Philosopher Agnes Callard Has Some Questions About Questions

from Chicago Humanities Tapes · host Chicago Humanities

Our goal at Chicago Humanities Tapes is to help you get closer to the answers to life's biggest questions with the brightest minds the world offers. And we'll get those answers eventually according to philosopher Agnes Callard, though it might take another 10,000 years of humanity. So, how do we live our lives knowing we'll never know the answers to life's biggest questions such as: is there a God? What makes a good parent? Should I have gone into academia? Her and University of Chicago constitutional law professor William Baude think the answer is in the Socratic method – asking questions without the goal of persuasion, being ok without getting answers, and living a life examined. This spirited conversation also touches on confirmation bias, the challenges of making new friends as an adult, and how to pause and ask yourself those big philosophical questions… without being driven to madness. SHOW NOTES Read the podcast transcript. CW: Mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988 lifeline.org. PHOTO: Agnes Callard and William Baude. Read: Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life, Agnes Callard Listen: Minds Almost Meeting podcast Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Rebecca Dose, Juju Laurie, Aryn Henderson Live event produced and mixed by Jeff Kolar, Ryn Hardiman, Nick Broste Production assistance by River Williams and Logan Venezia Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Subscribe Help shape the future of the podcast! Let us know what you think by taking the short survey. Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events. Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn 056OVXZETU2IQKY4

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This episode is 58 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 20, 2025.

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