American Socrates
Charles M. Rupert
Philosophy isn’t just for academics or armchair thinkers—it’s for anyone navigating the challenges of real life. American Socrates brings philosophy into the real world, showing how it can help you think sharper, make better decisions, and live smarter. Hosted by Charles M. Rupert, this podcast breaks down tough topics like ethics, politics, and life’s biggest questions into practical, half-hour episodes packed with insight and relevance.
Join us to discover a philosophy that’s not just meaningful—but actionable. Subscribe now and take the first step toward better thinking and living. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.
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Top 10 American Socrates Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best American Socrates episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to American Socrates for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite American Socrates episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
What are the Limits of Reason?
American Socrates
03/06/25 • 34 min
Reason is a powerful tool for understanding the world and finding truth, but it's not without its flaws. In this episode, we'll look at the importance of critical thinking in daily life and how it applies to philosophical inquiry. What happens when reason alone isn’t enough? Join us as we explore the edges of rational thought and the mysteries that lie just beyond.
limits of reason, can reason explain everything, logic vs intuition, rationality and belief, philosophy of reason, epistemology podcast, boundaries of logic, understanding paradoxes, philosophy and uncertainty, thinking beyond reason.
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Can Philosophy Save My Life?
American Socrates
03/06/25 • 30 min
Philosophy matters more now than ever. It isn’t just abstract debates and old books—it’s about asking the right questions to make sense of the world and our place in it. In this first episode, we break down what philosophy is, why it matters, and how it shows up in everyday life. From decision-making to morality to the meaning of life, philosophy is everywhere—whether you realize it or not. If you've ever wondered why things are the way they are, you’re already thinking like a philosopher.
what is philosophy, philosophy for beginners, why philosophy matters, everyday philosophy, introduction to philosophy, critical thinking, how to think deeply, practical philosophy, philosophy podcast, meaning of life, Plato's Apology.
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What Can Denim Philosophy Teach Me?
American Socrates
03/06/25 • 32 min
What is the difference between academic philosophy and denim philosophy? Philosophy isn’t just a subject—it’s a toolkit for thinking, questioning, and making sense of the world. In this episode, we break down the biggest lessons philosophy has to offer, from logic and ethics to the meaning of life itself. Whether you’re dealing with a tough decision, a moral dilemma, or just wondering what’s real, philosophy has something to say. Come find out what the great thinkers of history can teach us about living a better, wiser life.
what does philosophy teach, why study philosophy, philosophy life lessons, practical philosophy, philosophy and decision-making, ethics and logic, how to think critically, meaning of life, philosophy podcast, wisdom and philosophy.
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Is that Just Like... Your Opinion, Man!?!
American Socrates
04/09/25 • 26 min
In a world of endless hot takes and internet debates, does truth even matter anymore? This episode dives into the difference between opinion and knowledge—how we justify beliefs, what counts as real understanding, and why not all opinions are created equal. From the Dude’s laid-back wisdom in The Big Lebowski to centuries of philosophical debate, we break down why some ideas hold more weight than others. Tune in and learn how to separate fact from feeling in a world flooded with misinformation.
opinion vs. knowledge, what is truth, philosophy of belief, justifying beliefs, misinformation and truth, critical thinking skills, The Big Lebowski philosophy, subjective vs. objective truth, epistemology explained, are all opinions equal.
How Many Hands Does It Take to Make Sense of an Elephant?
American Socrates
04/16/25 • 31 min
Can we ever see the full picture, or are we all just grasping at different parts of the truth? This episode explores the ancient parable of the blind men and the elephant to tackle a big question in philosophy: How do perspective and experience shape what we believe to be true? We’ll break down the limits of individual knowledge, the value of diverse viewpoints, and why understanding the whole requires more than just one set of hands. Join us as we explore whether more voices bring us closer to the truth—or just make things more complicated.
philosophy of truth, blind men and the elephant, knowledge and perspective, subjective vs. objective reality, epistemology explained, diversity of thought, limits of perception, how beliefs are formed, philosophy podcast, do we see the full picture, DEI.
