Dr. Gordon Marino is a Professor in Philosophy at St. Olaf's College. His research focuses on Existentialism and Kierkegaard in particular. Outside of philosophy, Professor Marino worked as a boxing coach, and as a boxing writer for HBO and The Wall Street Journal.
In this discussion, we cover Existentialism as a philosophy of life. This includes a discussion of authenticity, self-deception, and the disconnect between what we know we should do, and what we end up doing. Professor Marino explains how Existentialism can help bridge that gap, and motivate us to do what is hard, and confront the difficult parts of life authentically and honestly. Towards the end of the talk, we discuss Gordon's experience as a boxer, and how this shaped his philosophical outlook.
Listen to this conversation to better understand how the Existentialists approach problems of faith, fear, emotional hardship, and personal weakness.
(01:41) What Is Existentialism?
(04:37) Authenticity
(08:26) Emotions in Existentialism
(12:18) How Should We Live?
(14:07) Wait - Who Is Kierkegaard?
(25:48) The Role of Faith
(30:16) Obedience
(30:54) Sport and Coaching
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