Philosophical Currents
Episodes
When a Nation Goes to War: Duty, Dissent, and the Moral Divide
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does war demand of us all? Jack Russell Weinstein explores just war, citizenship, and moral tension in “Philosophical Currents” on Prairie Pu...
What Makes a Nation A Nation?
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
UND philosopher Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines what defines a nation — borders and government, or shared identity and civic commitment — in t...
No One Above the Law: A Philosophical Reckoning in a Time of Crisis
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A timely Philosophical Currents conversation with Jack Russell Weinstein on the rule of law, power, accountability, and democracy under strain.
Happy or Content? Rethinking What a Good Life Really Means
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A philosopher’s take on happiness vs. contentment. Why a good life may be less about feeling happy and more about meaning, perspective, and communit...
When the Music Becomes Us: A Philosophical Look at Identity, Memory & Jimmy Cliff
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How the music of our youth becomes part of who we are. Dr. Jack Weinstein reflects on Jimmy Cliff’s legacy and why deeply listening still matters in...
Morality vs. Legality: When Right and Law Collide
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein of UND examines the tension between what’s moral and what’s legal - how shifting boundaries challenge justice and democ...
Can Happiness Be Taught—or Shared—Across Cultures?
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein asks: Is happiness about less suffering, more joy, or wealth—and can Finland’s model of well-being be shared acro...
Philosophy of NIH Cuts: Justice, Equity, and America’s Common Good
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines NIH funding cuts, health equity, and what these choices reveal about justice, politics, and America’s common goo...
Philosophy Professor Unpacks the Purpose—and Price—of College
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores college’s purpose, rising costs, and lasting value, arguing it remains a transformative force despite modern pre...
Ethics of War: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Morality in Conflict
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Philosopher Jack Russell Weinstein explores how to uphold dignity, responsibility, and empathy in the midst of war and violence.
What Makes Life Meaningful?
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Weinstein joins Philosophical Currents to explore how philosophy helps us find purpose, fulfillment, and ethical guidance in the search for m...
De-Extinction
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Professor of Philosophy, explores the ethics of de-extinction and whether reviving lost species is wise—or just sc...
Who Decides When We Die? Ethics of Assisted Death
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores autonomy, identity, and the ethics of assisted death through the story of Alzheimer's advocate Sandra Demontigny.
The Value of Work
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the meaning of work, its role in human dignity, and how we should rethink labor, purpose, and income in an era of ...
AI-powered "death bots"
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Philosophical Currents, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the ethics of AI "death bots," discussing consent, privacy, grief, and the risks of dig...
Community and Family Dynamics: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Thanksgiving
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores how Thanksgiving traditions shape family and community bonds, spark philosophical conversations, and influence ide...
Philosophy of Community and Connection
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Philosophical Currents: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the philosophy of community and connection, examining the meaning of human relationships i...
Being Wrong: Understanding Human Fallibility and Learning from Mistakes
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being wrong - exploring the nature of human fallibility, examining why we make mistakes, how we can learn from them, and the ethical implications of e...
Does the “sport” of politics undermine its importance?
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein is a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life. He discu...
Aging
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In "Philosophical Currents," Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein discusses aging, societal attitudes, social structures, technology, and ethical responsibiliti...
Farewell Reflections: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein & Ashley Thornberg on 'Philosophical Currents'
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In their final "Philosophical Currents," Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein and Ashley Thornberg reflect on the segment's origins, their journey, and valuable...
The philosophy of rest
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Memorial Day right behind us, it is officially the summer travel season. But if you have your cell phone with you and your cell phone is connecte...
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Impacts on Political Representation
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
NPR's Uri Berliner published an article calling into question some of NPR's reporting. In it, he says he fears NPR over-valued diversity in staffing, ...
Power, Gossip, and Celebrity: A Philosophical Dive
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The evolution of celebrity, the role of gossip, and our societal fascination with public figures in this insightful "Philosophical Currents" conversat...
Satire in Politics
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With Jon Stewart back in the host chair on Mondays for The Daily Show, we discuss the role of satire in politics with philosopher Dr. Jack Russell Wei...