Tuning in to philosophy, humanities during the pandemic

Philosophy s John Perry and Ken Taylor were the founding co-hosts of Philosophy Talk , which first aired in 2004. (Image credit: L.A. Cicero) As Philosophy Talk reaches 500th episode, the well-loved radio show discusses how humanities can help during the pandemic With the 500th episode of the popular radio show Philosophy Talk approaching, program co-founder John Perry and current host Joshua Landy reflect on how philosophy, and the humanities broadly, can help during these turbulent times. With the coronavirus pandemic upending every aspect of our lives, it can feel like so much is out of our control. But instead of feeling helpless about what is unraveling all around us, Stanford professor Joshua Landy wants us to focus on what can be managed in these challenging times: our reaction. Go to the web site to Philosophy Talk co-founder John Perry and current host Joshua Landy reflect on how philosophy is part of daily human discussion and interaction. "Our response to it - that's something that's under our control," said Landy, the Andrew B. Hammond Professor of French and professor of comparative literature in the School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S). From the books we choose to read to the movies we decide to watch, Landy said there are two directions to go: "One is to plunge yourself deeper into misery and make yourself even more afraid, and the other is, well, not escapism exactly, but the kind of writing that keeps your mind alive, alert and active." Landy, who co-hosts the popular radio program Philosophy Talk , which is reaching its 500th episode, hopes that the show's upcoming programs will help listeners find new ways to experience the crisis through the power of storytelling.