Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Left vs Right, Polarization, and Political Legitimacy | Oliver Traldi
56:52
56:52
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
56:52
Oliver Traldi explores the polarization of modern politics, mechanisms of belief political formation, the influence of social costs on public reasoning, and the complexities of political reasoning and norms. What is the relationship between political and moral reasoning? And what makes political decision making legitimate? Read Traldi's book here: …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Ethics of Swearing | Rebecca Roache [with Travis Timmerman]
1:04:40
1:04:40
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:04:40
Why do we find swearing offensive, and should we? Is it wrong to use swear words despite causing offense? This episode is an eye-opener into the often overlooked depth and implications of everyday profanity. Listen to Rebecca’s podcast here: https://www.academicimperfectionist.com/podcast [00:00] Introduction and Guest Introduction [00:19] Rebecca'…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Patriotism Unpacked | Spencer Case
1:00:18
1:00:18
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:00:18
What does it mean to be patriotic, or to love your country? Some argue that patriotism is virtuous because it allows us to transcend our selfish needs and act for the good of our community. But others argue that patriotism is overly narrow-minded, arbitrary and sometimes immoral. Microdigressions Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Micro-Digressions …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Ethics of Dark Humor | David Shoemaker
1:02:46
1:02:46
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:02:46
David Shoemaker explores the intricate relationship between humor and morality. What makes a faux insult funny? Can wisecracks be both humorous and hurtful? The conversation delves into academic theories of humor, the significance of context and intentions, and the controversial topics of offensive jokes and the boundaries of humorous expression. […
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Is Israel’s War Unjust? | Mark Oppenheimer vs Raja Halwani
1:37:46
1:37:46
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:37:46
Join us for an intense debate featuring Mark Oppenheimer, who defends Israel’s war as just, and Raja Halwani, who argues Israel’s war is unjust. The debate covers historical contexts, moral principles, and the roles of both Israel and Hamas, aiming to provide nuanced insights into one of the most challenging global issues of our time. [00:00] Intro…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Gaming and Friendship | Nicholas Baima
49:59
49:59
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
49:59
How do digital interactions, specifically through gaming, form genuine friendships? Nicholas Baima challenges the traditional notion that physical presence is essential for true friendship. By examining ancient ethical theories, especially Aristotle's various forms of friendship, the episode debates whether online friendships can reach the purest f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Gaming: Dangerous or Beneficial? | Sarah Malanowski
55:51
55:51
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
55:51
Should we consider gaming as potentially addictive? Sarah Malanowski argues gaming is much like any other beneficial hobby: it provides a sense of community, challenge, and personal growth. She argues gaming is unfairly stigmatized, and should instead be seen as a valuable tool for growing character. Link to Sarah’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Why…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Edges of Philosophy: Good, Bad, and the Controversial | Travis Timmerman
1:13:19
1:13:19
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:13:19
What makes for good philosophy? How has philosophy impacted popular culture? Can sci-fi be good philosophy? And can we inspire philosophical inquiry despite not strictly adhering to rigorous philosophical methods? [00:00] Introduction to Bad Philosophy [00:51] The Repugnant Conclusion [03:09] Criteria for Good Philosophy [06:05] Examples of Good Ph…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Helpful Abortion Restrictions? | Perry Hendricks
1:03:17
1:03:17
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:03:17
Perry Hendricks argues that abortion restrictions are beneficial, especially to black women, by preventing them from engaging in what he presupposes is the wrongful act of abortion. The conversation critically examines the ethics of abortion, the impact of restrictions on black women, and the broader societal implications. We discuss paternalism, s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Race and IQ | Nathan Cofnas
1:14:32
1:14:32
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:14:32
Nathan Cofnas argues that distinct populations have developed specific cognitive abilities due to varying environmental challenges. The conversation explores the definition and validity of racial categorization from a biological perspective, addressing whether certain physical and cognitive differences among races have a genetic basis. Nathan argue…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lionel Shriver on the Dangers of Manic Equality
1:04:34
1:04:34
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:04:34
We welcome back Lionel Shriver to discuss her latest novel, 'Mania'. Shriver explores how egalitarian principles push us to ignore obvious truths about the world, particularly in discussions on transgender rights. She critiques the Left’s inclination to measure art and literature through the lens of political virtue. Read Shriver’s book, ‘Mania’, h…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Gun Control | Eric Sampson (Rebroadcast)
