talkPOPc's Podcast
talkPOPc (Philosophers' Ontological Party club), is public philosophy + cognitively-engaged art nonprofit founded by Dr. Dena Shottenkirk, who is both a philosopher and an artist. As a topic-based project (we are now on our fourth) talkPOPc sponsors one-to-one conversations between a participant and a philosopher (who always dons our amazing gold African king hat, along with our mascot Puppet!) These conversations are consensus-building conversations and feed back into Shottenkirk's related artworks and published philosophy. The conversations become collaborative acts of making both philosophy and art. Thus, each topic - #1. nominalism, #2. censorship, #3. art as cognition, and #4 power - has three "pillars" the associated artworks, the published philosophy book, and podcast conversations. Various philosophers participate (see our website talkpopc.org for the list of philosophers) and these conversations happen in various places. For example, we go into bars and have one-to-one conversations. We sit down next to the deli counter and hold a conversation with someone who has walked in to get a ham sandwich and walked out knowing so much more about their own thoughts. We go into the MDC prison in Brooklyn and have conversations. We set up in galleries where the artworks and the philosophy are also displayed. And we listen. Here are some of those conversations.
Change happens when people talk.
talkPOPc's Podcast
Episode #129 R.P. Alex Mendez talks with talkPOPc participant Noor about censorship,free speech, and Gaza conflict
1:00 They discuss how government censorship, particularly in banning books, restricts access to knowledge and different perspectives, questioning why the government has the authority to control what information people can access or contemplate.
5:00 Noor reflects on her opinion about the situation in the Middle East, acknowledging that her views are largely shaped by her upbringing in a Muslim household. They emphasize the impact of one's upbringing and environment on their perspective.
8:00 They express admiration for opinionated individuals, highlighting the unique aspect of freedom of speech that allows people to express opinions even if they are poorly informed.
12:00 They reflect on the importance of approaching discussions with a rational yet empathetic mindset, suggesting that emotions can be channeled into empathy.
15:00 They discuss the importance of free speech in society, emphasizing how it allows for collective interpretation and the exploration of diverse ideas. They draw parallels to dystopian novels like "1984," where control over speech leads to control over truth.
18:00 They discuss the issue of generalization and its impact on hate crimes and highlight how generalizations about certain groups lead to unfair blame and prejudice against entire communities.
20:00 They emphasize the importance of courage in freely expressing ideas and opinions, even if they may be wrong, and encourage a willingness to change one's mind. Alex suggests that being wrong is acceptable and that the goal is to reach a consensus or understanding, echoing themes of philosophical inquiry into truth.