Michael Lamb on Augustine on Hope

Mary Midgley didn't begin publishing until she was 59 years old, but nevertheless made a significant impact and had a distinctive approach. In this episode of Philosophy Bites Ellie Robson discusses some of her key ideas about our relationship with other animals. 

Many people think philosophical discucssion is a luxury in times of conflict, but the Palestinian philosopher Sari Nusseibeh is more optimistic. In this episode of Philosophy Bites, recorded in early 2025, he explains why. 

Democracy is about acting as a group, but, surprisingly, Robert Talisse argues that what it needs to function well is a degree of solitude for citizens. In-group and out-group dynamics mean that individuals become vulnerable to being pushed towards more extreme views than they wo ... Show More

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss St. Augustine, a philosopher who is known for merging the ideas of Neoplatonism and Christianity. We learn how an unsuspecting child led St. Augustine to devote his life to Christianity through divine intervention, and find out why he th ... Show More

Kindness can go a long way. St. Augustine now finds himself in Milan after he quickly becomes frustrated with life in Rome. It is at this time that he encounters St. Ambrose for the first time. It is the kindness of St. Ambrose that draws St. Augustine in the most. It is through ... Show More

Enter St. Alipius. Alipius is a follower of St. Augustine who eventually converts with him. St. Augustine describes Alipius’ struggle with curiosity. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk affirm that the desire to know is good. However, they caution that curiosity can b ... Show More

Book 9 follows St. Augustine’s reception into the Church. While finally receiving the sacraments brings forth great joy, conversion requires sacrifice. St. Augustine’s new life demands his resignation from his position teaching rhetoric. This isn’t the only trial St. Augustine fa ... Show More

Peter speaks with Sarah Byers about the Stoic influence on Augustine's ethics and theory of action. 

How can God be known? This is how St. Augustine begins Book 1 of Confessions. He ponders the existence of God and God’s knowability. St. Augustine also wrestles with the question of how and why God loves us. He then introduces us to God through prayer and praise. Fr. Gregory Pine ... Show More

What is the difference between lust and love? Seeking to grow in penitence, St. Augustine reflects on himself at sixteen years old. He notes how God remained silent even while he strayed further from chastity. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss God’s providen ... Show More

In this final episode, St. Augustine reflects on the height of creation: humanity. He ponders how men and women are oriented towards God because God has created them in his goodness and they are made to rest in him. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss what thi ... Show More