The Best Philosophy Channels on YouTube

7 min readDec 10, 2023

In the vast digital universe of YouTube, where entertainment often drowns out intellectual pursuits, a handful of channels are carving out sanctuaries for the mind. These oases offer more than just fleeting amusement; they are beacons for those seeking to engage with life’s most profound questions. In an age where the tempo of life seems perpetually set to ‘rush’, these YouTube philosophy channels invite us to pause, ponder, and perhaps understand a little more about the world and ourselves.

From the ancient musings of Plato to the existential quandaries posed by Sartre, these channels make philosophy accessible, intriguing, and surprisingly relevant to our modern lives. Whether you’re a seasoned philosopher or a curious newcomer, these channels promise to enlighten, challenge, and sometimes even amuse. Join us as we explore the best philosophy channels on YouTube, where deep thought is not only welcomed but celebrated.

Einzelgänger

youtube.com/@Einzelganger

The Einzelgänger YouTube channel is an intriguing portal offering a diverse array of subjects in the realms of philosophy, religion, and psychology. The project is a collaborative effort involving several contributors responsible for footage, animations, writing, music, and management. The channel covers a wide range of topics, varying from movie analyses to explorations of Stoic ethics, the teachings of Carl Jung, and perspectives through a Taoist lens. The channel is characterized by an open-minded approach, avoiding dogma and exploring a wide array of ideas and viewpoints.

Eternalised

youtube.com/@Eternalised

Eternalised is a YouTube channel that emerged from a personal journey of exploration and self-education. Born in Copenhagen to Indian and Spanish parents, the channel’s creator traveled between India and Spain and experienced a culturally rich, albeit unconventional, educational upbringing. After facing personal challenges and the abrupt loss of his mother, he began to delve into philosophy and psychology, finding particular resonance in the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and Carl Jung. The channel reflects this personal journey and exploration of philosophical and psychological themes.

Gregory B Sadler

youtube.com/@GregoryBSadler

On Gregory B Sadler’s channel, philosophy transcends academic boundaries to become a practical guide for various aspects of life. Sadler, an APPA-certified philosophical counselor and an author with a decade of experience in traditional academic roles, focuses on making classic philosophical ideas accessible to a broad audience. His videos delve into philosophical theories and their real-world applications, offering insights for professionals, students, and lifelong learners. He presents a rich tapestry of content, ranging from ancient Stoicism to complex Hegelian philosophy, tailored for both novices and seasoned philosophy enthusiasts.

Gresham College

youtube.com/@GreshamCollege

Gresham College, located in Central London, England, is a prestigious institution of higher learning known for its public lectures rather than conventional academic courses. Founded in 1597 under the will of Sir Thomas Gresham, it doesn’t accept students or award degrees but is renowned for hosting over 140 free public lectures each year. These lectures cover a wide range of topics, often delivered by visiting speakers and are designed to be accessible to the public.

In 2007, it began offering its lectures on YouTube, reaching a wide global audience with millions of views. This initiative aligns with the college’s mission to make education accessible to all, providing free and open access to high-quality academic content.

Hermitix

youtube.com/@hermitixpodcast

The Hermitix Podcast YouTube channel is a unique platform dedicated to exploring the more esoteric and lesser-known realms of philosophy, theory, and literature. The channel focuses on one-on-one interviews that delve into fringe philosophy, obscure theories, weird literature, underappreciated thinkers, and movements that typically find themselves outside the traditional academic canon.

With its commitment to bringing forth ideas and perspectives that are often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream academic discourse, Hermitix offers its audience an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking content that challenges conventional viewpoints. This channel serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the diverse and often unexplored aspects of philosophy and cultural theory, providing insights into a wide range of topics that encourage deep thinking and intellectual exploration.

The Living Philosophy

youtube.com/@TheLivingPhilosophy

The Living Philosophy is a channel that offers a captivating journey through the world of philosophy, weaving contemporary relevance into classic philosophical discussions. It examines the ideas of renowned philosophers, interprets historical philosophical texts, and engages with philosophical thoughts in the context of current events and societal debates. This channel stands out for its ability to make complex philosophical ideas accessible and relevant, inviting viewers to ponder and reflect on the deeper questions of existence and human nature.

