Episodes 20
Avg. Duration 24m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 5.0 (2)
Since Sep 2024
Latest Episode May 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Monthly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
88%
Hosting
news.prairiepublic.org

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Jack Russell Weinstein, host of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, joins Main Street to discuss the philosophical aspects of current events.

Explore Statistics

Recent Episodes

Trust, Fear, and the Fractures in American Society

May 04, 2026 41m

A conversation with Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on trust and skepticism in America, and what it may take to rebuild confidence in democracy.

When a Nation Goes to War: Duty, Dissent, and the Moral Divide

Mar 30, 2026 41m

What does war demand of us all? Jack Russell Weinstein explores just war, citizenship, and moral tension in “Philosophical Currents” on Prairie Public’s “Main Street.”

What Makes a Nation A Nation?

Feb 25, 2026 19m

UND philosopher Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines what defines a nation — borders and government, or shared identity and civic commitment — in this month’s segment.

No One Above the Law: A Philosophical Reckoning in a Time of Crisis

Feb 03, 2026 43m

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

Dec 30, 2025 24m

A philosopher’s take on happiness vs. contentment. Why a good life may be less about feeling happy and more about meaning, perspective, and community.

When the Music Becomes Us: A Philosophical Look at Identity, Memory & Jimmy Cliff

Nov 25, 2025 24m

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 the digital age.

Morality vs. Legality: When Right and Law Collide

Oct 29, 2025 22m

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein of UND examines the tension between what’s moral and what’s legal - how shifting boundaries challenge justice and democracy today.

Can Happiness Be Taught—or Shared—Across Cultures?

Sep 26, 2025 23m

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 across cultures?

Philosophy of NIH Cuts: Justice, Equity, and America’s Common Good

Aug 20, 2025 29m

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein examines NIH funding cuts, health equity, and what these choices reveal about justice, politics, and America’s common good.

Philosophy Professor Unpacks the Purpose—and Price—of College

Jul 31, 2025 21m

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores college’s purpose, rising costs, and lasting value, arguing it remains a transformative force despite modern pressures.

Ethics of War: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Morality in Conflict

Jun 26, 2025 26m

Philosopher Jack Russell Weinstein explores how to uphold dignity, responsibility, and empathy in the midst of war and violence.

What Makes Life Meaningful?

May 29, 2025 24m

Dr. Jack Weinstein joins Philosophical Currents to explore how philosophy helps us find purpose, fulfillment, and ethical guidance in the search for meaning.

De-Extinction

Apr 30, 2025 24m

UND's Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein, Professor of Philosophy, explores the ethics of de-extinction and whether reviving lost species is wise—or just scientific mimicry.

Who Decides When We Die? Ethics of Assisted Death

Mar 27, 2025 29m

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

Feb 26, 2025 24m

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 automation.

AI-powered "death bots"

Jan 31, 2025 23m

On Philosophical Currents, Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the ethics of AI "death bots," discussing consent, privacy, grief, and the risks of digital manipulation.

Community and Family Dynamics: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein on Thanksgiving

Nov 29, 2024 23m

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores how Thanksgiving traditions shape family and community bonds, spark philosophical conversations, and influence identity in "Community and Family Dynamics.

Philosophy of Community and Connection

Nov 04, 2024 24m

Philosophical Currents: Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein explores the philosophy of community and connection, examining the meaning of human relationships in a digital world.

Being Wrong: Understanding Human Fallibility and Learning from Mistakes

Oct 02, 2024 21m

Being wrong - exploring the nature of human fallibility, examining why we make mistakes, how we can learn from them, and the ethical implications of embracing error.

Does the “sport” of politics undermine its importance?

Sep 04, 2024 23m

Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein is a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life. He discusses Politics as Sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Philosophical Currents have?

Philosophical Currents has published 20 episodes since September 2024, covering topics in News, News Commentary.

Is Philosophical Currents still active?

Philosophical Currents is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 24m.

How do I contact Philosophical Currents for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Philosophical Currents, including email and social media links.

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