If a philosopher falls in the woods and no one else is there, does he make a sound? He does -- if he’s on 98.5 WNUW.
Yes, Neumann’s three philosophy professors – John Mizzoni, Geoff Karabin, and Phil Pegan – have brought philosophical discussions to the campus radio station. Their show, “Leaving the Cave,” airs on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
According to Mizzoni, the prime mover behind the show, “Leaving the Cave” illustrates how philosophy applies to real, everyday issues. “We want the show to be about not just the history of philosophy, but philosophy as an activity,” he explains. “Our focus is on contemporary society and experiences.”
The show’s topics reflect its prime directive with a host of connections to popular culture. Titles of weekly episodes include “The Moral Philosophy of the Joker in The Dark Knight,” “Violence in Sports,” “Cruelty and Mercy in History” and “Logical Reasoning Exhibited in the Witch Scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
“We want our show to appeal to a wide audience,” notes Karabin. “Pop culture is accessible to such an audience, which, in turn, is a way to make the philosophic concepts we discuss more accessible.”
The title of the show is a reference to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave in which the philosopher describes human knowledge as severely limited. It’s as if humans are chained in a cave with their backs to the reality that lies outside. They know the world only as the shadows of its elements that they see on the cave wall. Philosophers are educators who can help free humans from these chains.
“The show gives people an easy and hopefully enjoyable way to think about philosophical topics and encounter new ideas,” says Pegan, whose favorite part of the gig is “getting to converse with people who have lots of interesting ideas and viewpoints, and who frequently make me laugh.”
The professors prepare for each show via email, involving five students who join them on air throughout the semester (Sean Carroll, Adam Barisa, Drew Tisdel, Vic Dupi, and Jabulani Kanyangarara). They select a topic, decide who will act as host, and create an outline.
Professors Bill Hamilton, Andy Miller, and Jeff Graber have appeared as guests as have librarian Samantha Locklear and several students.
During a show on “Everyday Moral Dilemmas,” Karabin recalls that his wife called the show, “letting me know that I had no business talking about shopping carts because I don't do the family shopping.” Sharing that comment live on air, he says “was both a treat and moment of humor.”
Sean McDonald, executive director of Neumann Media, suggested that the group weave music into the show, and Mizzoni – an accomplished musician – jumped at the idea.
Their play list has included classic songs by John Lennon (Imagine), Eric Clapton (Tears in Heaven), Pink Floyd (Another Brick in the Wall), Simon and Garfunkel (Richard Cory), and George Harrison (My Sweet Lord). Mizzoni often performs live during the show.
“Leaving the Cave” aims to be thought-provoking, entertaining, and educational. As Mizzoni puts it, “Listeners can see how philosophizing can be valuable.”
The professors have received positive feedback from students and alumni who tune in at 98.5 or via the WNUW app. Every episode has been recorded with an eye to turning the shows into podcasts.
Neumann’s philosophy experts are definitely making sounds – in the woods and on the air.