Philosophy on the Fringes

Author: Megan Fritts & Frank Cabrera

A couple of philosophy professors, Megan Fritts and Frank Cabrera, try to prove that you can do philosophy about almost anything. Join them as they explore the philosophical dimensions of topics on the outskirts of the academy. From Bigfoot to birthday parties, they take a Socratic approach to phenomena strange and mundane, asking listeners the question: What if we did philosophy on the fringes?
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Language: en

Genres: Philosophy, Society & Culture

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Reiki & Alternative Medicine
Episode 27
Monday, 24 November, 2025

In this episode, Megan and Frank discuss the alternative medicine practice known as "Reiki," a kind of touch energy healing. What is Reiki, and how is it supposed to work? Is there scientific evidence of Reiki's effectiveness, or is it all just a placebo? And if so, would that really be a problem?Hosts' Websites:Megan J Fritts (google.com)Frank J. Cabrera (google.com)Email: philosophyonthefringes@gmail.com-----------------------Bibliography:Frontiers | Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo?What is Reiki? Energy Healing and Chakra Work — Lisa KernDoes Reiki Work? - The AtlanticEvidence and explanation in Cicero's On DivinationTylenol Is Popular and Safe, Yet Nobody Knows How It Works | Scientific AmericanSiegel - Predictive Analytics, Revised and UpdatedThe Phantom Pattern Problem - Gary Smith; Jay Cordes - Oxford University PressA radical new hypothesis in medicine: give patients drugs they know don’t work | VoxThe weird power of the placebo effect, explained | VoxThe Power of Mind over Body | PlusPlacebos Work—Even Without Deception | Harvard Medical SchoolHume, David: Causation | Internet Encyclopedia of PhilosophyResearchers are still working to prove that antidepressants are more effective than placeboMedical Nihilism - Jacob Stegenga - Oxford University Press-----------------------Cover Artwork by Logan Fritts-------------------------Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/neon-signsLicense code: GAXUNUBZXURBJU22