In episode 124 of Overthink, Ellie and David wonder what intuition actually is. Is it a gut feeling, a rational insight, or just a generalization from past experience? They talk about the role intuition has played in early modern philosophy (in the works of Descartes, Hume, and Mill), in phenomenology (in the philosophies of Husserl and Nishida), and in the philosophy of science (in the writings of Bachelard). They also call into question the use of intuitions in contemporary analytic philosophy while also highlighting analytic critiques of the use of intuition in philosophical discourse. So, the question is: Can we trust our intuitions or not? Are they reliable sources of knowledge, or do they just reveal our implicit biases and cultural stereotypes?

Episode 53 explains why personhood is a concept broader than humanity, and discusses Peter Singer’s concept of speciesism.

Episode 52 discusses co-host David’s new book When Animals Dream, which makes a fascinating case for the consciousness of animals from octopuses to zebra finches.

Astrology. Dangerous pseudoscience? Comforting salve in a cold capitalist world? Subjugated knowledge? David and Ellie assess the history, enduring appeal, and risks of astrology.