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The Meaning of...

The Meaning of... explores how and where we find meaning in the modern world, hosted by anthropologist Dr Monty Badami and philosopher Dr Tim Dean.
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Now displaying: 2017
Nov 12, 2017

It's the holiday season, where many of us engage in religious holidays and festivals. But can we celebrate Diwali, Christmas or Hanukkah if we don't believe in supernatural forces (or Santa Claus)? Why is belief in a god or gods so common throughout history and across cultures? What role does god and religion play in providing meaning in our lives?

Nov 5, 2017

From hoop earrings to yoga to rock and roll, people from one culture often "appropriate" elements from other cultures. But is this a case of exploitation? Should people ask permission before drawing from another culture? Are there times when another culture is off limits? 

Oct 29, 2017

In many ways, race is an outdated concept that refers to biological differences among human populations that don't really exist in the way many people think they do. But race is also a social phenomenon that is deeply significant to many people's sense of meaning. So how should we think about, and use the term, "race"?

Oct 22, 2017

Why is love such a potent experience? Is it just down to a biological imperative to mate, or is there something transcendental about it? In this episode, we discuss love from the perspectives of philosophy, anthropology and science.

Oct 15, 2017

Business is the new Rolex watch. It seems to signal our importance. But are we "spending" our time effectively? Or wasting it keeping busy and not doing the things that mean the most?

Oct 8, 2017

Birds can sing, dogs can bark, but only we compose symphonies or dance until the wee hours. Why? Where does music come from? How did it evolve? And what function does it serve today?

Oct 1, 2017

The election of Donald Trump to be President of the United States came a shock to many. Why? And what can be done about the polarisation of views that makes it so hard for those who support and oppose Trump to even talk to each other constructively?

Sep 25, 2017

There's how we are and how we think we are. But what happens when they get out of synch?

Sep 18, 2017

Join us for a special live recorded episode held at Sydney Contemporary art expo hosted by The School of Life at the Glenfiddich whisky bar. We talk about the evolution of art, the role it plays in in our lives and how we use it to create and explore meaning.

Sep 7, 2017

The Meaning of Life explores where we find meaning in our lives, whether through work, family, love, religion, death etc. But we appear to live in a vast uncaring universe. So can there even be any meaning to be found?

Sep 7, 2017

What's this podcast all about, and who are these guys behind it? Find out here.

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