Men of Ideas — Season 1, Episode 9: The Ideas of Quine

Episode synopsis

Willard Van Orman Quine of Harvard stands as one of the modern world’s most eminent philosophers. In this rare interview conducted by world-renowned author and professor Bryan Magee, Quine discusses his earlier view of himself as a mathematical logician, and his later interest in philosophy in a more general sense—specifically, regarding metaphysics and the philosophy of language.

About Men of Ideas

A captivating voyage into the world of intellectual exploration, where host Bryan Magee engages in illuminating dialogues with some of the most distinguished thinkers of the last century. Join Magee in riveting conversations with eminent guests like Herbert Marcuse, A. J. Ayer, John Searle, Noam Chomsky, Iris Murdoch, and W.V. Quine, as they unravel the complexities of philosophy, language, politics, and culture. From the radical reevaluation of Marxism by Herbert Marcuse to the profound insights on language by John Searle and Noam Chomsky, this series presents a tapestry of thought that has shaped our understanding of existence. With each episode, "Men of Ideas" offers a unique window into the minds of these leading philosophers, making it an intellectually invigorating experience for both avid scholars and curious minds alike.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1An Introduction to Philosophy
• E2Marxist Philosophy
• E3Marcuse and the Frankfurt School
• E4Martin Heidegger and Modern Existentialism
• E5The Two Philosophies of Wittgenstein
• E6Logical Positivism and its Legacy
• E7The Spell of Linguistic Philosophy
• E8Moral Philosophy
• E10The Philosophy of Language
• E11The Ideas of Chomsky
• E12The Philosophy of Science
• E13Philosophy and Politics