Michael Sugrue

youtube.com/@dr.michaelsugrue

Dr. Michael Sugrue’s YouTube channel is a distinguished source of intellectual enrichment, particularly for those interested in the Western philosophical tradition. His most popular video, a lecture on Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations,” reflects Sugrue’s own Stoic leanings and his ability to bring ancient philosophical ideas into a modern context. A retired academic from Ave Maria University, Sugrue’s passion for teaching extends beyond the traditional classroom. His channel features his 1992 lecture series, covering significant authors and thinkers of the Western tradition, and amassing over two and a half million views. These lectures, part of the “Great Minds of the Western Intellectual Tradition” series, range from Plato to critical theory, showcasing Sugrue’s exceptional oratory skills and deep knowledge.

The Partially Examined Life

youtube.com/@ThePartiallyExaminedLife

The Partially Examined Life is a YouTube channel that serves as an engaging platform for exploring philosophical ideas and theories. This channel is known for its approachable and conversational style, making it a favorite among both philosophy enthusiasts and those new to the field. It features a mix of discussions, interviews, and deep dives into various philosophical topics, ranging from ancient philosophy to contemporary thought.

The channel’s content often includes critical analyses of philosophical texts, debates on ethical and existential questions, and explorations of the connections between philosophy, art, and everyday life. For anyone looking to embark on a philosophical journey that is both intellectually stimulating and accessible, The Partially Examined Life is an excellent resource.

Philosophies for Life

youtube.com/@PhilosophiesforLife

Philosophies for Life is a unique platform dedicated to integrating ancient wisdom into the fabric of modern living. This channel provides a diverse range of content focusing on life-changing philosophical ideas designed to enhance various aspects of life, including spirituality, finance, relationships, mental, and emotional well-being. The overarching theme of the channel is to offer insights and perspectives that encourage personal growth and development. It serves as a guide for viewers seeking to navigate the complexities of contemporary life with philosophical grounding and insight.

Philosophize This!

youtube.com/@philosophizethispodcast

Philosophize This! is a podcast that delves into a myriad of philosophical topics, engaging its audience in thoughtful explorations of complex ideas and explaining the work of significant figures in philosophy. This channel stands as an intellectual feast for anyone intrigued by philosophical inquiry, offering a space for reflection and understanding in the digital age.

Pursuit of Wonder

youtube.com/@PursuitofWonder

Pursuit of Wonder is a platform dedicated to exploring a diverse array of topics that ignite curiosity, reflection, and appreciation for the profound and often inexplicable aspects of existence. The channel’s content ranges from philosophy and psychology to science, literature, and well-being, all aimed at inspiring viewers to face life’s complexities with a sense of wonder akin to that of a child. The channel creators focus on presenting powerful ideas and stories that encourage viewers to reconnect with a sense of wonder and find comfort in the uncertainty and absurdity of life.

Royal Institute of Philosophy

youtube.com/@RoyIntPhilosophy

The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s YouTube channel is a digital extension of its commitment to advancing philosophical knowledge and study. It features lectures, discussions, and debates by some of the most prominent philosophers and thinkers of our time. Covering a wide array of topics from ethics to metaphysics, and everything in between, this channel is a must-visit for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of philosophical concepts and their implications in the modern world. Whether you’re a student of philosophy or just someone with a keen interest in exploring the deeper questions of life, the Royal Institute of Philosophy offers a wealth of knowledge and insight.

The School of Life

youtube.com/@theschooloflifetv

The School of Life is a distinctive and influential entity in the realm of social media, specializing in offering insights and guidance on various life issues. Founded by a group of academics, including the author Alain de Botton, The School of Life stands out for its multidisciplinary approach to life’s complexities. The channel’s content is curated by Sophie Howarth, with contributions from philosophers, psychotherapists, artists, and educators, including notable figures like Mark Vernon, Robert Rowland Smith, and Roman Krznaric.

The School of Life’s YouTube channel mirrors this eclectic and profound approach, offering a wide range of content that encompasses topics such as anxiety management, emotional intelligence, relationships, creativity, and spirituality. Their videos are known for their depth, accessibility, and practical relevance, making philosophy and psychology applicable to everyday life. The channel serves as an extension of their broader mission to enhance personal development and emotional well-being through a philosophical lens.

Then & Now

youtube.com/@ThenNow

Then & Now is a thought-provoking platform that offers a deep dive into the realms of philosophy, history, and politics. It explores a variety of complex topics, analyzing how philosophical ideas, historical events, and political theories have shaped and continue to influence our world. This channel is particularly notable for its ability to contextualize philosophical and historical concepts in a way that is relevant to current societal and political issues, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to understand the past and present through a philosophical lens.