Stanford radio talk show “Philosophy Talk” hosted an interactive radio broadcast session with Palo Alto High School students on May 14.

Philosophy Talk is an hour long radio program that discusses the role of philosophy in modern day society. The slogan for the program is “We question everything - except your intelligence.”

The show was invited to come to Paly by English teacher Lucy Fillpu. It was the first radio talk show that included audience participation to ever come to Paly.

Talk show hosts and Stanford professors Ken Taylor and John Perry’s main topic during the session was the question of whether the teaching of philosophy corrupted youth. The discussion topic was inspired by the trial of Socrates, a Greek philosopher, who was sentenced to death for allegedly corrupting the youth with his theories against oppression by authority.

The session featured guest speaker, Jack Bowen.

Bowen is an author and the Philosophy teacher at Menlo Atherton High School. Bowen recently published a book about the philosophy of bumper stickers, entitled ‘If you can read this.’

The session began with a presentation by two students, Johnny Halperin, a junior from Menlo High

school and Paly junior Charles Lockner.

The students discussed pieces of pop culture and the influence of philosophy on their chosen pieces.

Halperin chose to discuss a verse from the song “Parabola’” by the alternative-metal band, Tool. 

Taylor and Perry then proceeded to host a question and answer forum with Paly students.

The students discussed pieces of pop culture and the influence of philosophy on their chosen pieces. Halperin chose to discuss a verse from the song ‘Parabola’ by the alternative-metal band, Tool. Lockner chose to present an excerpt of the cover of the song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by classic rock band Queen used in the nineties movie, “Wayne’s World.” Both students used the fantasy versus reality themes of the songs to illustrate their lives as teenagers and their constantly changing philosophies.

Taylor and Perry then proceeded to host a question and answer forum with Paly students. Topics included whether war is ever justified, the justification of eating animals and the impact of philosophy on teenage life and discipline in studies.

Philosophy Talk broadcasts live on Sundays at 10 a.m. from Stanford.