In this podcast we explore the relationship between a scientifically rational and a spiritual approach to reality. That is the relationship of Athens and Jerusalem. Our currently prevalent Western worldview is supposed to be based on rationality. If production of weapons of mass destruction, degradation of the natural environment, and increasing deterioration of mental well-being are signs of rationality, the term is to be considered a dangerous one. In all these, one can detect lack of ethical and existential considerations which renders this worldview essentially an irrational one. On the other hand, various forms of religious dogmatism and fundamentalism lack true spirituality, as they fail to create both a personal experience of serenity and upliftment and a social practice of empathy, solidarity, and equality. Essentially, both scientific and religious dogmatism seem to fail due to their disregard for a true and holistic view of human nature. Neither traditional Athens nor historical Jerusalem, alone, have been able to help our deepest human potential flourish, which we consider the task of our modern school system.
Athens and Jerusalem (in Education)
Claim This Podcastby Knut Ove Æsøy, Steven Phelps, Kamran Namdar
Podcast Overview
In this podcast we explore the relationship between a scientifically rational and a spiritual approach to reality. That is the relationship of Athens and Jerusalem. Our currently prevalent Western worldview is supposed to be based on rationality. If production of weapons of mass destruction, degradation of the natural environment, and increasing deterioration of mental well-being are signs of rationality, the term is to be considered a dangerous one. In all these, one can detect lack of ethical and existential considerations which renders this worldview essentially an irrational one. On the other hand, various forms of religious dogmatism and fundamentalism lack true spirituality, as they fail to create both a personal experience of serenity and upliftment and a social practice of empathy, solidarity, and equality. Essentially, both scientific and religious dogmatism seem to fail due to their disregard for a true and holistic view of human nature. Neither traditional Athens nor historical Jerusalem, alone, have been able to help our deepest human potential flourish, which we consider the task of our modern school system.
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Publishing Since
12/8/2023
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Recent Episodes
June 16, 2026
Mathematics and Ethics
<p>In this episode we have a visit from Rebecca Teclemariam. She has worked for more than 30 years in education as an educator, teacher, teacher educator and administrator. We are particularly curious about how she connects mathematics and ethics. She attempts to show how essential values for humans can be shown mathematically. An example is to create a mathematical model that shows the relationship between generosity and friendship. We also discuss whether it is possible to measure all forms of values and knowledge mathematically, maybe even theological values. If it is true that the universe is mathematical, then we can stop doing mathematics based on material prosperity and growth and instead use human resources to measure the values that really have value for us. Can we stop giving value to what we think we can measure and instead measure what actually has value for us? This will have revolutionary impact and perhaps this is what we should do in schools to create a sustainable relationship between humans and the world?</p>
May 24, 2026
Philosophy as the motive of action?
<p>In this episode we start by discussing the development of philosophy. Or rather, our thesis is that there has actually been no particular development of philosophy. Rather, it seems as if there have perhaps been some degenerate thoughts within Western philosophy over the past 2500 years. Furthermore, we examine the idea of which rationality actually motivates action. Why is it that scientific knowledge does not necessarily change human practice, while much indicates that the motive for our practices is philosophy and understanding of life. By implication, philosophy is the most practical rationality we have as humans. In that case, a new problem arises. If philosophy is what motivates humans to act, and this philosophy has not changed in 2500 years, does that mean that we still act the way they did 2500 years ago?</p>
April 18, 2026
Roe Fremstedal on Søren Kierkegaard
<p>In this episode, we talk about the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. We have with us an expert on his philosophy, Professor Roe Fremstedal at NTNU, Norway. He presents his interpretation of Kierkegaard as an ethical thinker. We start from the distinction between knowledge and faith. A central point is that when it comes to faith, we cannot be certain. While when it comes to knowledge, we can have evidence that supports the knowledge. The uncertainty of reason means that humans must choose. We cannot help but relate to faith and questions without evidence. Refusing to relate to faith will also be a choice. In the podcast we discuss that even those who say they do not believe have a belief. And those who are good people, but think they do not believe, actually believe deep down.<br>However, we will not be completely clear in this podcast when it comes to answering life's essential questions, rather there will be a good deal of nuance in Kierkegaard's philosophy and not least clarification of some of the misconceptions about him. Enjoy!</p><p>For further reading: Roe Fremstedal, Kierkegaard on Self, Ethics, and Religion: Purity or Despair, Cambridge: Cambridge University <br>Press 2022<br>And soon to come: Roe Fremstedal, The Ethical and the Religious, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press in press 2026 (Elements in the Philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard</p>
38 total episodes available
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