Listen "Exercise"
Episode Synopsis
Western philosophy started… at the gym. In episode 83 of Overthink, Ellie and David tackle the philosophy of workouts, from Plato’s days as a wrestler to the modern loneliness of a solitary bench press. As they discuss the role of exercise — which the Greeks called gymnastics — in building bodies and training souls, they consider the ancient Olympics, the cravings for health and beauty that guide us through what David calls the "Protestant work-out ethic," and Jean Baudrillard's thoughts about Americans' passion for jogging.Works DiscussedJean Baudrillard, AmericaMark Greif, “Against Exercise”Drew Hyland, Philosophy of SportPlato, The Republic, The Laws, and EuthyphroHeather Reid, Introduction to the Philosophy of SportJean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, and “The Government of Poland”Sabrina Strings, Fearing the Black BodyMax Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of CapitalismSupport the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | [email protected] | Overthink podcast
More episodes of the podcast Overthink
Neighbors
16/09/2025
Black Women's Magic with Lindsey Stewart
09/09/2025
Post-Truth
26/08/2025
Burnout
12/08/2025
Travel
29/07/2025
Weirdness with Eric Schwitzgebel
15/07/2025
Air
01/07/2025
Earth
17/06/2025
Water
03/06/2025
Fire
20/05/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.