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PODCAST · society

Philosophical Currents

Jack Russell Weinstein, host of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, joins Main Street to discuss the philosophical aspects of current events.

  1. 20

    AI, Trust, The Future of University Learning

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores how AI is reshaping higher education, challenging academic integrity, critical thinking and the future value of a college degree.

  2. 19

    Trust, Fear, and the Fractures in American Society

    A conversation with Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on trust and skepticism in America, and what it may take to rebuild confidence in democracy.

  3. 18

    When a Nation Goes to War: Duty, Dissent, and the Moral Divide

    What does war demand of us all? Jack Russell Weinstein explores just war, citizenship, and moral tension in “Philosophical Currents” on Prairie Public’s “Main Street.”

  4. 17

    What Makes a Nation A Nation?

    UND philosopher Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines what defines a nation — borders and government, or shared identity and civic commitment — in this month’s segment.

  5. 16

    No One Above the Law: A Philosophical Reckoning in a Time of Crisis

    A timely Philosophical Currents conversation with Jack Russell Weinstein on the rule of law, power, accountability, and democracy under strain.

  6. 15

    Happy or Content? Rethinking What a Good Life Really Means

    A philosopher’s take on happiness vs. contentment. Why a good life may be less about feeling happy and more about meaning, perspective, and community.

  7. 14

    When the Music Becomes Us: A Philosophical Look at Identity, Memory & Jimmy Cliff

    How the music of our youth becomes part of who we are. Dr. Jack Weinstein reflects on Jimmy Cliff’s legacy and why deeply listening still matters in the digital age.

  8. 13

    Morality vs. Legality: When Right and Law Collide

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein of UND examines the tension between what’s moral and what’s legal - how shifting boundaries challenge justice and democracy today.

  9. 12

    Can Happiness Be Taught—or Shared—Across Cultures?

    UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein asks: Is happiness about less suffering, more joy, or wealth—and can Finland’s model of well-being be shared across cultures?

  10. 11

    Philosophy of NIH Cuts: Justice, Equity, and America’s Common Good

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines NIH funding cuts, health equity, and what these choices reveal about justice, politics, and America’s common good.

  11. 10

    Philosophy Professor Unpacks the Purpose—and Price—of College

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores college’s purpose, rising costs, and lasting value, arguing it remains a transformative force despite modern pressures.

  12. 9

    Ethics of War: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Morality in Conflict

    Philosopher Jack Russell Weinstein explores how to uphold dignity, responsibility, and empathy in the midst of war and violence.

  13. 8

    What Makes Life Meaningful?

    Dr. Jack Weinstein joins Philosophical Currents to explore how philosophy helps us find purpose, fulfillment, and ethical guidance in the search for meaning.

  14. 7

    De-Extinction

    UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Professor of Philosophy, explores the ethics of de-extinction and whether reviving lost species is wise—or just scientific mimicry.

  15. 6

    Who Decides When We Die? Ethics of Assisted Death

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores autonomy, identity, and the ethics of assisted death through the story of Alzheimer's advocate Sandra Demontigny.

  16. 5

    The Value of Work

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the meaning of work, its role in human dignity, and how we should rethink labor, purpose, and income in an era of automation.

  17. 4

    AI-powered "death bots"

    On Philosophical Currents, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the ethics of AI "death bots," discussing consent, privacy, grief, and the risks of digital manipulation.

  18. 3

    Community and Family Dynamics: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Thanksgiving

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores how Thanksgiving traditions shape family and community bonds, spark philosophical conversations, and influence identity in "Community and Family Dynamics.

  19. 2

    Philosophy of Community and Connection

    Philosophical Currents: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the philosophy of community and connection, examining the meaning of human relationships in a digital world.

  20. 1

    Being Wrong: Understanding Human Fallibility and Learning from Mistakes

    Being wrong - exploring the nature of human fallibility, examining why we make mistakes, how we can learn from them, and the ethical implications of embracing error.

  21. 0

    Does the “sport” of politics undermine its importance?

    Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein is a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life. He discusses Politics as Sport.

  22. -1

    Aging

    In "Philosophical Currents," Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein discusses aging, societal attitudes, social structures, technology, and ethical responsibilities towards the elderly.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Jack Russell Weinstein, host of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, joins Main Street to discuss the philosophical aspects of current events.

HOSTED BY

Prairie Public

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Philosophical Currents have?

Philosophical Currents currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Philosophical Currents about?

Jack Russell Weinstein, host of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, joins Main Street to discuss the philosophical aspects of current events.

How often does Philosophical Currents release new episodes?

Philosophical Currents has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Philosophical Currents?

You can listen to Philosophical Currents on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Philosophical Currents?

Philosophical Currents is created and hosted by Prairie Public.
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