Episode 74, ‘Football’ with Stephen Mumford (Part I - The Philosophy Behind the Game)

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Welcome to 'Episode 74 (Part I of II)', where we'll be discussing the philosophy of football (soccer), with Professor Stephen Mumford.

Football is the most popular sport on the planet. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s experienced the excitement of matchday. It’s hard to remain indifferent when thousands of tightly packed fans, each patriotically sporting the colours of their team, sing, cheer and heckle in unison. The thrill of a crunching challenge, a derby victory, or a last-minute winner will undoubtedly elicit excitement. 

For the sceptic, there is nothing beyond this superficial appeal. Fool-ball is simply a game of chance, in which the sport’s novelty appeal is only sustained through blind patriotism. Football is push-pin, and it is not to be confused with poetry.

Durham University’s Stephen Mumford defends football in the face of this attack. For Mumford, football has an intellectual depth that rewards more detailed consideration. When we watch football through a philosophical lens, we are called to deliberate a great wealth of ideas; from categories of aesthetic virtue, and the role of chance, control and victory, to the nature of a team, and the persistence of a ‘club’ throughout time.

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Contents

Part I. The Philosophy Behind the Game.

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion.

Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo: The Death of Socrates (Part IV - The Death of Socrates, Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 73 (Part IV of IV)', where we'll be bringing our series to an end with Socrates’ death, and some further analysis and discussion.

Let me tell you about the day Socrates drank the poison. You must be aware of his trial and apology? The Athenians have not stopped talking about it since Meletus and the others condemned him. Do not worry, he did not die in fear and nor is he truly gone. He argued his case much like he always had. He died the philosopher’s death, having practiced for it his entire life.

What does this mean? Socrates spoke persuasively about matters concerning the immortality of the soul. He said the life of a true philosopher helps the prisoner, chained hand and foot in their body, to escape from the dark cave of ignorance and into the light of wisdom. This, in turn, provides the soul with the perfect means to release itself from the body after death.

When the hour arrived, and Socrates finally took the hemlock, he did not flinch. Those of us who bore witness could not help but shed a tear – we were not as brave as the wise man who lay before us. What? You would like to hear more? Are you not convinced of the immortality that Socrates proposed? Come, take a seat, I will tell you the full story…

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Contents

Part I. The Soul and Body

Part II. Arguments for the Soul’s Immortality

Part III. In Defence of Immortality

Part IV. The Death of Socrates, Further Analysis and Discussion

Attributions

Thank you to the following creators for allowing us to use their work in this episode.

Tri-Tachyon: https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums.

PSOVOD: https://freesound.org/people/PSOVOD/sounds/416057.

All other music and sound effects used in Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo (Parts I-IV) are fully licensed. To request certificates, please contact jack@thepanpsycast.com.

Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo: The Death of Socrates (Part III - In Defence of Immortality)

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Welcome to 'Episode 73 (Part III of IV)', where we'll be reading and analysing the arguments against the soul’s immortality.

Let me tell you about the day Socrates drank the poison. You must be aware of his trial and apology? The Athenians have not stopped talking about it since Meletus and the others condemned him. Do not worry, he did not die in fear and nor is he truly gone. He argued his case much like he always had. He died the philosopher’s death, having practiced for it his entire life.

What does this mean? Socrates spoke persuasively about matters concerning the immortality of the soul. He said the life of a true philosopher helps the prisoner, chained hand and foot in their body, to escape from the dark cave of ignorance and into the light of wisdom. This, in turn, provides the soul with the perfect means to release itself from the body after death.

When the hour arrived, and Socrates finally took the hemlock, he did not flinch. Those of us who bore witness could not help but shed a tear – we were not as brave as the wise man who lay before us. What? You would like to hear more? Are you not convinced of the immortality that Socrates proposed? Come, take a seat, I will tell you the full story…

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/prepares for death

Contents

Part I. The Soul and Body

Part II. Arguments for the Soul’s Immortality

Part III. In Defence of Immortality

Part IV. The Death of Socrates, Further Analysis and Discussion

Attributions

Thank you to the following creators for allowing us to use their work in this episode.

