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Philosophy for the People

Philosophy for the People's mission is an educational program aimed at overcoming the paucity of serious, fair-minded, and accessible philosophical discourse available to a popular audience. Though we are ourselves dedicated to the Catholic intellectual tradition, we are likewise committed to exploring ideas from all rigorous traditions of philosophizing (scholastic, classical, analytic, and phenomenological). We pursue this mission by providing long-form guided readings of great texts, discussions with expert guests, our own open-ended philosophical discussions of issues and thinkers, live question and answer opportunities, in depth lecture courses, and our own articles and book-length writings. Philosophy for the People's pedagogical materials will be provided either without charge or for minimal cost to assure provision of broad access to first-rate philosophical education.

  1. 139

    Why Thomism Still Matters w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to the podcast to discuss his recent editted volume Thomism Revisited: https://amzn.to/4m3Z4Jx  For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  2. 138

    Aquinas's Five Ways Are Stronger Than You Think (w/ Dr. Rob Koons)

    Dr. Robert Koons has two forthcoming books on Aquinas's Five Ways—one popular, one academic—so we spend this episode walking through how he understands and defends each of the Five Ways, and why they're far more philosophically interesting than they're usually given credit for.  For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack at https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  3. 137

    Can Evolution Fit With Christianity? Dr. Tim Pawl Says Yes.

    Pat talks with philosopher Dr. Tim Pawl, author of Jesus and the Genome, about the theological and philosophical challenges raised by evolutionary biology and how Christians can think clearly about them. Jesus and the Genome: https://amzn.to/4il5Ys8 Tim on Substack: https://pawlineepistles.substack.com/  Pat on Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  4. 136

    Did the Church Change Her Mind on the Death Penalty? (Catholics Debate the Death Penalty)

    Pat is joined by Suan Sonna and Daniel Vecchio to discuss recent controversies related to capital punishment and magisterial teaching. Pat's Substack article: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/p/an-intelligent-catholics-guide-to Ed Feser's article: https://edwardfeser.blogspot.com/2025/10/fastiggi-and-sonna-on-catholicism-and.html 

  5. 135

    Does God Exist? Contingency, Beauty, and Evil | Dr. Mark Spencer

    Dr. Mark Spencer returns to the podcast to discuss natural theology.  Head to Pat's Substack for more: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  6. 134

    Bible Basics w/ John Derosa

    John DeRosa is launching an online Bible Workshop--and you should join! Here's the link: https://classical-theism-podcast.aweb.page/p/3e983115-1a58-48ed-a9cc-e5b9ef419c28

  7. 133

    John Henry Newman on Common Sense, Faith, and Epistemology | w/ Dr. Logan Paul Gage

    Dr. Logan Paul Gage joins Pat for a conversation on the thought of John Henry Newman—soon to be declared a Doctor of the Church—with a special focus on his commonsense epistemology and how it compares to modern epistemological projects. For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  8. 132

    Philosophy and the Interpretation of Scripture w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss another recent article of his: Primary Causality, Providence, and Scripture. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/new-blackfriars/article/abs/primary-causality-providence-and-scripture/4A69C86C7310F54F7D413FC6261EBE06 Please like, share, comment, and subscribe! For more philosophy content, see https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  9. 131

    The Nature and Conditions of Knowledge w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss Thomistic epistemology and cognitional theory. We discuss the metaphysics of knowledge, proper functionalism, error theory, whether Aquinas was an externalist, and more. Please like, share, and subscribe! For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/  Check out Pat's book The Best Argument for God here: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Argument-God-Patrick-Flynn/dp/1644137801 

  10. 130

    Establishing the Real Distinction w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss some of the recent work he's been doing with respect to the Thomistic understanding of existence. For most philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://streamyard.com/72mnfcbg7j 

  11. 129

    Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? w/ Tomas Bogardus

    Pat is joined by Dr. Tomas Bogardus to discuss the question of whether Muslims and Christians worship the same God. We chat philosophy of language, including different theories of reference (descriptivism, causal theories, etc.) and how the occurrence of reference drift can make answering this questions somewhat difficult! For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: hps://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com

  12. 128

    Analyzing (Some of) Jordan Peterson's Claims

    In this episode, Pat and Mike respond to Jordan Peterson's recent appearance on Surrounded. For more undoubtedly awesome philosophy content, head to Pat's Sbstack at https://substack.com/@journalofabsolutetruth 

  13. 127

    Flynn & DeRosa Respond to Dr. Brett Weinstein on Creation & Evolution

    This episode is a replay from John DeRosa's Classical Theism Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classical-theism-podcast/id1432200694 

