A Beginner's Guide to Philosophy - Feat. Philosophize This!

- VIDEO NOTES

Steven West is the host of "Philosophize This!" one of the world's most popular philosophy podcasts.

- LINKS

- TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Creating a Philosophy Show
02:58 Why Socrates is Such an Important Figure
06:57 Main Ideas of Socrates
10:28 Why You Should Care About Philosophy
17:43 Is Philosophy Useful?
25:55 How to Begin Learning About Philosophy
36:18 Why Alex Went to University
42:25 The Best Intro to the General Basics
54:02 Analytic Vs Continental Philosophy
1:04:03 Most Underrated Philosophers
1:09:37 Alex’s Gripe With David Hume
1:12:49 Creating Philosophy Content
1:19:02 Ending

- SPECIAL THANKS

A special thanks to my top-tier supporters on Patreon:

Tom Rindell
James Younger, DDS

- CONNECT

SOCIAL LINKS:

TikTok: @CosmicSkeptic

- CONTACT

Or send me something:

Alex O'Connor
Po Box 1610
OXFORD
OX4 9LL
ENGLAND

------------------------------------------

[Guillermoyo]

I have listened to philosophise this for so many years and I never knew what Steven West looked like! His voice is the backdrop to my commute for hundreds of hours. I have learnt and been introduced to all the philosophy I know through him first. I am really pleased he is on a huge platform with Alex and he gets even more support, he deserves it IMO.

[PlatoDragon]

As a philosophy major, I can say that Philosophize This! is the only resource that not only served as a source of inspiration even before I applied to a university, but also still serves as a valuable introductory resource in my studies from time to time. This is a highly anticipated episode, thanks Alex!

[big_pressy]

This is possibly the best beginner philosophy crossover episode ever. They are both great influences on people on every level of philosophy these days. Good shit

[TannerCLynn]

I got into philosophy because of a random youtube suggested video "what people get wrong about Nietzsche." I had never heard of the guy but he had a funny looking mustache so I clicked on the video. The video was interesting enough that I bought Beyond Good & Evil because it was the first book that came up when I typed his name on Amazon. I was SO CONFUSED as to what he was talking about after reading the first few pages several times. I considered myself a smart person at the time and it really humbled me. I was in university so I looked for a Nietzsche class that I could take as an elective. It had a prereq I took called "Modern Philosophy: Descartes through Kant" and I LOVED it. I was mad at myself for missing out on this stuff my whole life up until then. The Nietzsche class was the single best class I have ever taken. Since then I have loved philosophy. Finding some of my favorite philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Aurelias, Seneca, Epictetus, Kant, Nietzsche, Foucault I all owe to that one random video on Youtube years ago...

[allanthompson]

Stephen has helped me these last couple years working a boring job, I get given ideas to consider, break down and or build upon. As well as give me more suggestions for reading material.

But most importantly in an environment devoid of people that want to talk philosophy a feeling of community and belonging.

[FormsInSpace]

didn't think he looked like that. it's amazing how based on a voice we imagine what someone looks like.

[stevesmith]

I must have been listening to Steven for at least six or seven years now, and this was the first time I saw his face. It felt weird to hear that familiar voice come out of a unfamiliar face. Also, it made me immensely happy to hear Steven give Alex such a glowing endorsement at the end. Steven's endorsement of Alex tells me I have assessed Alex's value as a thinker accurately. Alex, just like Steven, is one of a kind. On a side note; Alex and Steven are the only two podcasters I've ever patronized on Patreon. It's a matter of pride for me.

[BoshBerry]

My Stephen West! He genuinely changed my life with his podcast

[liamoclery]

As someone who was 100% hostile to exactly the stereotypes of philosophy described here- I’m seriously considering taking proper college courses following this video.

I’m not a fan of amateur philosophy-tube, but those exact pretenses were addressed here.

You’re right, I probably haven’t been giving philosophy a fair shake.

[juliettepage]

I've never watched Philosophize This before but Steven comes across as such a knowledgeable and intelligent guy. He needn't be so humble about his lack of "formal education" because it is clear that he is passionate about philosophy and understands much more than some who have graduated university with a degree. It was so nice to be able to see you both enjoy each other's responses and talk about something that is of deep interest to you both. As someone who would like to explore philosophy further, this has given me useful advice on how to get started. Thank you for bringing it to my attention Alex. :)

[kaironanmusic]

I don't usually do this but I have to take a minute to appreciate and compliment this collaboration.

I've been listening to "Philosophize This!" for years and never say Steven West's face until now. I'm only thirty seconds in and my sympathy levels have already increased. I'm a huge fan of your work and to now have a face to the voice only makes it more entertaining.

Alex O' Connor. I only watched the debate with Jordan Peterson last week and you immediately got my attention with the way you maintain posture throughout a discussion. The level of composure at your age is truly inspiring and I hope the world may enjoy the privilege of your work.

Now let me enjoy this...

[zachr]

I love Steven West so much. You have no idea how excited I was to see my two favorite philosophical creators collaborating in my feed. Thank you Alex!

[humanbeing]

Noooo wayyy, did not expect this!! Two guys who really are responsible for initiating me into the world of philosophy - what an unexpected joy!!! Really did not see this coming and am so so excited to listen haha
(Parasocial relationships are real lol)

[jonas]

Alex is the gift that keeps on giving! I didn't expect to see Philosophize This! on the pod!

I look forward to hearing the whole conversation.

[Lmaoh]

Oh this is a nice surprise! Philosophize This! was my intro to some of my favorite thinkers

[TeachThirst]

My response to the Hume problem is that there is no missing shade of blue because colours are kept discrete but rather continuous. There exists a shade of blue which lies between any two shades of blue.

This does not change the fact that blueness relies on an impression. To see how that is so, consider how hard it is to think of a new colour (for which there is no impression) compared to one of infinite gradations for a colour for which there is an impression.

[aestheticallyirrelevant]

I've just recently completed my Philosophy Degree and I cannot understate the role Philosophize This has played in preparing me for tbe ideas that came up throughout my time - if you're reading this, thankyou and keep up the amazing work

[kredonystus]

This is one of the best guests Alex has had. I'll definitely be checking out his channel.

[GiannisCoolDog]

Philosophize This! got me into philosophy and I’m forever grateful. Thanks for having him on the show :)

[Gurkenklemme]

Holy shit, that's my dream!! Thank you both. favourite philosophy podcasts combined!