arguments in favour of agnosticism?Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7Image: Square made of Two Triangles. Credit to Michael Angelkovich. Licenced under CC 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en00:00 Agnosticism and Scepticism02:02 The Limits of Analogy07:32 The Problem of Understanding God14:12 Possibilities, Plausibility, and You20:05 Knowledge, Belief, and Doubt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadviceUploaded 23-08-24Debates about God are almost always pitched as between atheists and theists. But we do not give very much thought to the middle position. What about the skeptic's position on the issue? What are the strong arguments in favour of agnosticism?Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7Image: Square made of Two Triangles. Credit to Michael Angelkovich. Licenced under CC 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en00:00 Agnosticism and Scepticism02:02 The Limits of Analogy07:32 The Problem of Understanding God14:12 Possibilities, Plausibility, and You20:05 Knowledge, Belief, and Doubt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadvice

Uploaded 23-08-24

Debates about God are almost always pitched as between atheists and theists. But we do not give very much thought to the middle position. What about the skeptic's position on the issue? What are the strong arguments in favour of agnosticism?

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

Image: Square made of Two Triangles. Credit to Michael Angelkovich. Licenced under CC 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

00:00 Agnosticism and Scepticism
02:02 The Limits of Analogy
07:32 The Problem of Understanding God
14:12 Possibilities, Plausibility, and You
20:05 Knowledge, Belief, and Doubt



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1805 no I don't like the way we talk about books now Learn for free on Brilliant for a full 30 days: https://brilliant.org/Unsolicitedadvice/ . You’ll also get 20% off an annual Premium subscription.Uploaded 10-04-26The way we talk about books online has been bothering me for a while, and I wanted to talk a bit about it. We'll be talking a bit about ragebait, a bit about snobbery, and a bit about literacy, and we'll try to paint a slightly different way forward.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Literary Ragebait10:20 The Origin and Variety of Snobs23:40 The Capture of Value35:45 The Worship of KnowledgeThis video is sponsored by Brilliant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Learn for free on Brilliant for a full 30 days: https://brilliant.org/Unsolicitedadvice/ . You’ll also get 20% off an annual Premium subscription.Uploaded 10-04-26The way we talk about books online has been bothering me for a while, and I wanted to talk a bit about it. We'll be talking a bit about ragebait, a bit about snobbery, and a bit about literacy, and we'll try to paint a slightly different way forward.Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 Literary Ragebait10:20 The Origin and Variety of Snobs23:40 The Capture of Value35:45 The Worship of KnowledgeThis video is sponsored by Brilliant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn for free on Brilliant for a full 30 days: https://brilliant.org/Unsolicitedadvice/ . You’ll also get 20% off an annual Premium subscription.

Uploaded 10-04-26

The way we talk about books online has been bothering me for a while, and I wanted to talk a bit about it. We'll be talking a bit about ragebait, a bit about snobbery, and a bit about literacy, and we'll try to paint a slightly different way forward.

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 Literary Ragebait
10:20 The Origin and Variety of Snobs
23:40 The Capture of Value
35:45 The Worship of Knowledge

This video is sponsored by Brilliant



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]]> 3036 no Is God Evil? Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadviceUploaded 17-07-24The Problem of Evil is one of those questions that has stayed with philosophers and philosophy as a whole for millennia. It can be summed up in a single statement: why would an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God allow evil to exist in the world? And this all raises one question: is God evil?Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Theodicy and Theology01:58 The Problem(s) of Evil07:11 Good Beyond Pleasure and Evil Beyond Pain12:14 Divine Command Theory18:31 The Incomprehensibility of God Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadviceUploaded 17-07-24The Problem of Evil is one of those questions that has stayed with philosophers and philosophy as a whole for millennia. It can be summed up in a single statement: why would an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God allow evil to exist in the world? And this all raises one question: is God evil?Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Theodicy and Theology01:58 The Problem(s) of Evil07:11 Good Beyond Pleasure and Evil Beyond Pain12:14 Divine Command Theory18:31 The Incomprehensibility of God Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Head to https://squarespace.com/unsolicitedadvice to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code unsolicitedadvice

Uploaded 17-07-24

The Problem of Evil is one of those questions that has stayed with philosophers and philosophy as a whole for millennia. It can be summed up in a single statement: why would an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God allow evil to exist in the world? And this all raises one question: is God evil?

