PODCAST · society
Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners
by Selenius Media
From Heraclitus’ fragments on change to Hannah Arendt’s reflections on responsibility, this series traces the story of Western moral thought. Each episode introduces the life, context, and ideas of the philosophers who shaped how we think about right and wrong, freedom and duty, justice and power. Designed for newcomers yet rich enough for curious thinkers, it offers a guided journey through the great debates that still shape our world today. What does it mean to be human? Western Moral Philosophy for Beginners and Selenius Media takes you on a guided journey through the minds that shaped the moral backbone of the West — from the earliest Greek thinkers to the modern age. Lived stories — of struggle, ambition, conflict, revelation — all unfolding against the sweep of history. If you’ve ever wanted to understand philosophy clearly, calmly, and humanly… If you want to know not just what these thinkers argued, but why it mattered… Follow Western Mora
Episodes
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The Compassionate Stoic by Selenus Media
Film here. https://x.com/aintntnotn25316/status/2053906994017542200 I can be reached at [email protected] For thoughts, ideas and anything else really. I write here. 2ndrevolution.org
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Albert Camus Existential Thought Deep Dive
Albert Camus is a towering figure in existentialist thought, often celebrated for his exploration of the human experience amidst life's absurdities. Emerging from the tumultuous backdrop of 20th-century Europe, particularly during and after World War II, Camus addressed deep philosophical…
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Jean-Paul Sartre Being and Nothingness Deep Dive
Jean-Paul Sartre was a profound French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist who lived from 1905 to 1980. Emerging as a key figure in the existentialist movement during the mid-20th century, Sartre sought to explore the complexities of human freedom, responsibility, and...
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Simone de Beauvoir The Second Sex Deep Dive
Simone de Beauvoir is a pivotal figure in philosophy, particularly known for her profound contributions to existentialism and feminist thought. Active in the mid-twentieth century, she is best recognized for her seminal work "The Second Sex," which has deeply influenced discussions around gender,...
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Hannah Arendt Power & Totalitarianism Deep Dive
Hannah Arendt was a prominent political theorist and philosopher of the 20th century, known for her profound examinations of power, totalitarianism, and the nature of evil. Emerging from the tumultuous contexts of Nazi Germany and the aftermath of World War II, her work sought to unpack the moral...
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Martin Heidegger Being & Existence Deep Dive
Martin Heidegger, a central figure in 20th-century philosophy, is perhaps best known for his investigation into the nature of being and existence. His work, profoundly rooted in the existentialist tradition, aims to explore what it means to be human in a rapidly modernizing world. While his...
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Friedrich Nietzsche Will to Power Deep Dive
Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher active in the late 19th century, whose works continue to provoke thought and debate in moral philosophy. Known for his critique of traditional moral values and his exploration of existential themes, Nietzsche's ideas challenge us to reconsider the...
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Søren Kierkegaard The father of Existentialism Deep Dive
Søren Kierkegaard, often hailed as the father of existentialism, was a 19th-century Danish philosopher whose work profoundly influenced both theology and moral philosophy. He lived during the early 1800s, a time of significant intellectual upheaval in Europe, where the rise of Romanticism began…
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Søren Kierkegaard: The Three Stages of Being Human
Søren Kierkegaard didn’t write philosophy to explain the world. He wrote to explain what it feels like to live inside a human life. In this episode, we explore his three stages of existence: the aesthetic life of pleasure and distraction, the ethical life of responsibility and commitment, and the...
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Plato on democracy and gender roles
Today we’re going to walk into Plato’s world—his hopes, his fears, and his blueprint for what he thought a good society might look like—and we’re going to do it through three hot wires that still shock people now: gender, democracy, and what happens to a culture when it confuses freedom with...
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Immanuel Kant The Categorical Imperative Deep Dive
Immanuel Kant was an 18th-century German philosopher whose ideas have profoundly influenced the landscape of moral philosophy. His work represents a crucial moment in the Enlightenment, where reason began to take precedence over tradition, and he sought to establish a solid foundation for ethical...
