Chapel Phil

This episode continues with Hamish hosting Pavel, Mary Elizabeth, and Garry. Now, the focus of the conversation shifts to critiques of religion's interaction with society.  Has religion substituted proper mental healthcare for our elderly? Can the Church provide for the needs of society better than the government?  These questions and more are explored as our guests dive deeper into how they would like to see religion's relationship with our world change.  A greater description of each guest's background can be found in our last episode's description.  Links to Bedlam documentary information: https://itvs.org/films/bedlam , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIW6K3Xx6s0 As always, shout out to Hamish for starting his own podcast, Thoughts, which can be accessed here: https://linktr.ee/Thoughts_PhilosophyUntangled The views expressed on the Chapel Phil Podcast in no way, shape, or form represent the opinions of Chapel Phil, the Parr Center for Ethics, or the University of North Carolina at Cha

In this episode, Hamish hosts a diverse group of religious and non-religious guests. The episode centers around exploring how religion guides ethics, whether people should be religious, and a discussion of how religion exists in our current American society. To ground this discussion we have a diverse set of guests: a conservative Christian, a progressive Christian, and an atheist. This episode was recorded earlier in the year, before the pandemic.   Garry Crites is a well known-Durhamite. He is best known as the Executive Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Garry is a graduate of Duke's religious history Ph.D. studies program. He has experience teaching conservative perspectives on Christianity from his time as a Professor at Duke. *Not to be confused with our notorious campus Gary the Pit Preacher*. For more information on Garry, see https://naminc.org/nami-north-carolina-announces-new-executive-director/ Reverend Mary Elizabeth Hanchey is a graduate of UNC Law School, Duke Divin

Today on the podcast we're talking about the devil of government structures: Fascism.  Joined by German History Prof., Konrad Jarausch, Hamish leads a discussion on the difficulties of defining fascism and identifying its historical causes. In the second half of the episode, we talk about the possibility of fascism returning. Towards the end, Dr. Jarausch argues that the subversive threat of the present day is unaccountable and unrepresentative governments masquerading as democracies.  Citations: Encyclopaedia Britannica. (October, 2019). 'Fascism'. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/fascism/Intellectual-origins The New Republic. (June, 2019). 'The failure to define facism today'. Retrieved from https://newrepublic.com/article/154042/failure-define-fascism-today Jarausch, K. 'Broken Lives: How ordinary Germans experienced the 20th Century' (Princeton University Press: 2018)

With the increased help of the Parr Center, Chapel Phil is excited to announce two new types of episodes:  The first series is titled Arete, (Air-ih-tay) which is Greek for virtue. These episodes will highlight students on campus that demonstrate a particularly noteworthy trait. Nominations will come from staff or other peers. This series is a new way to recognize and give a platform to outstanding students and people in our community.  The second set of new episodes will be called "what should you do?" (or WSYD for short)  This type of episode will feature the fellows exploring different topics, like fire, planes, etc. and our obligations when navigating them. Topics will be one word. We will evaluate anonymous hot takes from members of the philosophy department and other UNC staff on top of our own opinions.   The goal of these episodes is to increase our presence in the UNC community and allow for the Parr Center Fellows to engage in ethical discussion. We are excited and ready to dive

In this episode, Hamish and Max Forster, a guest parr center fellow, recorded a special episode with one of our favorite Assistant Philosophy professors at UNC, Dr. Alex Worsnip. The discussion centered on Dr. Worsnip’s research about how people can maintain irrational mental states. In the second half of the episode, they explored how rationality relates to political disagreements and echo chambers. The episode concludes by talking about the relationship between ethical and political beliefs. Dr.Worsnip possesses an impressive ability to construct complex philosophy in an exciting and accessible way! Citations: Worsnip, A. 'Moral Rethink'. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/arts-and-books/jonathan-haidt-criticism-goodhart-review Dr. Worsnip’s page. Retrieved from http://www.alexworsnip.com

This episode is a deep dive into the inspiration behind a masterful collection of poems. William Brewer has been touched personally and has taken up a mantle to write for all who have been harmed by the opioid epidemic. Specifically regarding West Virginia, Brewer brings a pointed critique of how the United States can erase states with a "culture of extraction". His lyrical style, amorphous writing style, and his personal opinions drive this episode into avenues of literature and culture previously unexplored on Chapel Phil. Hosting on this episode is Noah.  https://williambrewer.net/about

This is a short outtake from a tangent, which was edited out of our last episode with Geoff Sayre-McCord. Learn who Sina's favorite philosopher is, what he thought about dinner parties, and which sense is the most worthless! This is an exciting, short bit that we are happy to share. 

What is the PPE program? Coming on to talk about the second most popular minor at UNC is the director of the program, Morehead-Cain Distinguished Professor Geoff Sayre-McCord. We discuss Geoff's experiences as the executive director, how he has seen students grow, and what some of his best experiences have been with the program. Plus, outtakes to come!  Citations and Relevant Links Geoffrey Sayre-McCord. (Nov, 2019), retrieved from: https://philosophy.unc.edu/people/geoffrey-sayre-mccord/ PPE Program. (Nov, 2019), retrieved from: https://ppe.unc.edu

In this episode, Sina and Hamish speak with Dr. Hiroaki Matsuura on the efficacy of human rights. Join our conversation on human rights, health, and public policy! Link to published works