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Theodicy and Theology
01:58 The Problem(s) of Evil
07:11 Good Beyond Pleasure and Evil Beyond Pain
12:14 Divine Command Theory
18:31 The Incomprehensibility of God



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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1830 no Why Nietzsche HATED Religion This is an old video on Nietzsche and does not really reflect my current views on him. Sorry about that.Uploaded 20-07-24There has been increasing discourse online about the concept of a "Christian Revival" or otherwise a general religious revival. And I find this very interesting because almost exactly the same debate took place over the course of the 19th century. And chief among the critics of religion as an answer to nihilism was the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. So it is worth hearing him out - even if we end up disagreeing with him. Let's find out if a religious revival is really the answer.Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person you): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Religious Revival - A Dilemma01:48 Lived Religion07:05 Religion and Nihilism: A False Dichotomy14:08 Religious Authority and its Critics21:11 Nihilism and The Will Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice This is an old video on Nietzsche and does not really reflect my current views on him. Sorry about that.Uploaded 20-07-24There has been increasing discourse online about the concept of a "Christian Revival" or otherwise a general religious revival. And I find this very interesting because almost exactly the same debate took place over the course of the 19th century. And chief among the critics of religion as an answer to nihilism was the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. So it is worth hearing him out - even if we end up disagreeing with him. Let's find out if a religious revival is really the answer.Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person you): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Religious Revival - A Dilemma01:48 Lived Religion07:05 Religion and Nihilism: A False Dichotomy14:08 Religious Authority and its Critics21:11 Nihilism and The Will Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is an old video on Nietzsche and does not really reflect my current views on him. Sorry about that.

Uploaded 20-07-24

There has been increasing discourse online about the concept of a "Christian Revival" or otherwise a general religious revival. And I find this very interesting because almost exactly the same debate took place over the course of the 19th century. And chief among the critics of religion as an answer to nihilism was the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. So it is worth hearing him out - even if we end up disagreeing with him. Let's find out if a religious revival is really the answer.

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person you): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Religious Revival - A Dilemma
01:48 Lived Religion
07:05 Religion and Nihilism: A False Dichotomy
14:08 Religious Authority and its Critics
21:11 Nihilism and The Will



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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]]> 2023 no Why Everything Today Is Bulls*** The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/unsolicitedadvice07241Uploaded 01-07-24Why does it seem like BS is around every corner in the modern age? Wherever we go there is usually someone trying to fool us, hoodwink us, or manipulate the truth to serve their own ends. But what exactly is Bulls****, and why should we care about it? Well, today we will look at Harry Frankfurt's essay on that very topic, and dive into the surprising philosophy of Bulls****Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 A Philosopher's Guide to BS02:32 A Theory of BS08:43 Honest and Dishonest15:17 The Tenacity of BS20:48 The Smell of BS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/unsolicitedadvice07241Uploaded 01-07-24Why does it seem like BS is around every corner in the modern age? Wherever we go there is usually someone trying to fool us, hoodwink us, or manipulate the truth to serve their own ends. But what exactly is Bulls****, and why should we care about it? Well, today we will look at Harry Frankfurt's essay on that very topic, and dive into the surprising philosophy of Bulls****Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 A Philosopher's Guide to BS02:32 A Theory of BS08:43 Honest and Dishonest15:17 The Tenacity of BS20:48 The Smell of BS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare https://skl.sh/unsolicitedadvice07241

Uploaded 01-07-24

Why does it seem like BS is around every corner in the modern age? Wherever we go there is usually someone trying to fool us, hoodwink us, or manipulate the truth to serve their own ends. But what exactly is Bulls****, and why should we care about it? Well, today we will look at Harry Frankfurt's essay on that very topic, and dive into the surprising philosophy of Bulls****

Support me on Patreon here (you wonderful person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 A Philosopher's Guide to BS
02:32 A Theory of BS
08:43 Honest and Dishonest
15:17 The Tenacity of BS
20:48 The Smell of BS