53:56
53:56
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
53:56
A discussion on gun control, exploring philosophical, legal,and ethical aspects of the issue. Eric Samson offers a range of arguments andcounterarguments on the necessity and consequences of gun laws. Theconversation includes the right to self-defence, the impact of gun ownership onviolence and society, victims of violent crimes, and proposals for …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ethical Quandaries of Autonomous Weapon Systems | Afonso Seixas-Nunes
1:02:02
1:02:02
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:02:02
We speak with Father Afonso about the use of weapon systemsin warfare. The discussion explores a thought experiment involving two statesat war and the deployment of autonomous drones capable of targeting terrorists withouthuman intervention. Key topics include the legality and morality of suchsystems, the potential for reducing civilian casualties,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Paediatric Gender Medicine | Moti Gorin and Holly Lawford-Smith
1:17:04
1:17:04
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:17:04
We begin by imagining a world where children are separated by sex at birth and raised without exposure to traditional gender norms. We debate whether gender incongruence is a result of nature or social conditioning. We discuss gender affirming care for children, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing gender dysphoria amidst co-occurring psychiat…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Peter Singer on Animal Liberation Now
1:05:15
1:05:15
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:05:15
Peter Singer delves into difficult ethicalquestions regarding animal rights, the morality of factory farming, anddifficult human-related ethical dilemmas. Singer discusses his views as aconsequentialist, examining the impact of our choices on animal suffering, theethical considerations around organ donation from anencephalic children, andthe broade…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
We Should Want Immortality | John Martin Fischer
51:38
51:38
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
51:38
John Martin Fischer argues that lifeconstantly offers new experiences and perspectives that prevent it frombecoming monotonous. He delves into the idea of living asignificantly extended life without aging and the implications it has onpersonal identity and society at large. Fischer distinguishes between trueimmortality and radical life extension, f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Against Immortality | Stephen Cave
56:12
56:12
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
56:12
Stephen Cave unpacks the ethical and practical problems of living forever. He highlights ongoing research in anti-aging and the potential societal and ecological catastrophes that could follow if humans were to achieve immortality. Stephen weighs the individual’s desire for immortality against social implications, and the potential exacerbation of …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Immigration and Borders | Stephen Kershnar
1:07:36
1:07:36
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:07:36
Featuring Stephen Kershnar, we discuss the complexities of immigration ethics, the rights to immigrate, and the morality of borders, keeping in mind debates around wealth, exclusion, and property rights. Stephen considers consequentialist and deontological perspectives in immigration policies, the notion of collective versus individual rights, and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Cascading Catastrophic Risks | Trond Undheim
54:40
54:40
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
54:40
Trond Undheim delves into catastrophic risks facing humanity, including climate change, governance breakdown, and technological threats. Through discussions of risk perception, effective planning versus worry, and the complexities of managing existential threats, Trond emphasizes the importance of preparing and adapting for uncertain futures. How s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Ethics of Political Commemoration | Hans Gutbrod
56:51
56:51
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
56:51
In this episode of 'Brain In A Vat', Hans Gutbrod addresses the gap in philosophy in understanding the ethics around statues, street names, and museums. By drawing parallels to just war theory, Gutbrod proposes a framework to navigate the complexities of commemorating historical figures and events. The discussion also touches upon the potential for…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Facial Distortions and Prosopometamorphopsia | Brad Duchaine
1:01:22
1:01:22
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:01:22
In this special episode of Brain in a Vat, Brad Duchaine from the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at Dartmouth discusses prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) – a condition where individuals see distorted faces. The episode explores various manifestations of PMO, including seeing demonic features, dragons, or entirely different faces, and disting…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pornography and Free Speech | Nadine Strossen and Holly Lawford-Smith
1:13:02
1:13:02
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:13:02
We welcome back Nadine Strossen for a comprehensive discussion about pornography and free speech. She highlights points from her re-released book 'Defending Pornography', explaining why she supports the freedom of sexual expression. Her thought experiment is about a respected academic who makes adult videos, raising questions about personal freedom…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Unravelling “White Privilege” | Spencer Case
