First Philosophy

Begin with philosophy here!

In the penultimate episode of First Philosophy, Awee discusses Emmanuel Levinas and his radical claim that ethics comes before everything else. Instead of understanding the world first, Levinas argues that we are immediately confronted by the “other,” whose presence places a demand on us that cannot be reduced to knowledge, interpretation, or theory. Philosophy, then, is no longer about truth or being—but about responsibility.

Sonia and Kas interrupt, interpret, and unpack these ideas, translating Levinas’ dense philosophy into concrete examples and sharp discussions. Through debate, analogies, and moments of tension, they try to make sense of a thinker who resists being fully understood—while showing why his ideas still feel urgent today.

What is First Philosophy?

Exploring the timeless ideas of history’s greatest thinkers, one lecture at a time.

Philosophers must be eternal beginners, according to Edmund Husserl. In this podcast, we invite you to begin with us, accompanied by great lectures.

Every episode dives into the rich world of phenomenology, existentialism and hermeneutics, posing and answering profound questions concerning human existence. Through these episodes, you'll get familiar with Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre, Levinas, and many others.

Our first season centers around Awee Prins and his lecture series Human Conditions. To accompany you through this journey, Sonia Shvets and Kas Molenaar will provide brief interludes, insights, and introductions.

Let's begin, finally!


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