Ken introduces the annual summer reading list episode with the usual question: What books should thoughtful people read this summer? Debra and John join Ken’s discussion of thought-provoking reads. John asks Debra for recommended readings in political philosophy, and she explains that Enlightenment theorists were remarkably prescient of the challenges of populism and inequality that our democracy currently faces. She gives John a myriad of book suggestions — from those of 18th century thinkers like Locke and Rousseau to modern academics like Milton Friedman and Jan-Werner Muller.

Ken and co-host Josh are joined by Harvard University Psychology Professor Steven Pinker to discuss his recent, controversial bookEnlightenment Now. In the book Steven claims that by any statistical measure — material progress, quality of life, extreme poverty, literacy, et cetera – the world is better off now than it ever has been due to the institutions of democracy and capitalism created by Enlightenment thinking. Ken pushes back with the common objection that there is more to life than material progress and that this progress can come at the expense of romanticism and enchantment.

Next, Josh and Ken welcome Kathleen Dean Moore, professor of philosophy from Oregon State University, to the show. Her new bookGreat Tide Rising鼓励人们在公司大肆掠夺的时代为环境挺身而出，提出了一个哲学论点，即人类有反击的道德义务。肯指出，对于拯救环境这样一项艰巨的挑战，个人很难做出切实的改变。然而，凯瑟琳坚持认为，当个人集体行动时，他们可以实现巨大的改变。

In the last segment, our hosts receive a few callers with summer reading recommendations of their own. Jillian addsThe Innocence of the Devilby Nawal El Saadawi to the list, a magical realist novel that explores complex questions of Good and Evil. Eliyu suggestsThe Overstoryby Richard Powers, which tells of humans' relationship with the environment.

• Roving Philosophical Report (seek to 2:50):Liza Veale talks to two “book healers,” matchmakers who prescribe books to afflicted souls. Dr. Hannah Kingsley-Ma and Dr. Louise McHugh hear their clients’ source of trouble and choose specific readings to guide, comfort, or console them.
• 60-Second Philosopher (seek to 48:40):Ian recommends a new biography of Edward Lansdale,The Road Not Takenby Max Boot. This historical narrative of the legendary World War II spy and CIA operative provides unique insight into America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.