MIT Compass

MIT Compass

MIT Compass: Thinking & Talking About Being Human is a show about exploring fundamental questions: What do we value – and why? What do we know – and how do we know it? What do we owe to each other? Hosted by MIT professors from across the humanities, arts, and social sciences, each episode takes on the moral and social questions of the human experience.

Episodes

February 9, 2025 • 35 mins

For a transcript of this episode, click here (https://sites.mit.edu/compass/files/2025/06/Power-podcast-transcript.pdf).

In this episode, we’ll get into exercises of power and how they have changed through the ages with MIT professors from sociology and history (classical Roman history, medieval northern Europe, and early modern Atlantic capitalism).

Featuring: Susan Silbey, Professor of Sociology (host); Will Broadhead, Professor of...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

For a transcript of this episode, click here (https://sites.mit.edu/compass/files/2025/06/Truth-and-Knowledge-Transcript-1.pdf).

This episode explores the question “What are truth and knowledge?” with MIT professors from philosophy, history, mechanical engineering, and brain and cognitive sciences. 

Featuring: Alex Byrne, Professor of Philosophy (host); Jim DiCarlo, Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Anette (Peko) Hosoi, Prof...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
February 3, 2025 • 37 mins

For a transcript of this episode, click here (https://sites.mit.edu/compass/files/2025/06/Value-Podcast-Transcript.pdf).

This episode explores the question “What is value?” with MIT professors from philosophy, science, technology and society (STS), history, electrical engineering and computer science. 

Featuring: Sally Haslanger, Professor of Philosophy (host); Munther Dahleh, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science;...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
January 8, 2025 • 31 mins

For a transcript of this episode, click here (https://sites.mit.edu/compass/files/2025/06/Genius-Podcast-Transcript.pdf).

This episode explores the question ”What makes a genius and why does it matter?” with insights from MIT professors of music, math, physics, and history of science. 

Featuring: Emily Richmond Pollock, Professor of Music (host); Larry Guth, Professor of Mathematics; and, David Kaiser, Professor of Physics and Histor...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices