philosophy bites

Peter Adamson on Avicenna's Flying Man Thought Experiment

Are we simply material beings? Do we have an immaterial soul? Can we know this? These questions have vexed philosophers for millenia. Avicenna, who was born in the 10th Century believed he could show that we are not simply physical through a thought experiment, the Flying Man. Peter Adamson discusses this idea with Nigel Warburton in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. 

Listen to Peter Adamson on the Flying Man Thought Experiment

Listen to an earlier interview with Peter Adamson on Avicenna on God

Listen to an earlier interview with Peter Adamson on Plotinus on Evil

Philosophy Bites is made in association with the Institute of Philosophy.

Peter Adamson has his own podcast History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Julian Baggini on Thought Experiments

Philosophers often use elaborate thought experiments in their writing. Are these anything more than rhetorical flourishes? Or do they reveal important aspects of the questions under discussion. Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine and author of a book, The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten, which surveys some of the most interesting and imaginative thought experiments philosophers have used discusses this topic with Nigel Warburton. David Edmonds introduces the interview.

Listen to Julian Baggini on Thought Experiments