What if morality was law-governed in the same way as logic and physics?

The Hotel Bar Sessions hosts close out Season 11 with a deep dive into one of philosophy’s most important moral principles: Immanuel Kant’s “Categorical Imperative.” They carefully unpack Kant’s three formulations of the “moral law”—the Universality formulation, the Humanity formulation, and the Kingdom of Ends formulation—to demonstrate how Kant sought to ground morality in rationality, universality, and freedom.

Through accessible examples– punctuality, lying, slavery, and even prostitution– the hosts illustrate Kant’s vision of the moral law as an unconditional principle, independent of personal preferences or consequences. They also clarify common misconceptions, like conflating Kant’s universality formulation with the Golden Rule, and examine how his ideas prioritize duty over subjective inclinations.

This is a spirited debate about Kant’s relevance today, questioning the challenges of applying the rigid moral framework of the Categorical Imperative to complex modern realities. The co-hosts address critiques of Kant’s metaphysical assumptions, his treatment of non-human entities, and the potential for misusing his ideas to justify exclusion. Despite these critiques, the hosts argue for the enduring importance of Kantian ethics in safeguarding the dignity and autonomy of all rational beings.

Filled with humor, thoughtful analysis, and practical insights, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the philosophical foundations of morality and their own ethical commitments.

Full episode notes available at this link:
https://hotelbarpodcast.com/podcast/episode-165-kants-categorical-imperative

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If you enjoy Hotel Bar Sessions podcast, please be sure to subscribe and submit a rating/review! Better yet, you can support this podcast by signing up to be one of our Patrons at patreon.com/hotelbarsessions!

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What if our cosmic unimportance is itself not all that important?

This week, the Hotel Bar Sessions hosts welcome Joshua Glasgow, author of The Significance Impulse: On the Unimportance of Our Cosmic Unimportance, to unpack humanity’s seemingly irrepressible drive to seek significance and the societal and psychological effects of this pervasive impulse. Glasgow argues that the quest for cosmic importance is not only unrealistic, but detrimental, and he urges us to embrace our smallness as a path to greater freedom and fulfillment. From cultural pressures to excel to the personal burdens of striving for greatness, Glasgow highlights how letting go of the need to be “the greatest” can both foster joy and realign our assessment of our own significance in more honest ways.

Drawing on examples like Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, and Frida Kahlo, the conversation explores the interplay between morality, aesthetics, and well-being in shaping human values. The hosts reflect on how society’s emphasis on individual greatness can distort priorities and undermine happiness, while Glasgow introduces the concept of "irreverent contentment" as a counterbalance.

Whether you're pondering your place in the cosmos or just trying to enjoy a good game of cribbage, this episode offers fresh insights into what it means to live a meaningful life.

Full episode notes available at this link:
https://hotelbarpodcast.com/podcast/episode-164-the-significance-impulse-with-josh-glasgow

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If you enjoy Hotel Bar Sessions podcast, please be sure to subscribe and submit a rating/review! Better yet, you can support this podcast by signing up to be one of our Patrons at patreon.com/hotelbarsessions!

Follow us on Twitter/X @hotelbarpodcast, on Blue Sky @hotelbarpodcast.bsky.social, on Facebook, on TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

The HBS hosts survey theories of justice from the ancients to the present.

What does it mean to think justice, to pursue justice, or to act justly? Are we servicing justice, or just serving our self-interests? How do different philosophical approaches help us imagine a “just” society? This week, we consider retributive, restorative, and distributive theories, among others, exploring how each shapes our understanding of equality, rights, and fairness, and try to determine which approach provides the most useful guide in a world that appears increasingly unjust.

So, grab a drink, pull up a chair, and let’s dig in: Is justice something we can pour out—or just a top-shelf ideal?

Full episode notes available at this link:
https://hotelbarpodcast.com/podcast/episode-161-justice

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If you enjoy Hotel Bar Sessions podcast, please be sure to subscribe and submit a rating/review! Better yet, you can support this podcast by signing up to be one of our Patrons at patreon.com/hotelbarsessions!

Follow us on Twitter/X @hotelbarpodcast, on Blue Sky @hotelbarpodcast.bsky.social, on Facebook, on TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!