  14. 126

    1 philosopher everyone should read

    Pat and Mike discuss one particular philosopher everyone should read (that isn't Plato, lol). For more philosophy content see Pat's substack at https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  15. 125

    talking arguments for God (w/ Mike Schramm)

    Pat  introduces Mike Schramm, new associate  editor for The Journal of Absolute Truth. They then  discuss the state of some argumetns for God. https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  16. 124

    The Philosophy of Freud (Part 1)

    Pat and Jim begin a new series on Freud. Live QnA at the end! More philosophy content on Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  17. 123

    Our Favorite Philosophy Books of 2024 (Plus Live QnA)

    Pat and Jim do a year in review, including discussing some of their favorite books. Also, live QnA at the end. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  18. 122

    Divine Hiddenness and Dogmatic Authority w/ Fr. James Dominic Rooney

    Fr. James Dominic Rooney returns to the podcast to discuss some of his recent work on divine hiddenness and dogmatic authority (two distinct topics!). For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  19. 121

    What Exactly Is a Brute Fact?

    Let's talk about brute facts, baby! More on Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  20. 120

    Boethius, the Good, and Philosophy as Therapy w/ Dr. Tom Ward

    Pat is joined once again by Dr. Thomas Ward, this time to discuss his recent book After Stoicism: The Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher. You can check out his new book (which I highly recommend) here: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/after-stoicism?srsltid=AfmBOoq8MR4WeWFZ8S75xXQ5Cxc_uzDN96t1wXRCQlGxvT0oEhwOrxot For more philosophy content, subscribe to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/  

  21. 119

    Ratzinger's Notion of Person: a Thomistic Response w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Pat is joined by Dr. Gaven Kerr to explore the notion of personhood from a Thomistic perspective. This builds on Dr. Kerr's recent lecture Ratzinger's Notion of Person in Theology: a Thomistic Response. For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  22. 118

    Thomistic Metaphysics: an Introduction w/ Dr. Michael Gorman

    Dr. Michael Gorman has authored an excellent new book: A Contemporary Introduction to Thomistic Metaphysics. In this episode, Pat interviews Dr. Gorman about some of the contents of that book, including how Aquinas thinks about composition, fundamentality, and God. To order the book: https://amzn.to/3BmsGP1 For more philosophy content, head to Pat's Substack: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  23. 117

    Contingency, Grounding, and God w/ Dr. Kenneth Pearce

    Pat is joined by Dr. Kenneth Pearce to discuss some of his recent work related to metaphysical grounding, contingency, and the existence of God. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/ 

  24. 116

    How God Knows He's Not a Brain In a Vat w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Pat and Gaven discuss cool things, like Aquinas's theory of existence and how God knows He's not a brain in a vat. More on Pat's Substack - https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/  

  25. 115

    Skeptical Theism w/ Dr. Perry Hendricks

    Pat is joined by Perry to discuss his work on Skeptical Theism. https://www.perryhendricks.com/ 

  26. 114

    The Best Arguments for God w/ Matthew Adelstein

    Pat is joined by Matthew Adelstein to discuss some of their (current) favorite arguments for God. 

  27. 113

    Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse w/ Jack Boczar

    Pat is joined by Jack Boczar to discuss his forthcoming paper, Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse.  Jack has published on Aquinas and Augustine and is currently working on medieval metaphysics. His PhilPeople page can be accessed here:  https://philpeople.org/profiles/jack-boczar

  28. 112

    The NEW Philosophical Case for Theism w/ Dr. Joshua Sijuwade

    Pat talks with Joshua Sijuwade about his new book Analytic Theism. If you like this conversation, please comment, share, and subscribe. For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ 

  29. 111

    The Problem of Animal Suffering w/ Dr. Kyle Keltz

    Pat is joined by Dr. Kyle Keltz  to discuss some of his recent work on the problem of evil with respect  to animal suffering. Also, to announce a new volume on the problem of animal suffering that Dr. Keltz is editting and that Pat is contributing to. 

  30. 110

    Discussing Divine Simplicity w/ Dr. Gavin Ortlund

    Dr. Gavin Ortlund recently debated Dr. Ryan Mullins on divine simplicity. After, John DeRosa hosted Gavin and myself for a bit of a debrief and extended conversation on the topic. Here's the replay, from John's Classical Theism podcast.

  31. 109

    Fr. Thomas Joseph White on the Existence of God and the Rationality of Religious Belief

    Pat is joined by Fr. Thomas Joseph White to discuss some of the contents of his recent book Principles of Catholic Theology, Book 2: On the Rational Credibility of Christianity https://amzn.to/4dgsn78 

  32. 108

    Mathematical Objects Are Non-Physical (and You Are Too) w/ Dr. Selmer Bringsjord - Part 1

    This converation was originally hosted for the Mind Matters podcast, but is now being shared here. 