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David Hume Reason and Passion Deep Dive
David Hume, an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, is a towering figure in Western moral philosophy, known for his profound inquiries into human nature, knowledge, and ethics. Coming from the Enlightenment period, Hume lived in a time brimming with ideas that sought to challenge traditional…
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Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Best of all Possible worlds Deep Dive
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a German philosopher, mathematician, and polymath from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His contributions spanned various fields, but in moral philosophy, he is best known for his thoughts on metaphysics, ethics, and the principle of sufficient reason. In this...
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John Locke An Essay Concerning Human Understanding Deep Dive
John Locke was a pivotal figure in the development of modern Western philosophy during the late 17th century, a time marked by intellectual upheaval and the growing importance of individual rights and reason. Renowned for his contributions to liberal thought, Locke's works laid foundational ideas...
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René Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy Deep Dive
René Descartes, a French philosopher and mathematician of the early 17th century, is often referred to as the father of modern Western philosophy. His influence extends beyond the realm of abstract thought; it has shaped various dimensions of moral philosophy, and his ideas still resonate in...
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Thomas Hobbes Deep Dive
Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher active during the tumultuous 17th century, is a pivotal figure in the history of moral philosophy and political thought. He is best known for his groundbreaking works, particularly "Leviathan," published in 1651, in which he establishes his view of the social...
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Michel de Montaigne Deep Dive
Michel de Montaigne, a prominent figure of the French Renaissance, is best known for his innovative contributions to moral philosophy through his work, the "Essais," which offers deeply personal reflections on human nature, ethics, and the complexities of life. Living during the late 16th…
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Niccolò_Machiavelli The Morality of Power Deep Dive
In our previous episode, we introduced Niccolò Machiavelli, a prominent figure of the Italian Renaissance known primarily for his political treatises, particularly "The Prince." This episode will delve deeper into Machiavelli's moral philosophy, especially his complex relationship between power…
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Deep Dive Erasmus of Rotterdam Humanism & Reform
Erasmus of Rotterdam was a prominent figure of the Renaissance, celebrated for his contributions to humanism and the early Reformation. His work can be viewed as a bridge between the intellectual revival of antiquity and the reformative movements that aimed to reshape the religious landscape of...
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32 Dante The Divine Comedy & Beyond Deep Dive
Dante Alighieri is most renowned for his monumental work, "The Divine Comedy," a poem that has profoundly influenced not only literature but also Western moral philosophy. Composed in the early 14th century during the late Middle Ages, this epic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven...
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31 Aquinas Faith and Reason Christian Theology and Philosopher Deep Dive
Thomas Aquinas, a towering figure of the 13th century, is often recognized for his efforts to synthesize faith and reason within the framework of Christian theology. Operating in a time when the interplay between religious belief and philosophical inquiry was increasingly contentious, Aquinas...
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30 Ibn Rushd - Averroes Islamic Philosophy Deep Dive
Ibn Rushd, known in the Western tradition as Averroes, was a 12th-century scholar from Córdoba who emerged during the flourishing of Islamic philosophy and science. His works sought to reconcile the teachings of Aristotle with Islamic thought, making him a significant figure in both the realm of...
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29 Ibn Sina - Avicenna 980 to 1037 Deep Dive
Ibn Sina, more commonly known as Avicenna, is a towering figure in medieval philosophy who lived from 980 to 1037 in Persia, now modern-day Iran. He is often celebrated for his contributions to various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and particularly philosophy. His fusion of…
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28 Anselm of Canterbury Theologian and Philosopher Deep Dive
Anselm of Canterbury, an influential theologian and philosopher of the eleventh century, is best known for his unique synthesis of Christian thought with philosophical inquiry. Operating in a time marked by the maturing of scholasticism, Anselm’s intellectual pursuits sought to explore and...
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Jeremy Bentham Utilitarianism Deep Dive
Jeremy Bentham is one of those figures whose name can feel like a label—“utilitarian,” “reformer,” “the greatest happiness principle”—until you pause and remember that a label is never the person. Bentham lived a whole life inside an age that was remaking itself with startling speed. He was born…
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John Stuart Mill Collectivism vs Individualism Deep Dive
John Stuart Mill is one of those philosophers who never really becomes “historical,” because the world keeps reproducing the dilemmas he cared about in new forms. How should we balance individual freedom against collective well-being? When does a majority become a moral danger to minorities? What...
