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Athens and Jerusalem (in Education)

Athens and Jerusalem (in Education)

By: Knut Ove Æsøy Steven Phelps Kamran Namdar
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 In this podcast we explore the relationship between a scientifically rational and a spiritual approach to reality. That is the relationship of Athens and Jerusalem. Our currently prevalent Western worldview is supposed to be based on rationality. If production of weapons of mass destruction, degradation of the natural environment, and increasing deterioration of mental well-being are signs of rationality, the term is to be considered a dangerous one. In all these, one can detect lack of ethical and existential considerations which renders this worldview essentially an irrational one. On the other hand, various forms of religious dogmatism and fundamentalism lack true spirituality, as they fail to create both a personal experience of serenity and upliftment and a social practice of empathy, solidarity, and equality. Essentially, both scientific and religious dogmatism seem to fail due to their disregard for a true and holistic view of human nature. Neither traditional Athens nor historical Jerusalem, alone, have been able to help our deepest human potential flourish, which we consider the task of our modern school system.© 2025 Knut Ove Æsøy, Steven Phelps, Kamran Namdar Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
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    On different forms of argumentation
    Aug 12 2025

    In this episode, we discuss different ways to argue about the relationship between religion and science. The most typical approach is to use religious premises to prove scientific facts or to use scientific premises to prove religious beliefs. Steven argues for a more circular form of argumentation, unfolding axioms that must serve as both the conclusion and the premise. A fourth way of arguing could be to explore the tacit knowledge of reality, experiencing the wonder of life and one’s own existence.
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    57 mins
  • Spirituality and action

    Spirituality and action
    Jul 14 2025

    In this episode, Natia Natsvlishvili is visiting our podcast and we discuss how spirituality motivates our actions. An important question is what we mean by spirituality. We also touch upon the difference between animals and humans, understanding that animals also have a spirituality. On this topic, the four of us don't agree on human superiority, but there must be some kind of abilities in human spirituality that are different from all other creatures. Maybe it is our ability to be the conductor of our action, and it is our spirituality that brings this conducting into a good, rational and moral manner, or maybe the animals also are the conductor of their own way of living according to the universal order?
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  • AI

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    Jun 7 2025

    In this episode we discuss AI. What is the future of existence related to AI, what is the difference between humanity and AI and is it possible to bring ethical values into the algorithms of AI?
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