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1940 no The Christian Case Against Cultural Christianity | Matt Whiteley An argument that has become increasingly popular in apologetic or cultural apologetic circles is arguing for the cultural influence of Christianity through the "Tom Holland Argument". I talked to a prominent Christian critic of that argument to see why he thinks Christians should not take this route.Uploaded 26-08-26Also check out Matt’s Substack here! It is really good!: https://substack.com/@thisisleisfullofnoises?r=2ohjsz&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=imageSupport me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 What is the "Tom Holland Argument"06:20 Why shouldn't Christians use it?16:46 The trouble with defining Christianity29:15 The difficulty of writing history through ideas41:15 Your morals aren't self-evident50:30 History, Epistemology, and Storytelling55:35 What are some good arguments for cultural Christianity?1:03:15 When are historical arguments persuasive?1:12:46 Secular Ethics and Self-Help Bros1:22:30 What I envy about religious people1:27:40 Can everyone go to Heaven?1:39:07 What was the greatest idea you came across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice An argument that has become increasingly popular in apologetic or cultural apologetic circles is arguing for the cultural influence of Christianity through the "Tom Holland Argument". I talked to a prominent Christian critic of that argument to see why he thinks Christians should not take this route.Uploaded 26-08-26Also check out Matt’s Substack here! It is really good!: https://substack.com/@thisisleisfullofnoises?r=2ohjsz&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=imageSupport me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 What is the "Tom Holland Argument"06:20 Why shouldn't Christians use it?16:46 The trouble with defining Christianity29:15 The difficulty of writing history through ideas41:15 Your morals aren't self-evident50:30 History, Epistemology, and Storytelling55:35 What are some good arguments for cultural Christianity?1:03:15 When are historical arguments persuasive?1:12:46 Secular Ethics and Self-Help Bros1:22:30 What I envy about religious people1:27:40 Can everyone go to Heaven?1:39:07 What was the greatest idea you came across in the past year and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices An argument that has become increasingly popular in apologetic or cultural apologetic circles is arguing for the cultural influence of Christianity through the "Tom Holland Argument". I talked to a prominent Christian critic of that argument to see why he thinks Christians should not take this route.

Uploaded 26-08-26

Also check out Matt’s Substack here! It is really good!: https://substack.com/@thisisleisfullofnoises?r=2ohjsz&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=image

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 What is the "Tom Holland Argument"
06:20 Why shouldn't Christians use it?
16:46 The trouble with defining Christianity
29:15 The difficulty of writing history through ideas
41:15 Your morals aren't self-evident
50:30 History, Epistemology, and Storytelling
55:35 What are some good arguments for cultural Christianity?
1:03:15 When are historical arguments persuasive?
1:12:46 Secular Ethics and Self-Help Bros
1:22:30 What I envy about religious people
1:27:40 Can everyone go to Heaven?
1:39:07 What was the greatest idea you came across in the past year and why?



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 6544 no Plato’s Guide to Fixing Politics | The Republic There are few philosophy books as iconic as Plato's Republic. It is simultaneously an examination of what "goodness" is, a metaphysical treatise, and a political manifesto. And today we are going to look at this wonderful ancient text, and ask whether its insights are applicable to our own time. And how, just maybe, we might be able to fix politics.Uploaded 25-05-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Politics and Philosophy01:44 The New Metallic Order08:01 Educating a State13:50 The Rule of Wisdom19:28 The Failed States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice There are few philosophy books as iconic as Plato's Republic. It is simultaneously an examination of what "goodness" is, a metaphysical treatise, and a political manifesto. And today we are going to look at this wonderful ancient text, and ask whether its insights are applicable to our own time. And how, just maybe, we might be able to fix politics.Uploaded 25-05-24Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN700:00 Politics and Philosophy01:44 The New Metallic Order08:01 Educating a State13:50 The Rule of Wisdom19:28 The Failed States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There are few philosophy books as iconic as Plato's Republic. It is simultaneously an examination of what "goodness" is, a metaphysical treatise, and a political manifesto. And today we are going to look at this wonderful ancient text, and ask whether its insights are applicable to our own time. And how, just maybe, we might be able to fix politics.