  33. 107

    Classical Theism, Divine Simplicity, and Ultimate Explanation (replay from Classical Theism Podcast)

    This episode -- focusing on classical theism, divine simplicity, and ultimate explanation -- is a special replay of a conversation with Dr. Christopher Tomaszewski as featured on The Classical Theism Podcast. Pat appears toward the end to engage Chris on what resources (if any) classical theism might afford to meta-epistemology. Check out John's Classical Theism Podcast (it's one of the best) and consider supporting him on Patreon: https://www.classicaltheism.com/support 

  34. 106

    The Problem of Divine Hiddenness | Is There Non-Resistant Non-Belief Belief? w/ Dr. Stephen Napier

    Dr. Stephen Napier returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss his recent publication in response to the problem of divine hiddenness: Is There Non-Resistant Non-Belief?  https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/religious-studies/article/is-there-nonresistant-nonbelief/21F4527C7306B350D49B46E2CB8BDDD0 PS - Sorry for the "beeping" noise throughout. Is what it is.

  35. 105

    Philosophy QnA w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Gaven takes listener questions on philosophy, theology, and how to get published. 

  36. 104

    Substance Dualism w/ Dr. Stewart Goetz and Dr. Charles Taliaferro

    Please enjoy this conversation exploring substance dualism. Subscribe if you want. Or not! 

  37. 103

    Scripture and Metaphysics (plus QnA) w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Come hang with Dr. Gaven Kerr as we chat Scripture and Metaphysics. PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/48fhsYb 

  38. 102

    Catholicism and the Problem of God w/ Dr. Mark Spencer

    Dr. Mark Spencer has a new Element out called Catholicism and the Problem of God. In this episode, we explore some of the contents of that book, including the apparent tensions that arise between Catholic claims concerning God and philosophy of God, or features of God and features of the world (i.e., problem of evil).  For more, check out Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com Also, Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3RFm8Ra 

  39. 101

    Is God the World's Soul? A Thomistic Critique of Panentheism w/ Fr. James Dominic Rooney

    Fr. James Dominic Rooney returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss his recent critique of panentheism. If you like the video, hit like and subscribe to Philosophy for the People for more!  More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QHzf2N 

  40. 100

    The Logical Problem of Evil - Is It Dead or Alive?

    Pat offers a brief introduction to the logical problem -- or better, logical argument -- from evil (against the existence of God). 👉 More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/   Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP 

  41. 99

    A Brief History of the Problem of Evil w/ Dr. Jim Madden

    Pat and Jim offer a brief history of the problem of evil, highlighting how this philosophical challenge to the existence of God, and various responses to it, have evolved over time. Share your thoughts on today's conversation below. All comments and perspectives welcome, just keep it courteous! If you like the video, hit like and subscribe to Philosophy for the People for more! 👉 More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/ Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP 

  42. 98

    The Value of Knowing: Myth or Reality? The Epistemic Value Question w/ Dr. Jonathan Fuqua

    Most of us strongly assume that knowing is valuable. Moreover, that it is valuable to come to truth truth apart from instances of luck. Why? Can we give a good philosophical accounts of this? Dr. Fuqua argues we can, in his recent article "Proper Functionalism, Perfectionism, and the Epistemic Value Problem." That is what we discuss today! More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QRBHDP 

  43. 97

    Read Philosophy Like a Pro: Simple Techniques for Deep Understanding

    Whether you're new to philosophy or looking to deepen your understanding, this video is your guide to tackling philosophical texts with confidence. In this episode, Pat offers tips on everything from having the right mindset when engaging philosophical texts to practical approaches for absorbing the most from them.  More Resources: Pat's philosophy Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  Pat's book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/47Djn89 

  44. 96

    The Power of Why: What Philosophy Is and Why Do It

    Welcome to Philosophy for the People, where deep thinking meets practical insight. In this episode, we delve into the fundamental nature of philosophy and its significance in our daily lives. Our discussions aim to illuminate how philosophical thinking shapes our understanding of the world. If you find value in our content, please support us by liking this video and subscribing to our channel. We encourage you to join the conversation by commenting below: What got YOU interested in philosophy?  For more philosophy action, head to Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  Also, check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/3QFrHxt 

  45. 95

    Unlocking Reality: Aristotle's 4 Causes Explained!

