23: Political Philosophy: John Locke, Freedom Against Fear

23: Political Philosophy: John Locke, Freedom Against Fear

A concise exploration of John Locke as the thinker who challenged Thomas Hobbes, arguing that humans are rational creatures who posses natural rights: life, liberty, prosperity.

22: Political Philosophy: Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan

Diving into the abyss, the Leviathan, we explore how fear shapes human nature.

21: Political Philosophy: Machiavelli’s Power in The Prince

We move decisively from Platonic idealism into the harsh realism of Renaissance. Why Machiavelli still matters today in a world driven by media, performance, and the normalization of emergency power.

20: Political Philosophy: Plato’s Republic - Blueprint for Tyranny?

In this first episode of political philosophy we dive into Plato’s Republic. Was it a version of justice and wisdom? Or a dangerous model for authoritarian rule? We explore Plato’s life, his ideas of the philosopher-king, and the allegory of the cave, and the lasting debate over whether The Republic inspires democracy or dictatorship. Takeaway: what kind of leaders and societies we truly want today?

19: Existentialism: God Is Dead… Now What?

In this episode of Philosophizing with a Hammer, we confront one of the deepest questions of modern life: what comes after the death of God? Drawing on Nietzsche’s philosophy, we explore how to navigate the collapse of religious meaning without falling into despair or clinging to hollow substitutes. From the challenge of nihilism to the call for self-created values, we discuss art, love, responsibility, and the courage to affirm life without divine guarantees. This is a journey from inherited faith to existential freedom, where meaning isn’t found, but forged.