Tri-Tachyon: https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums.

PSOVOD: https://freesound.org/people/PSOVOD/sounds/416057.

All other music and sound effects used in Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo (Parts I-IV) are fully licensed. To request certificates, please contact jack@thepanpsycast.com.

Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo: The Death of Socrates (Part II - Arguments for the Soul’s Immortality)

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Welcome to 'Episode 73 (Part II of IV)', where we'll be unpacking three arguments for the soul’s immortality.

Let me tell you about the day Socrates drank the poison. You must be aware of his trial and apology? The Athenians have not stopped talking about it since Meletus and the others condemned him. Do not worry, he did not die in fear and nor is he truly gone. He argued his case much like he always had. He died the philosopher’s death, having practiced for it his entire life.

What does this mean? Socrates spoke persuasively about matters concerning the immortality of the soul. He said the life of a true philosopher helps the prisoner, chained hand and foot in their body, to escape from the dark cave of ignorance and into the light of wisdom. This, in turn, provides the soul with the perfect means to release itself from the body after death.

When the hour arrived, and Socrates finally took the hemlock, he did not flinch. Those of us who bore witness could not help but shed a tear – we were not as brave as the wise man who lay before us. What? You would like to hear more? Are you not convinced of the immortality that Socrates proposed? Come, take a seat, I will tell you the full story…

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/prepares for death

Contents

Part I. The Soul and Body

Part II. Arguments for the Soul’s Immortality

Part III. In Defence of Immortality

Part IV. The Death of Socrates, Further Analysis and Discussion

Attributions

Thank you to the following creators for allowing us to use their work in this episode.

Tri-Tachyon: https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums.

PSOVOD: https://freesound.org/people/PSOVOD/sounds/416057.

All other music and sound effects used in Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo (Parts I-IV) are fully licensed. To request certificates, please contact jack@thepanpsycast.com.

Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo: The Death of Socrates (Part I - The Soul and Body)

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Welcome to 'Episode 73 (Part I of IV)', where we'll be giving our first reading and analysis of Plato’s Phaedo.

Let me tell you about the day Socrates drank the poison. You must be aware of his trial and apology? The Athenians have not stopped talking about it since Meletus and the others condemned him. Do not worry, he did not die in fear and nor is he truly gone. He argued his case much like he always had. He died the philosopher’s death, having practiced for it his entire life.

What does this mean? Socrates spoke persuasively about matters concerning the immortality of the soul. He said the life of a true philosopher helps the prisoner, chained hand and foot in their body, to escape from the dark cave of ignorance and into the light of wisdom. This, in turn, provides the soul with the perfect means to release itself from the body after death.

When the hour arrived, and Socrates finally took the hemlock, he did not flinch. Those of us who bore witness could not help but shed a tear – we were not as brave as the wise man who lay before us. What? You would like to hear more? Are you not convinced of the immortality that Socrates proposed? Come, take a seat, I will tell you the full story…

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/prepares for death

Contents

Part I. The Soul and Body

Part II. Arguments for the Soul’s Immortality

Part III. In Defence of Immortality

Part IV. The Death of Socrates, Further Analysis and Discussion

Attributions

Thank you to the following creators for allowing us to use their work in this episode.

Tri-Tachyon: https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums.

PSOVOD: https://freesound.org/people/PSOVOD/sounds/416057.

All other music and sound effects used in Episode 73, Plato’s Phaedo (Parts I-IV) are fully licensed. To request certificates, please contact jack@thepanpsycast.com.

Episode 72, Plato’s Crito: Socrates in Prison (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 72 (Part II of II)', where we'll be engaging in some further analysis and discussion.

Have you ever considered the invisible power of the law? How a contract is signed without ever putting pen to paper? Do not underestimate the importance of that which cannot be seen or grasped, since you unknowingly benefit from its presence and would suffer greatly in its absence. Therefore, if the law has kept you safe for all your best years, should you look to criticise it the moment it accuses?

Be careful not to pull too hard at that thread, for the social fabric appears tightly woven but is actually patched over the ages by many inadequate tailors. If you decide that the law doesn’t suit you now, are you not making yourself a special case? Isn’t everyone a special case? Would not everyone be pardoned?