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27 Boethius The Roman Philosopher Deep Dive
Boethius, a Roman philosopher born around 480 AD, is often regarded as a pivotal figure in the intersection of ancient and medieval philosophy. Best known for his work "The Consolation of Philosophy," Boethius’ writing reflects the turbulent times in which he lived, marked by political intrigue,...
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26 Augustine of Hippo 354_430 AD Deep Dive
Augustine of Hippo, who lived from 354 to 430 AD, is not just a towering figure of early Christianity; he stands as a significant voice in Western moral philosophy. His thoughts and writings emerged during a time of profound change, as the Roman Empire was in decline and Christianity was…
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25 Hypatia The Philosopher of Alexandria Deep Dive
Hypatia of Alexandria, a prominent philosopher of the late fourth and early fifth centuries, stands as a symbol of intellectual rigor and the pursuit of truth in an era marked by burgeoning Christianity and the decline of classical philosophy. Renowned for her work in mathematics, astronomy, and...
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24 Marcus Aurelius-Emperor & Philosopher Deep Dive
Marcus Aurelius, both an emperor of Rome and a philosopher, is a figure who embodies the intersection of power and introspection. Living in the second century CE, during a time when the Roman Empire reached its zenith, he is primarily remembered today for his writings, specifically his collection...
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23 Plotinus The Philosopher 204 to 270 C.E. Deep Dive
Plotinus, who lived from 204 to 270 C.E., was a philosopher of late antiquity, best known as the founder of Neoplatonism, a school of thought that synthesized ideas from Plato with Eastern philosophical concepts. He emerged in a rich cultural and intellectual milieu during the Roman Empire, a…
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22 Chrysippus The Stoic Philosopher Deep Dive
Chrysippus of Soli, who lived around 279 BCE, is one of the most important Stoic philosophers, often regarded as the second founder of Stoicism after Zeno of Citium. He played a crucial role in shaping the doctrines of this philosophical school during the Hellenistic period, which was…
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21 Cleanthes of Assos 330-230 BCE Deep Dive
Cleanthes of Assos who lived from 330 to 230 BCE, was a pivotal figure in the development of Stoic philosophy, succeeding Zeno of Citium as its leader and contributing significantly to its ethical framework. His work emerged during a time when philosophical schools were thriving amidst the…
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20 Deep Dive Zeno of Citium Deep Dive
20 Deep Dive Zeno of Citium Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, emerged in the early 3rd century BCE, a time when philosophical thought was evolving in response to the uncertainties of the Hellenistic world. Born in Citium, a city on the island of Cyprus, Zeno's work marked a transformative...
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18 Deep Dive Epicurus Deep Dive
18 Deep Dive Epicurus Epicurus, a prominent figure in the Hellenistic period, is often remembered for his teachings on happiness and the nature of pleasure, grounded in an ethical philosophy that emphasizes personal well-being and the pursuit of tranquility. His ideas continue to resonate…
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17 Deep Dive Diogenes of Sinope Deep Dive
Diogenes of Sinope, a central figure in the philosophical school of Cynicism, emerged in the 4th century BCE and is remembered for his unconventional lifestyle and astute critiques of societal norms. While we explored the outlines of his life and context in the previous episode, this deep dive…
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Deep Dive Philosopher Aristotle On Ethics
Deep Dive Philosopher Aristotle On Ethics Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 384 to 322 BCE, is a towering figure in Western philosophy, particularly known for his explorations of ethics. His work lays the groundwork for how we think about morality, virtue, and the good life....
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16 Deep Dive Aristotle
16 Deep Dive Aristotle Aristotle, a towering figure in ancient Greek philosophy, lived from 384 to 322 BCE and is renowned for his profound influence on various fields, including ethics, politics, and metaphysics. His work laid foundational ideas that continue to shape moral philosophy today.…
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15 Deep Dive Plato
15 Deep Dive Plato Plato, an Athenian philosopher from the classical era, is a foundational figure in Western moral philosophy. He was a student of Socrates and later became the teacher of Aristotle, and his work laid the groundwork for many philosophical inquiries that followed. While his life...
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The Philosophy of AI Systems Deep Dive
How does legitimacy get manufactured? By narratives. Safety. Convenience. Productivity. Health. Fraud prevention. National security. Child protection. AI safety itself. Crises will be used as accelerants because crises create permission structures. Convenience is the slow pull; crisis is the fast...
