Plato on Pop

Philosophy

Nathan Fielder’s "Rehearsal" and Stoic Visualization

William Irwin Ph.D. on June 9, 2025

The Stoics didn't advocate play acting, but Nathan Fielder does. Rehearsing is one step beyond visualizing in the process of becoming a better version of yourself.

The Stoics didn't advocate play acting, but Nathan Fielder does. Rehearsing is one step beyond visualizing in the process of becoming a better version of yourself.

Philosophy

Why "Oppenheimer" Is a Philosophical Film

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on August 4, 2023

"Oppenheimer" raises philosophical questions about the use and development of nuclear weapons. How much should we worry about nuclear war today

"Oppenheimer" raises philosophical questions about the use and development of nuclear weapons. How much should we worry about nuclear war today

Resilience

Beyond Resilience With Metallica

William Irwin Ph.D. on May 2, 2022

Metallica’s song “Broken, Beat & Scarred” illustrates what it means to be antifragile—to rise again stronger after suffering.

Metallica’s song “Broken, Beat & Scarred” illustrates what it means to be antifragile—to rise again stronger after suffering.

Suicide

Songs of Subtle Suicide From Metallica

William Irwin Ph.D. on April 26, 2022

The lyrics to the Metallica songs “Rebel of Babylon” and “Moth into Flame” illustrate the self-destructive behavior of subtle suicide.

The lyrics to the Metallica songs “Rebel of Babylon” and “Moth into Flame” illustrate the self-destructive behavior of subtle suicide.

Suicide

Metallica’s Song of Suicide

William Irwin Ph.D. on April 19, 2022

Song lyrics can be therapeutic. Metallica's song “Fade to Black” provides a catharsis for suicidal feelings rather than a catalyst to suicide.

Song lyrics can be therapeutic. Metallica's song “Fade to Black” provides a catharsis for suicidal feelings rather than a catalyst to suicide.

Environment

Don’t Look Up: Are Some Critics Suffering From Denial?

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on January 3, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Director Adam McKay has said that those who are critical of his latest movie, Don't Look Up, are in denial about the climate crisis.

A Personal Perspective: Director Adam McKay has said that those who are critical of his latest movie, Don't Look Up, are in denial about the climate crisis.

Philosophy

The Comedy and Philosophy of the Film "Don’t Look Up"

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on December 30, 2021

In a world where truth can be stranger than fiction, comedy can be darker than horror.

In a world where truth can be stranger than fiction, comedy can be darker than horror.

Sex

Confessions of a Metal God

William Irwin Ph.D. on October 7, 2020

I have no gripe with Rob Halford when it comes to his sexuality. No one should. But I do have a bone to pick with him when it comes to music.

I have no gripe with Rob Halford when it comes to his sexuality. No one should. But I do have a bone to pick with him when it comes to music.

Free Will

Is Tenet’s Fatalism an Excuse to Do Nothing?

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on September 24, 2020

Filmmaker Christopher Nolan uses "Tenet" to argue that fatalism is true, but also that it is merely an expression of "the mechanics of the world, not an excuse to do nothing." And he's right.

Filmmaker Christopher Nolan uses "Tenet" to argue that fatalism is true, but also that it is merely an expression of "the mechanics of the world, not an excuse to do nothing." And he's right.

Free Will

Tenet: Nolan's Masterpiece on Fatalism and Free Will

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on September 15, 2020

Nolan’s film TENET is a twisting time adventure that leaves one with the impression that humans don’t have free will—and that conclusion is very likely correct.

Nolan’s film TENET is a twisting time adventure that leaves one with the impression that humans don’t have free will—and that conclusion is very likely correct.

Addiction

We Won’t Forget You, Ozzy

William Irwin Ph.D. on February 26, 2020

With his latest album, Ozzy Osbourne reflects on the darkest topic of all: Death.

With his latest album, Ozzy Osbourne reflects on the darkest topic of all: Death.

Philosophy

Avengers: Endgame’s Philosophical Oversight

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on April 27, 2019

If Avenger's Endgame had not make this one mistake, it would have truly been a marvel!

If Avenger's Endgame had not make this one mistake, it would have truly been a marvel!

Free Will

Star War's "Solo" Delivers a Welcome Philosophical Shift

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on May 29, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story represents a major shift in how droids are depicted and treated in the Star Wars universe.

Solo: A Star Wars Story represents a major shift in how droids are depicted and treated in the Star Wars universe.

Resilience

“The Greatest Teacher, Failure Is.” Why Hate The Last Jedi?

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on March 27, 2018

The Last Jedi is out on Blu-ray today. Why was it so controversial? Was it the worst or what we needed? My failed (and successful) predictions can help answer these questions.

The Last Jedi is out on Blu-ray today. Why was it so controversial? Was it the worst or what we needed? My failed (and successful) predictions can help answer these questions.

Spirituality

The Question of Contact

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on July 10, 2017

Can personal experience ever be used to justifiably override scientific evidence or argument?

Can personal experience ever be used to justifiably override scientific evidence or argument?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Coming Home From War and Metallica’s “Confusion”

William Irwin Ph.D. on December 4, 2016

Though mercifully few of us have PTSD or have done a tour of duty in a combat zone, we have all been scarred. Life is a return from battle.

Though mercifully few of us have PTSD or have done a tour of duty in a combat zone, we have all been scarred. Life is a return from battle.

Media

On Sequels & Reboots: Defending The Force Awakens

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on February 2, 2016

Is the plot of The Force Awakens just a rehash of the old films? Absolutely not. But appreciating that it's not only a sequel, but a reboot, can help you enjoy the similarities.

Is the plot of The Force Awakens just a rehash of the old films? Absolutely not. But appreciating that it's not only a sequel, but a reboot, can help you enjoy the similarities.

Religion

Star Wars: Answering the Big Questions

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on January 27, 2016

Who are Rey’s parents? Why exactly did Luke go into hiding? Who is Supreme Leader Snoke? What’s the deal with Kylo’s lightsaber? Careful reasoning might reveal the answer.

Who are Rey’s parents? Why exactly did Luke go into hiding? Who is Supreme Leader Snoke? What’s the deal with Kylo’s lightsaber? Careful reasoning might reveal the answer.

Punishment

Watching Star Wars the Right Way

David Kyle Johnson Ph.D. on November 25, 2015

In what order should you watch the original saga? Release order? Episode order? Or an entirely different order altogether? And what all should you catch up on? The Clone Wars cartoon? The Zahn Novels (a.k.a. The Thrawn Trilogy)? The Holiday Special? What counts as canon?

In what order should you watch the original saga? Release order? Episode order? Or an entirely different order altogether? And what all should you catch up on? The Clone Wars cartoon? The Zahn Novels (a.k.a. The Thrawn Trilogy)? The Holiday Special? What counts as canon?

Imagine how people would wince and complain if they had to write a weekly, monthly, or yearly check for the full amount due in taxes. Can you feel the pain of those of us who hold on to the money we have earned for nearly three months before paying part of it in quarterly estimated taxes?