Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

WOF 016: Bill Nye and Science vs. Philosophy

Today we discuss a viral video from Bill Nye the Science Guy, a pop-science leader, who wonders whether philosophy can provide any real answers to the questions of life. A listener asks whether Bishop Barron would accept an invitation to appear on HBO’s “Real Time” with religious skeptic Bill Maher.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:16 – Bishop Barron updates us on recent talks/events
  • 1:41 – Viral Bill Nye the Science YouTube video on science and philosophy
  • 3:42 – Is philosophy really dragging behind science or, worse, is it dead?
  • 8:19 – Does philosophy ever provide answers that overturn common sense?
  • 8:58 – Bill Nye’s most interesting philosophical questions
  • 12:03 – Does truth require consensus in either science or philosophy?
  • 14:17 – David Hume and hyper-skepticism
  • 15:44 – How skepticism toward philosophy erodes the foundation of science
  • 19:31 – Bill Nye comments on René Descartes
  • 21:13 – The problem of dismissing philosophy without understanding it
  • 23:34 – Bill Nye’s shift from philosophy’s ability to net you a job
  • 28:55 – Question from listener: Would Bishop Barron accept an invitation to appear on Bill Maher’s show?

Bonus Resources