So, what will it be: accept the law and therefore your fate, or set a precedent that demonstrates the contract is in fact as real as it is visible?

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Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 72, Plato’s Crito: Socrates in Prison (Part I - The Dialogue)

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Welcome to 'Episode 72 (Part I of II)', where we'll be reading Plato’s Crito.

Have you ever considered the invisible power of the law? How a contract is signed without ever putting pen to paper? Do not underestimate the importance of that which cannot be seen or grasped, since you unknowingly benefit from its presence and would suffer greatly in its absence. Therefore, if the law has kept you safe for all your best years, should you look to criticise it the moment it accuses?

Be careful not to pull too hard at that thread, for the social fabric appears tightly woven but is actually patched over the ages by many inadequate tailors. If you decide that the law doesn’t suit you now, are you not making yourself a special case? Isn’t everyone a special case? Would not everyone be pardoned?

So, what will it be: accept the law and therefore your fate, or set a precedent that demonstrates the contract is in fact as real as it is visible?

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/watches you sleep

Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 71, Plato’s Apology: Socrates on Trial (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 71 (Part II of II)', where we'll be engaging in some further analysis and discussion.

Gentleman of our most prestigious Court of Athens, may I praise your patience and diligence in the presentation of the prosecution. I, Meletus stand before you unequivocally convinced that the criminal is guilty as charged. The hideous, snub-nosed Socrates is charged with corrupting the young men of Athens with his rhetoric and poisonous oratory skill, an undeniable fact. Socrates also stands before you charged with denying the gods their authority and challenging the beliefs of every genuine Athenian.

He insults our great city with his relentless irritating presence, a fly in great need of a spider. He shows no signs of remorse for his conduct or apology for his crimes, a true reflection of his guilt. I beg you loyal judicators of Athens, listen to his words, hear him twist them for his own malevolent purpose. Look into his eyes, see his lack of contrition. He says he knows nothing! I know at least one thing, the evidence presented by the prosecution proves Socrates is guilty, and he should accept the judgement of the Athenian Court.

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Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 71, Plato’s Apology: Socrates on Trial (Part I - The Dialogue)

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Welcome to 'Episode 71 (Part I of II)', where we'll be reading Plato’s Apology.

Gentleman of our most prestigious Court of Athens, may I praise your patience and diligence in the presentation of the prosecution. I, Meletus stand before you unequivocally convinced that the criminal is guilty as charged. The hideous, snub-nosed Socrates is charged with corrupting the young men of Athens with his rhetoric and poisonous oratory skill, an undeniable fact. Socrates also stands before you charged with denying the gods their authority and challenging the beliefs of every genuine Athenian.

He insults our great city with his relentless irritating presence, a fly in great need of a spider. He shows no signs of remorse for his conduct or apology for his crimes, a true reflection of his guilt. I beg you loyal judicators of Athens, listen to his words, hear him twist them for his own malevolent purpose. Look into his eyes, see his lack of contrition. He says he knows nothing! I know at least one thing, the evidence presented by the prosecution proves Socrates is guilty, and he should accept the judgement of the Athenian Court.

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/defends itself against Meletus

Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 70, Plato's Euthyphro: Socrates Accused (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 70 (Part II of II)', where we'll be engaging in some further analysis and discussion.

Did you hear the news of Socrates? He’s finally to answer for his sophistry! At last, the great lampooning, moral gadfly is to stand before the Court of Athens and answer for his crimes. To think, one could have the audacity to trade in talentless talk and lies, to lead our youth astray, and deny our gods, only to play the fool once more, and plead ignorance when his number is called.

Oh, magnificent Socrates, ‘the great rhetorician’ - his followers are deluded. A more fitting label? ‘Socrates, the great casuist clown!’ Lacking all reason and logic, he makes a mockery of our institutions. Like the fool who claims others cannot see, because he himself is blind, Socrates has only ever opened his mouth to appease his own lack of wisdom. Justly, he now finds himself in a tricky dilemma; may the gods have mercy on his impious soul.