Uploaded 25-05-24

Support me on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: https://forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7

00:00 Politics and Philosophy
01:44 The New Metallic Order
08:01 Educating a State
13:50 The Rule of Wisdom
19:28 The Failed States



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1742 no The Most Hated Philosophers in History | The Sophists The Sophists are potentially the most hated philosophers in history. But as far as I can tell, this is based on a series of misunderstandings and misrepresentations. When we look at the existing evidence in more detail, what is instead revealed are a group of interesting and original thinkers. So here is my sophist apologia. I hope you enjoy it.Uploaded 04-06-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Villainous Sophist07:50 Arguments Leading Nowhere24:27 Corrupting the Youth36:30 Man is the Measure of All Things45:00 What to do about the Sophists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice The Sophists are potentially the most hated philosophers in history. But as far as I can tell, this is based on a series of misunderstandings and misrepresentations. When we look at the existing evidence in more detail, what is instead revealed are a group of interesting and original thinkers. So here is my sophist apologia. I hope you enjoy it.Uploaded 04-06-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 The Villainous Sophist07:50 Arguments Leading Nowhere24:27 Corrupting the Youth36:30 Man is the Measure of All Things45:00 What to do about the Sophists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Sophists are potentially the most hated philosophers in history. But as far as I can tell, this is based on a series of misunderstandings and misrepresentations. When we look at the existing evidence in more detail, what is instead revealed are a group of interesting and original thinkers. So here is my sophist apologia. I hope you enjoy it.

Uploaded 04-06-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 The Villainous Sophist
07:50 Arguments Leading Nowhere
24:27 Corrupting the Youth
36:30 Man is the Measure of All Things
45:00 What to do about the Sophists



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3492 no Debating Free Will with a Cambridge Philosopher | Dr. Nathan Hawkins Freewill is a hot-button issue both in philosophy and in popular discourse, so I sat down with Dr. Nathan Hawkins, who has written extensively in defence of Freewill, to have a friendly discussion and debate about it. I hope you enjoy!Uploaded 24-04-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 How do Philosophers Debate about Freewill?09:04 The Case Against Determinism18:45 Problems with Setting up Determinism30:22 The Branching Futures Model of Freewill41:35 Yes, we could have acted otherwise52:45 Are we just redefining our terms?01:02:51 My own Compatibilism01:11:44 Why is Nathan an Idealist?01:25:25 Can we make Idealism Naturalistic?01:44:02 What is "The Absolute"?01:54:25 What is the most interesting idea you've come across and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full Unsolicited advice Freewill is a hot-button issue both in philosophy and in popular discourse, so I sat down with Dr. Nathan Hawkins, who has written extensively in defence of Freewill, to have a friendly discussion and debate about it. I hope you enjoy!Uploaded 24-04-26Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSubscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/00:00 How do Philosophers Debate about Freewill?09:04 The Case Against Determinism18:45 Problems with Setting up Determinism30:22 The Branching Futures Model of Freewill41:35 Yes, we could have acted otherwise52:45 Are we just redefining our terms?01:02:51 My own Compatibilism01:11:44 Why is Nathan an Idealist?01:25:25 Can we make Idealism Naturalistic?01:44:02 What is "The Absolute"?01:54:25 What is the most interesting idea you've come across and why? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Freewill is a hot-button issue both in philosophy and in popular discourse, so I sat down with Dr. Nathan Hawkins, who has written extensively in defence of Freewill, to have a friendly discussion and debate about it. I hope you enjoy!

Uploaded 24-04-26

Support me on Patreon here (you lovely person): https://patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Subscribe to my Substack here for more of my writings: https://josephfolley.substack.com/

00:00 How do Philosophers Debate about Freewill?
09:04 The Case Against Determinism
18:45 Problems with Setting up Determinism
30:22 The Branching Futures Model of Freewill
41:35 Yes, we could have acted otherwise
52:45 Are we just redefining our terms?
01:02:51 My own Compatibilism
01:11:44 Why is Nathan an Idealist?
01:25:25 Can we make Idealism Naturalistic?
01:44:02 What is "The Absolute"?
01:54:25 What is the most interesting idea you've come across and why?



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 7580 no