23 episodes

Matthew Sweet examines philosophical problems with a live audience in a pub

The Philosopher's Arms BBC Radio 4

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 22 Ratings

Matthew Sweet examines philosophical problems with a live audience in a pub

    Swearing

    Swearing

    Matthew Sweet examines knotty philosophical conundrums in an abstract pub.

    • 27 min
    Cake or Biscuit?

    Cake or Biscuit?

    Is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? A tough question for Matthew Sweet and the drinkers at The Philosopher's Arms, a pub offering both beer and philosophy. Among those helping him resolve this important conundrum are a Cambridge professor of philosophy and a former winner of the Great British Bake Off, who will be turning up in the pub with a very large, and possibly quite tasty, Jaffa Cake.
    Producer: David Edmonds.

    • 28 min
    Hypocrisy

    Hypocrisy

    What's wrong with hypocrisy? The Philosopher's Arms, everyone's favourite abstract pub, is back with a pint and a philosophical conundrum. This week, presenter Matthew Sweet is joined at at the bar by philosopher Lisa Bortolotti and political scientist David Runciman. Plus human rights activist, Peter Tatchell, who in the past has publicly exposed people whom he has accused of hypocrisy.
    Producer: David Edmonds.

    • 28 min
    Future People

    Future People

    The Philosopher's Arms, presented by Matthew Sweet, asks what sort of people should we bring into the world. In the pub this week are, among others, Oxford University professor Jeff McMahan and disability studies expert Tom Shakespeare.
    Producer: David Edmonds.

    • 27 min
    Hate Speech

    Hate Speech

    The Philosopher's Arms, presented by Matthew Sweet, asks whether speech can harm. Helping us come to an answer, we have a philosopher, cartoonist and a man who was arrested for hate speech.

    • 27 min
    Weakness of Will

    Weakness of Will

    The Philosopher's Arms asks how we can, at the same time, both want and not want a cream cake. In the pub we have a philosopher, neuroscientists and champion dieter. And a lot of sugar.

    • 27 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
22 Ratings

22 Ratings

SquareBiz539 ,

Philosophy made fun

Very accessible and fun show about philosophical issues and problems that never gets too brainy or academic. Set In a pub with normal people as well as pro philosophers, it demystifies a lot of theories and brings a lot of relevant real world examples and stories to head.

Matthew Sweet is a great host and I do love the bar host Gladys ringing her bell at the end of the show, telling everyone to leave.

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