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/finds out what true 'downloading' really means

Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 70, Plato's Euthyphro: Socrates Accused (Part I - The Dialogue)

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Welcome to 'Episode 70 (Part I of II)', where we'll be reading Plato’s Euthyphro.

Did you hear the news of Socrates? He’s finally to answer for his sophistry! At last, the great lampooning, moral gadfly is to stand before the Court of Athens and answer for his crimes. To think, one could have the audacity to trade in talentless talk and lies, to lead our youth astray, and deny our gods, only to play the fool once more, and plead ignorance when his number is called.

Oh, magnificent Socrates, ‘the great rhetorician’ - his followers are deluded. A more fitting label? ‘Socrates, the great casuist clown!’ Lacking all reason and logic, he makes a mockery of our institutions. Like the fool who claims others cannot see, because he himself is blind, Socrates has only ever opened his mouth to appease his own lack of wisdom. Justly, he now finds himself in a tricky dilemma; may the gods have mercy on his impious soul.

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/finds out what true 'downloading' really means

Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 69, ‘Galileo's Error’ with Philip Goff (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 69 (Part II of II)', where we'll be be discussing the ethical implications of panpsychism with returning guest, Philip Goff.

Galileo Galilei is widely considered to be the father of modern science and one of the greatest philosophers to have lived. Galileo played a pivotal role in the developments of the scientific revolution, overturning key tenets of Aristotelian physics and most significantly, advocating mathematics as the language of science. For Galileo, the physics of the past was plagued with unhelpful sensory qualities like colours, tastes, smells and sounds; for science to make progress, he thought, ‘the book of the universe’ must be written in a purely quantitative language.

For Durham University’s Philip Goff, this was Galileo’s Error. The hard problem of consciousness was born when Galileo stripped consciousness away from the scientific picture. Somehow, we must find a way back. We must lay the foundations for a new science - a new science of consciousness.

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/combines lots of little minds to form one big mind
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This episode is proudly sponsored by Gaston Luga backpacks.

Head over to www.gastonluga.com and get 15% off any purchase with the discount code PANPSY15.

Contents

Part I. Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 69, ‘Galileo's Error’ with Philip Goff (Part I - Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness)

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Welcome to 'Episode 69 (Part I of II)', where we'll be talking to returning guest Philip Goff about his latest book, Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness.

Galileo Galilei is widely considered to be the father of modern science and one of the greatest philosophers to have lived. Galileo played a pivotal role in the developments of the scientific revolution, overturning key tenets of Aristotelian physics and most significantly, advocating mathematics as the language of science. For Galileo, the physics of the past was plagued with unhelpful sensory qualities like colours, tastes, smells and sounds; for science to make progress, he thought, ‘the book of the universe’ must be written in a purely quantitative language.

For Durham University’s Philip Goff, this was Galileo’s Error. The hard problem of consciousness was born when Galileo stripped consciousness away from the scientific picture. Somehow, we must find a way back. We must lay the foundations for a new science - a new science of consciousness.

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/combines lots of little minds to form one big mind
Gaston Luga Panpsycast.jpg

This episode is proudly sponsored by Gaston Luga backpacks.

Head over to www.gastonluga.com and get 15% off any purchase with the discount code PANPSY15.

Contents

Part I. Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 68, The Abigail Thorn Interview (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 68 (Part II of II)', where we'll be engaging in some further analysis and discussion.

Abigail Thorn is an actor and educator, best known as the creator and host of the popular YouTube channel Philosophy Tube. Boasting around half a million subscribers, Abigail’s channel is notorious for its well-researched content and colourful presentation. With over six years of videos under her belt, it is fair to say that Abigail is going over and above in her goal of giving away her philosophy degree for free.

In this episode, we’ll be getting at the person behind Philosophy Tube, discussing the role and responsibilities of those contributing to public-facing philosophy. When we present philosophy in the public sphere, what are our goals? Should they the same as those in the philosophy seminar room - our desire being rigorous, detailed, delicate contemplation - or does public media demand something else? In short, do we need to change our ways to make philosophy accessible?