    Dive into the ancient wisdom of Aristotle as we unravel the mysteries of existence with his theory of the Four Causes. In this brief (but hopefully enlightening!) video, we'll explore the fundamental questions that have captivated thinkers for centuries: What is the essence of being? Why do things occur the way they do? Aristotle's answers lie in his Four Causes – Material, Formal, Efficient, and Final. These causes offer a timeless framework that has shaped philosophical thought and our understanding of the world around us. Don't forget to hit 'Like' if you find Aristotle as fascinating as we do, and 'Comment' with your thoughts or questions to join the conversation. Finally, if you're eager for more philosophical explorations, make sure to 'Subscribe' to our channel and turn on notifications to never miss a discussion. MORE RESOURCES Subscribe to Pat's "Journal of Absolute Truth" philosophy Substack at https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/  And if you're into philosophy of religion, check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/467wXQd 

  46. 94

    Mind Meets World: A Thomistic-Kantian Approach to Understanding Reality w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr

    Dr. Gaven Kerr returns to Philosophy for the People to discuss the (surprising) harmonies between Thomism and Kantianism concerning theories of knowledge and mind-world relations. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!  PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God at: https://amzn.to/47lhEnX 

  47. 93

    The Essence of Being: Philosophical Inquiries into Existence

    In today's episode, we examine the two-sense theory of existence, and confront one of the paradoxes purported to afflict the commonsense view of existence, where existence is taken to be attribute of individuals. Comment below with your thoughts, questions, or the next philosophical enigma you want us to unravel. Don't forget to hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell to join our community of thinkers and stay updated with our weekly explorations into philosophy. Your support helps us bring philosophy to the people and makes our content more discoverable for others seeking answers to life's big questions. PS - Check out Pat's  new book The Best Argument for God: https://amzn.to/46WtK79 

  48. 92

    Can We Rule Out Immortality?

    Pat and Jim discuss William James' essay Human Immortality: Two Supposed Objections to the Doctrine.  PS - Check out Pat's new book The Best Argument for God https://amzn.to/3Q5qBuz 

  49. 91

    The One Has the Many: A Synthesis of Aquinas, Scotus, and Palamas w/ Dr. Spencer and Fr. Kirby

    Pat is joined by Dr. Mark Spencer and Fr. Matthew Kirby to discuss their recent paper The One Has the Many: A Further Synthesis of Aquinas, Scotus, and Palamas. Link to paper: https://www.academia.edu/108261668/_The_One_has_the_Many_A_Further_Synthesis_of_Aquinas_Scotus_and_Palamas_Co_Written_with_Fr_Matthew_Kirby_International_Philosophical_Quarterly_62_2_June_2022_161_187  Link to Dr. Spencer's academia page: https://stthomas.academia.edu/MarkSpencer  Link to Dr. Spencer's book The Irreducibility of the Human Person: https://www.amazon.com/Irreducibility-Human-Person-Catholic-Synthesis/dp/0813235200  Please like, share, comment, and subscribe!

  50. 90

    The Perennial Importance of Thomistic Philosophy

    Pat is joined by Fr. Irenaeus for an introductory conversation on Thomistic philosophy and its modern day relevance. Check out Aquinas 101 at https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute... Support Philosophy for the people by, 1) Liking, sharing, and commenting on this video and, 2) Snagging a copying of Pat's new book The Best Argument for God at https://www.amazon.com/Best-Argument-God-Patrick-Flynn/dp/1644137801/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E6PXZ6FPMCEJ&keywords=the+best+argument+for+God&qid=1697456782&sprefix=the+best+argument+for+god%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1 

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Philosophy for the People's mission is an educational program aimed at overcoming the paucity of serious, fair-minded, and accessible philosophical discourse available to a popular audience. Though we are ourselves dedicated to the Catholic intellectual tradition, we are likewise committed to exploring ideas from all rigorous traditions of philosophizing (scholastic, classical, analytic, and phenomenological). We pursue this mission by providing long-form guided readings of great texts, discussions with expert guests, our own open-ended philosophical discussions of issues and thinkers, live question and answer opportunities, in depth lecture courses, and our own articles and book-length writings. Philosophy for the People's pedagogical materials will be provided either without charge or for minimal cost to assure provision of broad access to first-rate philosophical education.

HOSTED BY

Patrick Flynn

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Philosophy for the People have?

Philosophy for the People currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Philosophy for the People about?

Philosophy for the People's mission is an educational program aimed at overcoming the paucity of serious, fair-minded, and accessible philosophical discourse available to a popular audience. Though we are ourselves dedicated to the Catholic intellectual tradition, we are likewise committed to...

How often does Philosophy for the People release new episodes?

Philosophy for the People has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Philosophy for the People?

You can listen to Philosophy for the People 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 Philosophy for the People?

Philosophy for the People is created and hosted by Patrick Flynn.
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