Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners

About Western Moral Philosophy For Beginners

From Heraclitus’ fragments on change to Hannah Arendt’s reflections on responsibility, this series traces the story of Western moral thought. Each episode introduces the life, context, and ideas of the philosophers who shaped how we think about right and wrong, freedom and duty, justice and power. Designed for newcomers yet rich enough for curious thinkers, it offers a guided journey through the great debates that still shape our world today. What does it mean to be human? Western Moral Philosophy for Beginners and Selenius Media takes you on a guided journey through the minds that shaped the moral backbone of the West — from the earliest Greek thinkers to the modern age. Lived stories — of struggle, ambition, conflict, revelation — all unfolding against the sweep of history. If you’ve ever wanted to understand philosophy clearly, calmly, and humanly… If you want to know not just what these thinkers argued, but why it mattered… Follow Western Moral Philosophy for Beginners today. And explore 10 more Podcasts at Selenius Media.

Publisher

Selenius Media

Category

history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Sept 2025

Latest episode

11 May 2026

Latest episodes

110 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 May 2026

   The Compassionate Stoic.

   Film here. https://x.com/aintntnotn25316/status/2053906994017542200 (https://x.com/aintntnotn25316/status/2053906994017542200) I can be reached at seleniusmedia@gmail.com (mailto:seleniusmedia@gmail.com) For thoughts, ideas and anything else really.

2. 

   18 Feb 2026

   Albert Camus Existential Thought Deep Dive

   Albert Camus is a towering figure in existentialist thought, often celebrated for his exploration of the human experience amidst life's absurdities. Emerging from the tumultuous backdrop of 20th-century Europe, particularly during and after World War II, Camus addressed deep philosophical questions regarding meaning, freedom, and the human condition. While he is often associated with the absurdist movement, his contributions to moral philosophy extend far beyond mere existential angst, providing a compelling framework for understanding ethical dilemmas in our modern world. One of Camus's most influential works is "The Myth of Sisyphus," in which he presents his conception of the absurd and the struggle of the human spirit. At the heart of the essay is the Greek myth of Sisyphus, condemned by the gods to eternally roll a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down each time he reaches the summit. Camus draws a parallel between Sisyphus's plight and the human condition, arguing that life itself can often feel like an endless struggle devoid of objective meaning. In this context, he posits that one's response to this absurdity is what shapes the moral landscape. Camus introduces the idea of rebellion against the absurd as a moral stance. Rather than succumbing to nihilism, he argues that individuals should confront absurdity head-on, embracing their freedom and the capacity to create their own meaning. He maintains that acknowledging the absence of inherent meaning does not necessitate despair. Instead, it presents the opportunity to forge one's own values and purpose. This defiance manifests itself in a recognition of the human experience as valuable in its own right, where the struggle itself becomes a source of meaning.

3. 

   10 Feb 2026

   Jean-Paul Sartre Being and Nothingness Deep Dive

   Jean-Paul Sartre was a profound French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist who lived from 1905 to 1980. Emerging as a key figure in the existentialist movement during the mid-20th century, Sartre sought to explore the complexities of human freedom, responsibility, and existence itself. His work not only pushed the philosophical boundaries but also resonated with the socio-political turbulence of his time, particularly the aftermath of World War II. One of Sartre’s most significant contributions to moral philosophy is his concept of existentialism, which fundamentally asserts that existence precedes essence. This idea posits that individuals are not born with predetermined purposes or natures; instead, they are thrust into existence and must sculpt their own identities and meanings through choices and actions. In his seminal work, "Being and Nothingness," published in 1943, Sartre delves deeply into the nature of being, consciousness, and the concept of 'nothingness.' He argues that human beings are condemned to be free, meaning that we bear the weight of our freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. On top of that, Sartre's ideas about 'the gaze' illustrate the inherent relational aspect of human existence, suggesting that our identities are often shaped by how others perceive us. To better comprehend Sartre's morality, consider his arguments around authenticity and bad faith. Authenticity refers to the idea of living in accordance with one’s true self and values, as opposed to conforming to societal expectations. In contrast, bad faith, or "mauvaise foi," is Sartre’s term for self-deception, whereby individuals avoid the anxiety that comes from absolute freedom by adopting false identities, denying their own freedom, or adhering rigidly to societal roles. For instance, think of a person who stays in a job they despise simply because it’s expected of them or a political figure who compromises their values to gain popularity. By succumbing to bad faith, they reject the freedom to choose their own path, and in doing so, they forfeit their authentic selves.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

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