Philosophy vs. ImprovPhilosophy vs. Improv

Philosophy vs. Improv

Metaphysics

PvI#49: Ferrets in Uniform with Cole Nasrallah

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We talk transcendental idealism and Schopenhauer with Cole, who teaches philosophy at the College of Southern Nevada. How does the idea that everything is ideas actually affect behavior? What if you think that reality is a swirling mass of chaos? What are you gonna do then? Huh? Also, the least effective confidential informant! Hear Mark talk about Schopenhauer on The … [Read more...] about PvI#49: Ferrets in Uniform with Cole Nasrallah

PvI#47: What’s in the Chili? w/ Rachael Mason

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Rachael was a mentor of Bill's and works with him at the newly reopened iO Theater. So it's like we have TWO improv instructors here. We run some  scenes, talk a bit too much about chili, and touch on functionalism, idealism, napism, and other isms. Jump into the marzipan! Brucie and Frucie are waiting for you! Rachael has been a guest on many improv podcasts. Hear … [Read more...] about PvI#47: What’s in the Chili? w/ Rachael Mason

PvI#41: Situatedness in Three Persons w/ Sarah Shockey

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What is personhood? How can a group best collaboratively invent a scene? Sarah is a host of Marty and Sarah Love Wrestling and a repeat guest on Hello From the Magic Tavern. We fit in THREE scenes, some discussion of the various layers of what it is for something to be (or not be) person, and some musings about the weather and such. Follow us @sarahjoyshockey, @btarnett, and … [Read more...] about PvI#41: Situatedness in Three Persons w/ Sarah Shockey

PvI#34: Possible Diners w/ Barry Lam

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Barry teaches at Vassar and hosts a documentary-style philosophy podcast called Hi-Phi Nation, and his most recent season had a four-episode run on David Lewis, America's foremost philosopher of possible worlds (also covered by PEL), after Dr. Strange, of course. So we talk about that notion, in the philosophy of metaphysics and language, and also in the literal physics … [Read more...] about PvI#34: Possible Diners w/ Barry Lam

PvI#27: Normaliticitizationism w/ Andrew Lavin

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We are joined by the young purveyor of the Reductio podcast, who wrote his dissertation on normality, which was such a normie thing to do. Can "abnormality" be morally neutral, or is that term cursed? We talk disability studies. You down with OTPs? Repeat after mes! How many towels do you need? Listen to Andrew explain his dissertation uninterrupted. Here's that offensive … [Read more...] about PvI#27: Normaliticitizationism w/ Andrew Lavin

PvI#23: Things Mean Things w/ Tommy Maranges (aka Philosophy Bro)

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Can we have an entertaining discussion inspired by Aristotle's most boring book? Bill leads Mark and our guest Tommy through some let's-describe-what's-in-an-imaginary-room exercises.  Dark Tourist, I'm Sorry, the bookCan we have an entertaining discussion inspired by Aristotle's most boring book, The  Categories? Bill leads Mark and our guest Tommy through some … [Read more...] about PvI#23: Things Mean Things w/ Tommy Maranges (aka Philosophy Bro)

PvI#19: Broken Atomic Dogs

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Let's all lose our jobs and talk instead about fundamental ontology and social dynamics.  Image by I don't remember. Audio editing by Tyler Hislop. Hear more PvI. Support the podcast to get bonus stuff and good karma! Sponsors: Visit betterhelp.com/improv to be matched with a licensed, professional therapist. Learn about St. John's College at sjc.edu/improv. … [Read more...] about PvI#19: Broken Atomic Dogs

PvI#14: Action Idealism!

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Are so-called "material objects" really just a scam? These two cut-ups (Bill and Mark) cut up the world in various ways, showing you how to teach, how to act, and how to haggle.  Learn more about Berkeley's idealism with PEL #89. Image by Sam (called "Sharp Dressed Man"). Audio editing by Tyler Hislop. Hear more PvI. Support the podcast to get bonus stuff and good … [Read more...] about PvI#14: Action Idealism!