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Mark and Wes continue the discussion of Emile Durkheim's Suicide begun in parts 1 and 2, getting into more of the details of his account and in particular exploring comparative modes of explanation: Are there really "sociological facts" distinct from mere generalizations about psychological facts?
This leads us to more discussion of the legitimacy of psychoanalytic explanations (and more details about Julia Kristeva's Powers of Horror) vs. those of evolutionary psychology. Are either of these scientific in the manner of physics, or are they rather closer to speculative philosophy?
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I thoroughly enjoyed this extra episode.
The freewheeling between psychology, sociology, evolutionary biology and philosophy was highly enjoyable. It was nice to have space for Wes to develop and communicate his ideas, too.
In response to the listener feedback that you should be objective about the philosophers you are analysing – I completely disagree. The airing of differing views and contesting perspectives (not to mention individual colour and character) is an important part of what you do.