Is Seeing Really Believing?
American Socrates
04/23/25 • 29 min
We trust our eyes, but should we? This episode dives into the philosophy of perception, exploring whether seeing really is believing—or if our senses deceive us more often than we think. We break down Descartes' Wax Argument and why he doubted the reliability of perception, examine Gettier's famous counterexamples that challenge what it means to know something, and explore Kant's Transcendental Idealism, which suggests that reality as we perceive it is shaped by the mind itself. From optical illusions to deepfake technology, we ask: Can we ever truly know the world, or are we just interpreting shadows on the wall?
is seeing believing, philosophy of perception, Descartes wax argument, Gettier problem, Kant transcendental idealism, epistemology and truth, perception vs reality, illusion vs knowledge, how do we know what’s real, philosophy podcast.
How Much Should I Trust Experts?
American Socrates
03/19/25 • 27 min
In a world flooded with conflicting advice and so-called "experts," how do we know who to trust? This episode dives into the philosophy of expertise, exploring the ancient Greek concept of techne, the role of democracy, and the dangers of technocracy. We’ll break down when deference to experts is wise, when skepticism is warranted, and how to navigate the modern landscape of authority and misinformation. If you've ever wondered whether experts really know best, this episode is for you.
should we trust experts, expertise vs. authority, philosophy of knowledge, techne and expertise, democracy and experts, expert opinion vs. personal judgment, when to trust science, technocracy explained, critical thinking about experts, philosophy podcast.
Do Arguments Change Minds?
American Socrates
03/12/25 • 31 min
Arguments aren’t just for debates and courtrooms—they shape how we think, persuade, and make decisions every day. In this episode, we break down the basics of constructing and evaluating arguments, revealing why good reasoning is essential for cutting through misinformation and bad logic. Whether you're making a case at work, debating politics, or just trying to win an argument at the dinner table, understanding how arguments work gives you an edge, tune in to sharpen your thinking and learn how to spot (and avoid) logical traps. We'll also look at Peirce's four methods for fixing our beliefs.
what is an argument, critical thinking skills, logical reasoning, how to build an argument, argument structure, philosophy of logic, logical fallacies explained, debate skills, rational thinking, philosophy podcast
Can Reading More Books Save Democracy?
American Socrates
03/26/25 • 26 min
In an age of endless scrolling and bite-sized content, does reading still matter? This episode explores Neil Postman’s argument that different forms of media shape the way we think—and why reading is unique in making us better thinkers, speakers, and decision-makers. We’ll break down how books train the mind for deeper reasoning, challenge our biases, and help us engage with the world in a way that tweets and TikToks never could. If you want to sharpen your mind, expand your perspective, and reclaim your attention, this episode is for you.
why reading matters, Neil Postman media theory, books vs. social media, critical thinking and reading, deep reading benefits, philosophy of media, how reading shapes the mind, attention and literacy, intellectual development, philosophy podcast.
Are the Humanities a Waste of Time & Money?
American Socrates
04/02/25 • 26 min
Are the humanities useless in today’s job-driven world, or do they offer something deeper? In this episode, we explore the real value of studying philosophy, history, and literature—not just for careers, but for life. While industries change, the ability to think critically, question power, and understand the human experience remains essential. Whether you're a student, a lifelong learner, or just curious, discover why the humanities still matter in a world that prioritizes profit over meaning.
Humanities education, the value of philosophy, critical thinking skills, history and literature, why study humanities, job skills vs. education, the importance of liberal arts, career benefits of humanities, lifelong learning, questioning power.
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FAQ
How many episodes does American Socrates have?
American Socrates currently has 14 episodes available.
What topics does American Socrates cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Free Speech, Courses, Podcasts, Education, Philosophy and Critical Thinking.
What is the most popular episode on American Socrates?
The episode title 'What are the Limits of Reason?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on American Socrates?
The average episode length on American Socrates is 21 minutes.
How often are episodes of American Socrates released?
Episodes of American Socrates are typically released every 3 days.
When was the first episode of American Socrates?
The first episode of American Socrates was released on Mar 6, 2025.
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