About the Show
WHY? Philosophical Discussions about everyday life may be the world's first call-in philosophy show. Its mission is to create a large-scale conversation between philosophical professionals and the general public. Even more so, however, the show was created to illustrate how day-to-day life is steeped in deep philosophical commitments and to provide a venue for exploration of those same commitments.
Hosted by Jack Russell Weinstein, WHY? features a range of guests who either work in academic philosophy or whose professions are ideal for bringing out philosophical issues and assumption. Each episode begins with a monologue-style discussion of current events as seen through a philosophical lens then features a discussion with the guest about their work and how it relates to general audiences. Then the questions come in. Anyone is welcome to call, but those with philosophical expertise are asked to show how their questions, no matter how obscure, relate to ordinary experience.
WHY? can be heard live on Prairie Public radio stations across the state, in Winnipeg on Shaw Cable, 107.9, and online anywhere in the world. Questions can be submitted in advance or during the show via the internet askwhy@und.edu. They can also be asked live on the air by calling 888-755-6377.
WHY? is funded by the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life and Prairie Public Radio.
Jack Russell Weinstein
Dr. Jack Russell Weinstein is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Dakota and the Director of the Institute for Philosophy in Public Life. He has had a career-long interest in public philosophy as well as long-term interest in radio. WHY? is the combination of the two. He has authored two books, three edited collections and journal symposia, and over two dozen articles and reviews. He has contributed work for lay audiences to newspapers, magazines, and public radio. He lives in Grand Forks with his wife Kim, their daughter Adina, and their dog Mingus.
Skip Wood
Skip Wood was the news producer at Channel 4 in Fargo/Grand Forks for 22 years. He left to pursue various independent projects, including "The Next Governor," a television documentary for Prairie Public and became the longtime producer for Prairie Public's daily talk show Hear It Now. Skip lives in Moorhead with his wife Stacy.
Canto de Ossanha
The theme music to WHY? is the song "Canto de Ossanha" from the album Lua e Sol written and performed by Jazz Flutist Mark Weinstein. Information about this and other recordings can be found at www.jazzfluteweinstein.com or www.myspace.com/markweinstein