1:00:29
1:00:29
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:00:29
Can the definition of privilege be nuanced enough to address the broad range of individual experiences and historical contexts? Does recognizing and discussing privilege lead to meaningful social change? Or does talk of privilege oversimplify complex issues?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Privacy Paradox | David Boonin
1:00:35
1:00:35
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:00:35
Is observing people in a public space from the privacy of your home an infringement of their rights? Can the widespread use of CCTV cameras be justified, or does it violate their privacy? And how do technological developments affect the delicate balance between safety and privacy?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dissecting Morality: Error Theory | Matt Lutz
1:01:49
1:01:49
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:01:49
What if our understanding of morality is fundamentally flawed? Should the absence of objective moral facts alter the way we live and interact? Is the structure of our society dependent on moral beliefs, or are these just a result of individual desires and social evolution?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Morality Maze | Spencer Case
58:06
58:06
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
58:06
Is morality real, a social construct, or non-existent? Can we rely on our moral intuitions? And are moral truths inaccessible to us?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why Israel's Response to Hamas Was Justified | Natasha Hausdorff
51:57
51:57
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
51:57
What is a proportional response to a terrorist attack? What does genocide involve? And is South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice justified?Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason WerbeloffEditor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter KaufmanBrain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShopBrain in a Vat bookshop (Ama…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Trouble with Gender | Alex Byrne
57:44
57:44
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
57:44
Does the biology you were born with trump self-identity when determining your sex or gender? Is gender innate, or can it change? And what can real-life cases of children being reassigned their sex at birth teach us? Alex's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Gender-Sex-Facts-Fictions/dp/1509560017/
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
John Rawls: Justice as Fairness | Paul Weithman (Rebroadcast)
57:07
57:07
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
57:07
John Rawls is widely regarded as the greatest modern liberal philosopher. Does his theory of justice lead to a fair society?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Near-Death Experiences | John Martin Fischer (Rebroadcast)
1:04:58
1:04:58
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:04:58
Is there life after death? Are near-death experiences meaningful? Are they similar to other altered states like meditation and drug-induced hallucinations?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How To End Global Poverty | Andy Kuper (Rebroadcast)
56:43
56:43
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
56:43
Andy Kuper, the founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, tells us how his PHD in philosophy led him to marry profit with purpose, by creating investment funds with deep impact on the lives of 200 million low-income people worldwide, while generating strong returns for its investors and the companies in which it invests. https://leapfroginvest.com A…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Evolutionary Psychology | Justin Garson (Rebroadcast)
53:39
53:39
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
53:39
Is evolution the root cause of racism, rape, and disgust? Are differences between men and women a result of both nature and nurture? Are some forms of scientific inquiry too dangerous to allow? Justin's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Biological-Mind-Philosophical-Introduction/dp/0367466317
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Trans women in sport: Is it fair? | Stephen Kershnar (Rebroadcast)
1:13:59
1:13:59
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:13:59
Lia Thomas, a trans woman, has sparked controversy by competing in and winning women’s collegiate swimming events. Should Thomas and other trans athletes be allowed to compete in the gendered competition of their choice?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
David Chalmers on Virtual Reality and The Simulation Argument (Rebroadcast)
1:03:17
1:03:17
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:03:17
Could you be a brain in a vat, or be living in a simulated or virtual reality? Could you live a meaningful, valuable existence even if you were?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Freedom | Ernst Roets and Martin Van Staaden
1:34:27
1:34:27
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:34:27
Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Philosophy of Black Mirror's White Bear | Rebecca Tuvel
53:32
53:32
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
53:32
Black Mirror's episode, White Bear, is full of interesting philosophical problems. Are you still responsible for a crime you committed even if you've lost your memory of that crime? Do you persist through time despite amnesia? And what are the limits of justified punishment for horrendous crimes?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why you should stop eating meat | Mylan Engel