The Monroe Doctrine: a lecture with Dr. Philip Brenner Enacted in 1823 but still relevant under the Trump administration, what is the Monrow Doctrine? Today’s episode features Dr. Philip Brenner, director of the US Foreign Policy Program and professor at American University. Dr. Brenner discusses not only the unique role the Monroe Doctrine has played in shaping the complex and one-sided diplomatic history of the United States in Latin and South America, but also its relevance today. Citations: American University School of International Service: Philip Brenner. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/pbrenne.cfm Gilderhus, Mark T. (Feb, 2006). The Monroe Doctrine: Meanings and Implications. Retrieved from 1111/j.1741-5705.2006.00282.x December 2, 1823: Seventh Annual Message (Monroe Doctrine). (2019). The University of Virginia Miller Center. Retrieved from https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/december-2-1823-seventh-annual-message-monroe-doctrine

A Thanksgiving Dinner Survival Guide: The Importance of Conversation with Pearce Godwin On today's episode, we have on Pearce Godwin, a UNC Alumnus and creator/CEO of the National Conversation Project. After receiving acclaim for his impromptu article titled ‘It’s Time to Listen’, he went on to create the 'National Conversation Project', which seeks to have people #listenfirst from all over the globe. His #listenfirst pledge has signees from all over mainstream media, politics, and sports. Signees include Van Jones, Fareed Zakaria, Dominique Wilkins, Johnathan Haidt, and Katie Couric. We discuss how to navigate politics in a contentious moment that approaches us all: thanksgiving dinner. In on this episode are Co-Hosts Noah Upchurch and Sina Shanizadeh, along with Chris West and esteemed guest Pearce Godwin. Citations: Listen First Project. (Nov, 2019). retrieved from, http://www.listenfirstproject.org/pearce-godwin Listen First Project. (Nov, 2019). It's Time to Listen. Retrieved from http://www.lis

Criminal and Retributive Justice: Rethinking Blame with Professor Erin Kelly On this episode we are excited to welcome Professor Erin Kelly of Tufts University.  Her work has been instrumental in identifying the wrongs of our current American penal and judicial systems. Our conversation dives into the core issues that ground retributive judgement and blame within our current system. Join us in our ongoing conversation about the theory, problems, and possible solutions for the criminal justice system in America. Citations: Kelly, Erin. (2018). The Limits of Blame: Rethinking Punishment and Responsibility. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Prison Policy. (2019). Recidivism and Reentry webpage. Retrieved from https://www.prisonpolicy.org/research/recidivism_and_reentry/ Borger, Julian. (2005). US Becomes Last Country to End Death Penalty For Under-18s. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/mar/02/usa.julianborger Bountyhunter.edu (2019). How to Become a Bail Bondsman. Re

Brexit: Witnessing Political Fission Great Britain threatens the world order with their decision to leave the EU. Will they actually leave? What are the arguments for and against? Here to break down the ramifications of the brexit phenomenon is former London School of Economics professor and current assistant professor at Carolina, Dr. Alex Marcoci. Key players are “dead in a ditch” Boris Johnson, the European Union, Irish terrorists, and the largest conglomerate of banks in the world. In the first episode we detail the background of brexit. The second dives into 1. the paradoxical problems that Ireland, the small island, pose and 2. if Brexit represents an inherit failure with democratic systems. We hope you enjoy! On this episode: Noah Upchurch, Sina Shanizadeh, Chris West, and Dr. Alexandru Marcoci Citations: BBC News. (October, 2019). Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887 Morgan, Russ. (May, 2019). ‘Brexperts’ can earn £

Brexit: Witnessing Political Fission Great Britain threatens the world order with their decision to leave the EU. Will they actually leave? What are the arguments for and against? Here to break down the ramifications of the brexit phenomenon is former London School of Economics professor and current assistant professor at Carolina, Dr. Alex Marcoci. Key players are “dead in a ditch” Boris Johnson, the European Union, Irish terrorists, and the largest conglomerate of banks in the world. In the first episode we detail the background of brexit. The second dives into 1. the paradoxical problems that Ireland, the small island, pose and 2. if Brexit represents an inherit failure with democratic systems. We hope you enjoy! On this episode: Noah Upchurch, Sina Shanizadeh, Chris West, and Dr. Alexandru Marcoci Citations: BBC News. (October, 2019). Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887 Morgan, Russ. (May, 2019). ‘Brexperts’ can earn £

In this episode we talk privacy. Under discussion is the recently released Motherboard report, which shines light on how the DMV has been selling citizens' data to third parties. It truly is a crazy time we live in! Do investigators have your address and license plate number? Join us on this quick journey into DMV profiteering, individual rights, and government sketchiness as a whole. Source: Cox, Joseph. (Sept. 2019)Vice News. https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/43kxzq/dmvs-selling-data-private-investigators-making-millions-of-dollars

In today's episode, Sina, Noah, and Xzavier question why supremacy has persisted throughout history. We explore historical causes and philosophical justifications.  Sources: History of the White Patriots in NC: https://www.ncpedia.org/white-patriots-north-carolina Racism behind the Star Spangled Banner: https://www.theroot.com/star-spangled-bigotry-the-hidden-racist-history-of-the-1790855893 Films on African American struggle/oppression: Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films, Updated and Expanded 5th Edition 5th - Donald Bogle Hobbes on the state of nature and security: Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan For further discussion on terrorism and a look on how the UK uses its courts to define terrorism: Incitement to, and Glorification of, Terrorism - Eric Barendt For further discussion on segregation and how the US divided black and white communities: http://www.pbs.org/race/000_About/002_04-background-03-11.htm

In todays episode, Anna, Noah, Sina, and Xzavier will be discussing power. Is it ever justified to hold power? Can power be used to achieve morally good goals? What can you get away with when you have power? These are some of the questions that we have about the world we live in. We will be using the Russia vs. Ukraine conflict as an example as we work through this problem.