France Culture with Philosophy: The Shows to Listen To

The channel France Culture offers a rich programming filled with philosophical content, allowing listeners to explore deep concepts and contemporary intellectual debates.

With the daily show “With Philosophy” hosted by Géraldine Muhlmann, reflection enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stimulating discussions.

These programs are available live on the radio and in podcast format, offering flexible listening options.

The philosophy on France Culture addresses a variety of themes, from great classical thinkers to contemporary issues.

The Philosophical Richness of France Culture

France Culture is a true goldmine for philosophy enthusiasts, offering a variety of shows that explore major schools of thought. This French public radio has established itself over the decades as a privileged space for the dissemination of philosophical thought in France.

The Intellectual Heritage of French Radio

France Culture has managed to preserve and enhance the heritage of major philosophical movements while making them accessible to the general public through varied and engaging formats. Philosophical shows allow for the exploration of the history of ideas from antiquity to contemporary debates, offering a valuable historical perspective.

• The programs address both classical schools of thought and new philosophical approaches, creating a bridge between intellectual tradition and conceptual innovations.
• The channel offers an in-depth analysis of the philosophical challenges of the 21st century, enabling listeners to develop their critical thinking in the face of contemporary challenges.

A Platform for Contemporary Reflection

As a platform for contemporary reflection, France Culture regularly invites recognized philosophers and emerging thinkers to debate the questions that traverse our society. Idea debates, analyses, commentaries, and interviews with contemporary thinkers enrich the programming and offer a diversity of perspectives.

With rich and diverse programming, France Culture establishes itself as a reference in the dissemination of philosophy in France, perpetuating a rich intellectual tradition and fostering contemporary reflection.

“With Philosophy”: The Daily Appointment on France Culture

Géraldine Muhlmann presents “With Philosophy,” a show that makes philosophy accessible to all. This daily program from France Culture is dedicated to exploring the great philosophical questions.

The Concept of the Show

“With Philosophy” is designed to offer a space for reflection and debate around philosophical concepts. Géraldine Muhlmann, a recognized host, presents episodes that cover a variety of topics, ranging from non-Western philosophies to the analysis of concepts such as time and emotions.

The format of the show alternates between thematic series and individual episodes. In August, for example, the show featured series on “Asian Philosophies” and “Diderot and the Enlightenment.”

Format and Broadcast

“With Philosophy” is broadcast daily from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on France Culture. This 58-minute show offers a regular appointment for listeners eager to deepen their understanding of great philosophical questions.

The Themes Addressed

The topics covered in “With Philosophy” are extremely diverse. The show addresses current events through a philosophical lens, allowing listeners to take a step back and analyze contemporary events with depth. Géraldine Muhlmann regularly invites experts and philosophers to shed light on the themes discussed.

Unmissable Thematic Philosophical Series

France Culture offers a variety of thematic philosophical series that provide a deep dive into various schools of thought. These series, typically composed of four episodes of about 58 minutes each, allow for an in-depth exploration of a topic or thinker over several days, creating a particularly enriching intellectual immersion.

Asian Philosophies: An Intellectual Journey from India to Japan

The series “Asian Philosophies,” aired in August, offers a fascinating intellectual journey through the philosophical traditions of India, China, Tibet, and Japan. This series provides an essential non-Western perspective for understanding the diversity of human thought, exploring the concepts and thinkers who have shaped these cultures.

Diderot and the Enlightenment: Exploring Bold Thought

“Diderot and the Enlightenment” explores in four episodes the bold thought of this materialist and atheist philosopher, his role in the Encyclopedia, and his works such as “Jacques the Fatalist.” This series reveals the surprising modernity of his ideas and his influence on modern thought.

Iris Murdoch: Philosopher of Ordinary Dramas

The series dedicated to Iris Murdoch, aired in July 2023, examines how this British philosopher combined ethical reflection and novel creation to explore the ordinary dramas of life. It offers an original view of moral freedom and illuminates the complexity of the human condition. This analysis was highlighted in a France Culture show, thus providing additional insight into her work.

The Powers of Silence and Other Contemporary Reflections

The “Powers of Silence” questions our relationship with silence in different contexts, from nature to historical traumas to literary silences. This series invites reflection on what the unsaid can reveal about our condition and how silence shapes our understanding of the world.

In addition to these thematic series, France Culture offers other reflections on various subjects such as the relationship with time, nourishment, or existential questions like “How to become better on a daily basis?” These shows demonstrate the diversity of topics covered and the richness of the channel's philosophical programming.

• The series “Asian Philosophies” offers an intellectual journey through the philosophical traditions of India, China, Tibet, and Japan.
• “Diderot and the Enlightenment” explores the bold thought of Diderot and his influence on modern thought.
• The series on Iris Murdoch examines her ethics and novels, offering an original view of moral freedom.
• “The Powers of Silence” questions our relationship with silence in different contexts.

Other Iconic Philosophical Shows

France Culture offers a variety of philosophical shows that enrich our understanding of the world. These programs, distinct in their format and approach, share the ambition of bringing philosophical thought to life in everyday life.

“The Breath of Thought”: Inspirations from Philosophers and Intellectuals

“The Breath of Thought” explores the sources of inspiration of contemporary philosophers, sociologists, and historians. This show offers a unique look at the intellectual creative process and the influences that shape thought. Guests share their reflections and experiences, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the ideas that animate our time.

“Being Right with…”: The Great Figures of Modern Thought

The series “Being Right with…” proposes each week to explore the thought of a great philosophical figure through five daily shows. This approach allows for demonstrating how these thinkers can help us understand current issues. By focusing on philosophers like Spinoza, this show sheds light on contemporary debates and invites reflection on the ideas that have shaped our world.

The Pétrarque Meetings: Summer Intellectual Debates

The “Pétrarque Meetings” are an unmissable summer event where, each year in Montpellier, intellectuals debate contemporary themes. Discussions cover topics such as “The Revolutions of Intelligence” or “Loss and Reference Points: Orienting in an Uncertain World.” These exchanges provide a platform for exploring the big questions of our time.

Past Shows like “The Paths of Philosophy”

“The Paths of Philosophy,” hosted for years by Adèle Van Reeth until June 2022, remains memorable as a flagship show that made philosophy accessible to the greatest number. This show contributed to making great philosophers known and rendering their ideas relevant to the public.

How to Fully Enjoy the Philosophical Content of France Culture (244 words)

With France Culture, dive into the world of philosophy and expand your intellectual horizons. The philosophical shows of France Culture are designed to enrich your daily reflection and provide you with a deeper understanding of great philosophical concepts.

You can access this content live on air or via the podcasts available on the radio's website or dedicated apps. This flexibility allows you to listen to the shows at your own pace, whether during your commutes or moments of relaxation.

For an in-depth thematic exploration, it is recommended to follow the complete series that address subjects such as pleasure, evil, or time from different perspectives. The archives of France Culture constitute a true philosophical treasure, with thousands of hours of shows available for free.

Whether you are a beginner in philosophy or a knowledgeable enthusiast, shows like “Being Right with…” offer an accessible introduction to the great figures of thought. Regular listening to these shows will help you develop a solid philosophical culture and refine your critical mind.

By integrating the philosophical content of France Culture into your personal readings, you will enrich your understanding of classical and contemporary philosophical texts. It is a way to take pleasure in exploring the complexities of our world and better understanding the challenges of our time.