57:59
57:59
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
57:59
Do your current moral values require you to stop eating meat? Will going vegan actually prevent animal cruelty? Is the vegan movement a force for good?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
David Benatar on the Israel Palestine Conflict
59:21
59:21
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
59:21
Are Jews entitled to their own homeland? Is the Israeli response to the massacre of civilians perpetrated by Hammas on October 7th justified? Should there be a ceasefire? David's Article in Quillette: https://quillette.com/2023/10/21/its-not-the-occupation/ Raja Halwani wrote to us about Jason's exposition of his view at 38:50. Here is Raja's clari…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Ethics of Killing in War | Jeff McMahan (Rebroadcast)
58:01
58:01
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
58:01
This older conversation about war sheds light on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. Are soldiers fighting for the wrong side ever justified in killing? Should we punish these soldiers even if they were coerced by their State to fight? And is it ever justified to kill civilians? Read Jeff's book here: amazon.com/Killing-War-Uehiro-Practical-Et…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pornography and Exploitation | Holly Lawford-Smith
1:03:14
1:03:14
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:03:14
Are women generally exploited in pornography? Even in cases where women report that their pornography career is empowering, have they nevertheless been degraded? And if heterosexual pornography undermines women’s dignity, is this true of gay male pornography too?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Organ Markets | James Stacey Taylor
1:13:57
1:13:57
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:13:57
Should we be allowed to sell our organs on the open market? Would the poor be exploited under such a system? And does organ donation impose an unfair burden on the relatives of those that need a transplant?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Is Monogamy Wrong? | Harry Chalmers
57:27
57:27
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
57:27
Is the restriction on having additional sexual or romantic partners similar to the restriction on having additional friends? Should you allow your partner to be free to pursue other partners? And are we able to overcome the jealousy associated with non-monogamy?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Philosophy of Infinity Pool | Travis Timmerman
57:48
57:48
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
57:48
Does the clone of a murderer deserve to be punished? Is the clone with the murderer’s memories and dispositions guilty of the murder? And has justice been served if the clone is punished, even if the original murderer goes free?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Oppenheimers on Barbenheimer
55:37
55:37
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
55:37
Was dropping the bomb on Hiroshima justified? Is Ken the real star of Barbie? Three Oppenheimers weigh in on the film event of the year.Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason WerbeloffEditor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter KaufmanBrain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShopBrain in a Vat bookshop (Amazon): https://smarturl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Stephen Kershnar on Cultural Appropriation
51:42
51:42
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
51:42
Is it permissible for members of one group to appropriate the cultural practices of another? Is there anything wrong with cultural appropriation at all, or are there benefits to cultural appropriation?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sex work or prostitution? | Lori Watson
58:53
58:53
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
58:53
Is sex work actually work? Is prostitution always a form of exploitation? And show we legalize or decriminalize prostitution?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Islam-Atheism Debate: Behind the Curtain
1:07:10
1:07:10
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
1:07:10
Recently, Eron Fasser and Mark Oppenheimer debated Hamza Tzortzis and Mohammed Hijab on whether Atheism or is Islam more rational. This episode discusses the arguments made and strategies employed by both sides. Were Hamza and Mohammed arguing in good faith? Or were they trying to derail a debate they were clearly losing?…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Death | Travis Timmerman
56:37
56:37
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
56:37
Would it be better to live forever than to die? Is the goodness or badness of death dependent on the future quality of our lives? Is death so bad that it would be better never to have been born? Travis' Book: Exploring the Philosophy of Death and Dying https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Philosophy-Death-Dying-Contemporary/dp/1138393584/…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Luck and Knowledge | Mylan Engel
58:04
58:04
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
58:04
What is knowledge? Does a justified true belief count as knowledge? And is our knowledge lucky?
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Who was Derek Parfit? | David Edmonds
54:45
54:45
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
54:45
Parfit altered the landscape of the philosophy of identity. We speak to David Edmonds about his recently released biography on this influential philosopher, and ask: what made Parfit the man he was?
…
continue reading