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.
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American Socrates
Are We Free or Just Fooling Ourselves?
What if everything you’ve ever done was inevitable — shaped by causes beyond your control? In this episode, we explore determinism not as a physics problem, but as a moral one. Why do we blame people? Why do we take credit? Nietzsche called it all a mistake — four great errors that have warped how we see the world and ourselves. But was he right?
We also take a sharp turn with Sartre, who thinks even in a determined world, freedom can still mean something — if we’re willing to own our choices without excuse.
This isn’t a debate between science and free will. It’s a challenge to how we judge, punish, and live with ourselves and others.