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14 Deep Dive Socrates
14 Deep Dive Socrates Socrates, a foundational figure in Western philosophy, lived in ancient Athens in the fifth century BCE. Known primarily through the writings of his students, particularly Plato, Socrates is often celebrated for his contributions to ethics and epistemology. His method of...
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13 Deep Dive Gorgias the Nihilist
13 Deep Dive Gorgias the Nihilist Gorgias of Leontini is a figure entrenched in the history of Western philosophical thought, particularly known for his early exploration of nihilism and skepticism during the 5th century BCE. As a sophist and rhetorician, Gorgias's ideas challenged the very…
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12 Deep Dive Democritus The Laughing Philosopher
12 Deep Dive Democritus The Laughing Philosopher Democritus, often dubbed the "Laughing Philosopher," hails from ancient Greece, specifically from Abdera, where he flourished around the 5th century BCE. This title points to both his philosophical approach and his wide-reaching influence in…
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11 Deep Dive Anaxagoras
11 Deep Dive Anaxagoras Anaxagoras is a pre-Socratic philosopher who lived in the 5th century BCE, known for introducing the notion of Nous, or Mind, as a cosmic principle governing the universe. He hailed from Clazomenae in present-day Turkey and spent significant time in Athens, where his ideas...
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10 Deep Dive Empedocles
10 Deep Dive Empedocles Empedocles, a pre-Socratic philosopher from the 5th century BCE, is often remembered for his dualistic cosmology and unique view of the nature of reality. His ideas laid foundational stones for later philosophical inquiries, intertwining natural philosophy with ethics in...
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09 Deep Dive Zeno of Elea
09 Deep Dive Zeno of Elea Zeno of Elea, a pre-Socratic philosopher from the 5th century BCE, is best known for his paradoxes, which challenge our understanding of space, time, and motion. He was a student of the philosopher Parmenides, who proposed that reality is unchanging and that all…
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08 Deep Dive Parmenides of Elea
08 Deep Dive Parmenides of Elea Parmenides of Elea was a quintessential figure in early Greek philosophy, famed not only for his metaphysical ideas but also for laying foundational concepts that would ripple through the history of Western thought. He lived in the fifth century BCE and is…
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07 Deep Dives Heraclitus Panta Rei
07 Deep Dives Heraclitus Panta Rei Heraclitus was a pre-Socratic philosopher active in ancient Greece around the 6th century BCE, known primarily for his assertion that "everything flows," captured by the phrase "Panta Rei." This idea has profound implications not only for metaphysics but also…
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05 Deep Dive Pythagoras 570-495 BCE
Deep Dive Pythagoras 570-495 BCE Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 570 to 495 BCE, is perhaps best known for his eponymous theorem in mathematics involving the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. However, his influence goes far beyond mathematics, extending...
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04 Deep Dives Pherecydes of Syros 580-520 BCE
Deep Dives 04 Pherecydes of Syros 580-520 BCE Pherecydes of Syros, who lived between 580 and 520 BCE, holds a distinctive place in the fabric of early Greek philosophy. Not only is he credited as one of the first to explore the intersection of mythology and philosophy, but also as a precursor to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
From Heraclitus’ fragments on change to Hannah Arendt’s reflections on responsibility, this series traces the story of Western moral thought. Each episode introduces the life, context, and ideas of the philosophers who shaped how we think about right and wrong, freedom and duty, justice and power. Designed for newcomers yet rich enough for curious thinkers, it offers a guided journey through the great debates that still shape our world today.
What does it mean to be human?
Western Moral Philosophy for Beginners and Selenius Media takes you on a guided journey through the minds that shaped the moral backbone of the West — from the earliest Greek thinkers to the modern age.
Lived stories — of struggle, ambition, conflict, revelation — all unfolding against the sweep of history.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand philosophy clearly, calmly, and humanly…
If you want to know not just what these thinkers argued, but why it mattered…
Follow Western Mora
HOSTED BY
Selenius Media
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Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners currently has 110 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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From Heraclitus’ fragments on change to Hannah Arendt’s reflections on responsibility, this series traces the story of Western moral thought. Each episode introduces the life, context, and ideas of the philosophers who shaped how we think about right and wrong, freedom and duty, justice and power....
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Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners publishes regularly with 110 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners is created and hosted by Selenius Media.
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