[Note: Abigail Thorn came out as a transgender woman in January 2021. This episode was recorded pre-transition.]

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Contents

Part I. Behind Philosophy Tube

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 68, The Abigail Thorn Interview (Part I - Behind Philosophy Tube)

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Welcome to 'Episode 68 (Part I of II)', where we'll be discussing public philosophy with Abigail Thorn of Philosophy Tube.

Abigail Thorn is an actor and educator, best known as the creator and host of the popular YouTube channel Philosophy Tube. Boasting around half a million subscribers, Abigail’s channel is notorious for its well-researched content and colourful presentation. With over six years of videos under her belt, it is fair to say that Abigail is going over and above in her goal of giving away her philosophy degree for free.

In this episode, we’ll be getting at the person behind Philosophy Tube, discussing the role and responsibilities of those contributing to public-facing philosophy. When we present philosophy in the public sphere, what are our goals? Should they the same as those in the philosophy seminar room - our desire being rigorous, detailed, delicate contemplation - or does public media demand something else? In short, do we need to change our ways to make philosophy accessible?

[Note: Abigail Thorn came out as a transgender woman in January 2021. This episode was recorded pre-transition.]

The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/poses topless with a snake

Contents

Part I. Behind Philosophy Tube

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part V - Further Analysis and Discussion)

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Welcome to 'Episode 67 (Part V of V)', where we'll be engaging in some further analysis and discussion.

Report: March 2nd
After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect.
I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. 
Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists.
Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. 
One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever.
Professor Harold Nemur
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Contents

Part I. Life and Context.

Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon.

Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon.

Part IV. The Meaning.

Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion.

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part IV - The Meaning)

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Welcome to 'Episode 67 (Part IV of V)', where we'll be discussing the philosophy behind Flowers for Algernon.

Report: March 2nd
After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect.
I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. 
Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists.
Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. 
One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever.
Professor Harold Nemur
The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/begins its return to the cave

Contents

Part I. Life and Context.

Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon.

Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon.

Part IV. The Meaning.

Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion.

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part III - The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon)

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Welcome to 'Episode 67 (Part III of V)', where we'll be unpacking the second and final part of Daniel Keyes’ novel, Flowers for Algernon.

Report: March 2nd
After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect.
I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. 
Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists.
Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. 
One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever.
Professor Harold Nemur
The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/explores the realm of the forms

Contents

Part I. Life and Context.

Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon.

Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon.

Part IV. The Meaning.

Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion.

Attributions

Thank you to the following creators for allowing us to use their work in this episode.

Tri-Tachyon: https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums.

PSOVOD: https://freesound.org/people/PSOVOD/sounds/416057.

3bagbrew: https://freesound.org/people/3bagbrew/sounds/57743/.

TheWorkingBamboo: https://freesound.org/people/TheWorkingBamboo/sounds/257738.

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part II - The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon)

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Welcome to 'Episode 67 (Part II of V)', where we'll be unpacking the first half of Daniel Keyes’ novel, Flowers for Algernon.

Report: March 2nd
After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect.
I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. 
Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists.
Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. 
One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever.
Professor Harold Nemur
The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/escapes the cave

Contents

Part I. Life and Context.

Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon.

Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon.

Part IV. The Meaning.

Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion.

Attributions

Thank you to the following creators for allowing us to use their work in this episode.

Tri-Tachyon: https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums.

PSOVOD: https://freesound.org/people/PSOVOD/sounds/416057.

3bagbrew: https://freesound.org/people/3bagbrew/sounds/57743/.

TheWorkingBamboo: https://freesound.org/people/TheWorkingBamboo/sounds/257738.

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part I - Daniel Keyes: Life and Context)

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Welcome to 'Episode 67 (Part I of V)', where we'll be introducing Flowers for Algernon and discussing the life of the author, Daniel Keyes.

Report: March 2nd
After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect.
I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. 
Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists.
Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. 
One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever.
Professor Harold Nemur
The file size is large, please be patient whilst the podcast buffers/downloads/plays the game of shadows

Contents

Part I. Life and Context.

Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon.

Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon.

Part IV. The Meaning.

Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion.