Hope, Freedom, and AI: Philosophical Foundations with Givone & Bertolaso

How Rome Invented Legal Science

Discover the extraordinary journey of Roman law through the famous passage of Pomponius. In this podcast episode, we explore the origins of law in ancient Rome — from the mores maiorum and the authority of the Pontiffs to the Twelve Tables, the rise of jurisprudence, and the creative role of the Praetor. Learn how Roman law evolved into a true legal science through influential figures such as Tiberius Coruncanius, Sextus Aelius Paetus, Gaius, and . A deep historical, philosophical, and legal exploration of the Digest, Justinian’s compilation, and the enduring legacy of Roman law in medieval Europe and the modern Western legal tradition. Perfect for law students, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in legal philosophy, classical civilization, and the foundations of justice.

Hope, Freedom, and AI: Philosophical Foundations with Givone & Bertolaso

A rigorous philosophical dialogue featuring Sergio Givone and Marta Bertolaso on hope, freedom, evil, and artificial intelligence. From the “reasonable hope” of Immanuel Kant to the tension between logos and nonsense explored by Friedrich Nietzsche and the Gospel of Giovanni Evangelista, this podcast examines the metaphysical foundations of human action. Insights from Plato and Dante Alighieri illuminate judgment, responsibility, and destiny. In the second part, Bertolaso analyzes technology, datafication, and the anthropological crisis: autonomy, relationships, care, and the meaning of limits in an algorithm-driven world. Drawing on Marshall McLuhan, Hartmut Rosa, and Simone Weil, the discussion reframes AI ethics, epistemology, and the common good. Essential listening for scholars and students of philosophy, theology, ethics, and the human sciences seeking clarity on freedom, responsibility, and the future of the human person in a technological age.

Ius vs Iustitia: When Law Betrays Justice

What happens when law (ius) no longer reflects justice (iustitia)? This video explores the deep philosophical and juridical tension at the heart of Roman law—where legal systems risk becoming instruments of power rather than expressions of moral truth. Drawing on Roman jurisprudence, classical philosophy, and legal theory, this analysis reveals how justice was originally understood not as mere legality, but as a higher ethical order guiding human law. From ancient jurists to modern legal crises, the question remains: Can law still be just, or has it lost its foundation? This is not just history—this is the silent problem shaping every legal system today

Do Democracies Really Exist? Religion, Power, and the Hidden Causes of War.

Throughout history, millions of people have fought and died in wars claimed to be fought for God, freedom, democracy, or civilization. But were these ideals truly the cause of war—or were they powerful narratives used to mobilize people for deeper political and human ambitions? In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between religion, democracy, and human conflict. Drawing on historical research, philosophy, and political theory, we examine whether modern societies have ever fully realized true democracy, and why religion has sometimes been used to justify violence. We also explore important questions: • Are democracies truly governed by the people, or by powerful elites? • Why do humans sometimes kill in the name of faith? • How many wars were actually caused by religion? • Are belief systems the cause of conflict, or tools used to mobilize it? • What do historians and philosophers say about the deeper roots of war? This episode combines history, philosophy, theology, and political analysis to investigate one of the most difficult questions of human civilization: Why do humans continue to fight in the name of their highest ideals? If you enjoy deep conversations about history, religion, democracy, philosophy, and the human condition, follow the podcast for more thoughtful explorations.

Ammianus Marcellinus: When Justice Becomes Corruption. Lessons from the Fall of Rome

In the fourth century, the Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus wrote one of the most penetrating critiques of justice ever recorded. In his monumental work Res Gestae, he exposes a legal system plagued by torture, political prosecutions, corrupt officials, and an overwhelming maze of laws that obscured truth rather than protecting it. This episode explores Ammianus’ shocking accounts of judicial abuse in the late Roman Empire—where accusations could destroy lives, fear shaped legal decisions, and justice itself became a weapon of power. But this is not merely ancient history. From wrongful convictions to politicized courts and the complexity of modern legal systems, the warnings of Ammianus remain disturbingly relevant today. Through historical analysis and contemporary parallels, this podcast examines why the pathologies of justice he described nearly 1,700 years ago still resonate in modern societies. If you care about history, law, politics, or the fragile foundations of civilization, this episode will change the way you think about justice.