American Socrates
Think Deeper. Live Better.
Tired of shallow takes and surface-level answers? American Socrates helps you cut through the noise and see the world more clearly. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to think for themselves, challenge assumptions, and live a more intentional, meaningful life. Host Charles M. Rupert brings the power of critical thinking and timeless philosophical insight into everyday questions—like how to find purpose, make good decisions, grow as a person, and navigate a world full of misinformation and confusion.
From art to relationships, social justice to success at work, no topic is off-limits. This isn’t a lecture on famous philosophers. It’s a wake-up call for your mind.
New episodes every Wednesday. Ready to see what you've been missing?
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/corals/mountain-pine
License code: NT1UAGETRXVL46SM
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 22 minutes
- Episodes
- 38
- Years Active
- 2025
Are Trans Women Really Women?
What does it really mean to say that sex is "biologically determined"? In this episode of American Socrates, we explore the science, philosophy, and politics behind one of the most heat…
Philosophy in a Nutshell: Mary's Room
Explore Frank Jackson's thought experiment about a scientist who knows the world of color.
Is Seeing Really Believing?
We trust our eyes, but should we? This episode dives into the philosophy of perception, exploring whether seeing really is believing—or if our senses deceive us more often than we think…
Philosophy in a Nutshell: The Trolley Problem
In less than two minutes, we'll explore Phillipa Foot's famous thought experiment involving the trolley problem.
Philosophy in a Nutshell: The Experience Machine
In less than two minutes, we'll examine Robert Nozick's famous thought experiment involving the experience machine.
How Many Hands Does It Take to Make Sense of an Elephant?
Can we ever see the full picture, or are we all just grasping at different parts of the truth? This episode explores the ancient parable of the blind men and the elephant to tackle a bi…
Philosophy in a Nutshell: The Veil of Ignorance
In under two minutes, we'll examine John Rawls' thought experiment involving the veil of ignorance.
Philosophy in a Nutshell: Ship of Theseus
Philosophy in a Nutshell offers big ideas in bite-sized portions. This episode covers the Ship of Theseus thought experiment. Be sure to listen to Full Episodes of American Socrates eve…
Is that Just Like... Your Opinion, Man!?!
In a world of endless hot takes and internet debates, does truth even matter anymore? This episode dives into the difference between opinion and knowledge—how we justify beliefs, what c…
Are the Humanities a Waste of Time & Money?
Are the humanities useless in today’s job-driven world, or do they offer something deeper? In this episode, we explore the real value of studying philosophy, history, and literature—not…
Can Reading More Books Save Democracy?
In an age of endless scrolling and bite-sized content, does reading still matter? This episode explores Neil Postman’s argument that different forms of media shape the way we think—and …
How Much Should I Trust Experts?
In a world flooded with conflicting advice and so-called "experts," how do we know who to trust? This episode dives into the philosophy of expertise, exploring the ancient Greek concept…
Do Arguments Change Minds?
Arguments aren’t just for debates and courtrooms—they shape how we think, persuade, and make decisions every day. In this episode, we break down the basics of constructing and evaluatin…
What are the Limits of Reason?
Reason is a powerful tool for understanding the world and finding truth, but it's not without its flaws. In this episode, we'll look at the importance of critical thinking in daily life…
What Can Denim Philosophy Teach Me?
What is the difference between academic philosophy and denim philosophy? Philosophy isn’t just a subject—it’s a toolkit for thinking, questioning, and making sense of the world. In this…
Can Philosophy Save My Life?
Philosophy matters more now than ever. It isn’t just abstract debates and old books—it’s about asking the right questions to make sense of the world and our place in it. In this first e…