logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
49m 45s

Catching Sight of Our Self | Iain McGilc...

Iai
About this episode

Is knowing oneself even possible? Listen to find out.

Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimes

From the self-help industry to the contemporary focus on mental health, the ancient Greek maxim 'Know Thyself', is very much in fashion. But many would argue it is an impossible dream. We can't catch sight of ourselves, and the attempt to do so often leaves us lost and confused. What's more, from the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to drug addicts who's lives are in ruin, individuals can be well aware of their failings but unable or unwilling to change.

Pioneer of modern understanding of ancient myths Betty Sue Flowers, Award winning journalist Anil Ananthaswamy, renowned psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist and Professor of Philosophy Bence Nanay are joined by our host, Professor of Religion and Science Mary Jane Rubenstein to ask if we can ever truly know ourselves.

There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=catching-sigh-of-our-self

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Today
Seeing through the illusion of separation | Jessica Frazier on Hindu monism
Indian philosophy and the search for unityIn our everyday lives we act as though we are all separate individuals, but is this really the case? Jessica Frazer argues that reality is ultimately unified, and that this shift in perspective can change the way we live our lives. It can ... Show More
24m 39s
Aug 20
The limits of nothingness | Peter van Inwagen
From philosophy to science, metaphysics to psychology, the idea of 'nothing' is central to the universe, existence and experience as a whole. But the nature of 'nothing' is even more bewildering than we might first imagine. Parmenides argued that non-being is impossible because t ... Show More
27m 44s
Aug 12
Is free will an illusion? The chemistry of freedom | Patrick Haggard, George Ellis, Jennifer Hornsby
The question of free will - and whether we have it or not - is age-old across philosophy, religion, and human thought in general. Having free will allows us to have meaning, responsibility, reward and punishment. Yet discoveries in neuroscience have put our ability to choose, out ... Show More
40m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2023
Queen for a Day
Why are we so attracted to stories of people suffering on television? And what happens after the cameras turn off? In our final episode, Jonathan explores the origins of reality TV and uncovers his family’s shocking connection to a very early reality TV game show. Angelina is an ... Show More
46m 41s
Dec 2023
The Love Expert: We've Built A Loveless Society & It's Making Us Depressed! (here's the fix!) Alain De Botton
If you enjoy hearing about the philosophy of life, I recommend you check out my conversation with Ryan Holiday, which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PafvhTSC4yEPhilosophy isn’t just for universities and lecture halls, philosophy can help guide every part of yo ... Show More
1h 35m
Apr 2024
Solving The Epidemic of Mental Illness Caused By Social Media | Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He obtained his PhD in social psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and taught at the University of Virginia for sixteen years. His research focuses on ... Show More
1h 16m
Apr 2024
The Shocking Truths Narcissists NEVER Want You to Know | E25 | I Wish You Knew Podcast
🎙️ This episode of "I Wish You Knew" tackles a complex guest: a diagnosed, self-aware narcissist. Host Adam Lane Smith, the attachment specialist, and co-host Andrey Korikov, CEO and co-founder of Veritas Creative, peel back the layers of narcissism.   Along with special guest L ... Show More
1h 15m
Mar 2024
Recognising Our Addictions - And A Way Out: Tony Adams
Booze, sex, social media - what's your poison? Taking the time to consider when we have an unhealthy relationship with 'people, places, things and situations' is an extremely valuable process to go through. Former England and Arsenal footballer Tony Adams set up the Sporting Chan ... Show More
9m 47s
Apr 2024
Delusion and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
(Video podcast available on Spotify & YouTube) In this episode of Pretty Lonesome, Madeline dives into the power of perspective and its influence on our lives. Sharing her own journey and insights, she explores how shifting mindsets can lead to positive changes. Madeline delves i ... Show More
43m 28s
Dec 2023
Navigating Your Twenties: Becoming a Powerhouse of a Woman, Manifesting the Life of Your Dreams Despite Set Backs & Routines
Kenzie Elizabeth, host of House Guest (formerly known as ILYSM) sits down with Durana of Cymbiotika to talk about becoming a powerhouse of a woman despite life's set backs. She speaks to how to heal your childhood wounds and manifest the life of your dreams. Enjoy! PREORDER MERCH ... Show More
46m 3s
May 2024
Understanding the Alien World of Ancient Greece: Interview with Professor Greg Anderson
It's often said that the past is a foreign country, where our basic assumptions about how the world is supposed to work don't apply. But what does that mean for the practice of history? Professor Greg Anderson has fascinating ideas about how to actually understand the people of t ... Show More
56m 46s
Jun 2024
Hypatia & The Death of Classical Antiquity
In this video we explore the life, death and legacy of the 5th century Alexandrian philosopher Hypatia, the very dramatic events that led to her brutal murder and what this can tell us (or not) about the transition from antiquity to the middle ages. Check out my linktree for soci ... Show More
24m 59s
Jul 2024
Alisha Marie Spills ALL Her Secrets!! Dating, Religion + Mental Health!
Get ready for an intimate and unfiltered chat with Alisha as she spills all about her deepest fears, childhood traumas, and dating disasters. Find out why she closed her business, battles trust issues, and imagines a full life (and divorce) with a guy by date two. Dive into the c ... Show More
1h 11m