Join us for a provocative episode on Brain in a Vat as we rejoin the infamous Stephen Kershnar, whose prior discussions have made headlines. This episode delves into affirmative action, demographic considerations in education and employment, and the ethics of statistical predictions informed by race. The discussion debates the legitimacy and conseq…

Was Kit Conner obligated to reveal his queer sexual orientation to play his role as a queer character on ‘Heartstopper’? Timmerman and Blankschaen argue that straight actors can authentically portray queer characters, addressing issues of character versus performer authenticity, potential harm to marginalized actors, and the broader impact on the i…

Who should be included in our 'moral circle' when we make our moral decisions? Jeff discusses the ethical responsibilities we might have towards non-human beings, such as Neanderthals, AIs, or even figments of our imagination. The conversation critically examines issues related to animal welfare, the complexities of population ethics, and the poten…

Chris Freiman argues that we’re justified in ignoring politics. Freiman, whose book 'Why It's Okay to Ignore Politics' delves into this controversial stance, presents thought experiments and addresses common objections. The conversation also explores effective altruism, the moral implications of individual actions, and the complexities surrounding …

In this special episode, Alix Spiegel, host and producer of ‘Invisibilia’ and journalist for ‘This American Life’, joins us to talk about storytelling. Alix discusses storytelling techniques, the philosophical and political dimensions of narrative choices, and the emotional journey of confronting climate change. [00:00] Introduction to the Guest: E…

Dan Shahar defends the view that eating meat is permissible, even though meat farming is not. Is this a coherent position? [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [00:48] The Alien Analogy [02:20] Moral Implications and Human Relationships [03:33] Vegetarian Perspective and Ethical Dilemmas [08:01] Super Cow Hypothetical [12:11] Real-World Ethi…

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? [00:00] Introduction to David Edmunds [00:25] David's Personal Connection to Derek Parfit [01:42] Derek Parfit's Early Life and Education [04:17] Derek…

Ben Stiller's superb series, Severance, raises fascinating questions about the nature of personal identity. Are we minds or brains? Is it possible for two persons to inhabit the same body? And can a person survive gaps in their existence? [00:00] Introduction to Severance [01:24] Philosophical Questions on Personal Identity [05:59] Real-Life Analog…

What do anti-semites and ultra-orthodox Jews have in common? How did the ivy league discriminate against Jews? Is America still a safe haven for Jews? Follow Mark's work on https://markoppenheimer.substack.com/ [00:00] Introduction and Confession [00:17] The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting [03:59] Historical Context of Jewish Persecution [07:15] Un…

Oxford University Press refused to publish Alex Byrne's book on gender. We discuss whether women are adult human females and whether sex is the same as gender. [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [02:38] Exploring Gender Identity [11:22] Historical Context and Gender Roles [19:00] Biological and Social Perspectives [27:51] Understanding Soc…

Is sex work actually work? Is prostitution always a form of exploitation? And show we legalize or decriminalize prostitution? [00:00] Introduction and Opening Remarks [00:14] The Moral and Legal Concerns of Prostitution [04:11] Debating Terminology: Prostitution vs. Sex Work [06:37] Legal Frameworks and Models of Prostitution [11:24] The Unique Har…

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? [00:00] Introduction to the Debate on Monogamy [00:11] Thought Experiment: Friendship R…

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? [00:00] Introduction [00:18] The Case of Mrs. A [02:06] Privacy and …

Are there different kinds of bullshit? Do bullshitters know they are full of it? What should we do to stem the tide? [00:00] Introduction [00:19] David Benatar's Joke [02:25] Defining Bullshit: Philosophical Perspectives [04:21] Academic Bullshit and Real-World Examples [09:34] The Ethics of Calling Out Bullshit [23:14] The Tragedy of the Bullshit …

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? [00:00] Introduction and Welcome [00:14] Exploring the Privilege Walk [04:57] Discussion on…

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? [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [00:29] Criticism and Cultural Appropriation [02:07] Ownership of Ideas [04:49] Intellectual Property an…

Stephen Maitzen argues that the world is deterministic. But if all of our choices are determined, how should we understand free will, the meaning of life, and regret? Read Maitzen’s Book here: https://www.routledge.com/Determinism-Death-and-Meaning/Maitzen/p/book/9781032134185 [00:00] Introduction to Determinism and Thought Experiment [00:15] Clark…

We explore the complex moral landscape of abortion through the perspectives of two philosophical giants, John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant, as simulated by AI. Mill defends abortion from a utilitarian standpoint, emphasizing individual autonomy and the consequences of our actions, while Kant objects to abortion from a deontological approach, focus…

Does Searle’s Chinese Room show that AI is not intelligent or creative? Does AI learn the way humans do? And could AI ever be capable of truly creative thought? [00:00] Introduction to the Chinese Room Argument [03:55] The Evolution of Human Language [05:58] ChatGPT's Capabilities and Limitations [12:09] Human Understanding vs. AI Responses [15:33]…

'Lottocracy' is a system where political representation is determined randomly. Is this a better system than democracy? We discuss the shortcomings of current electoral democracies, including the influence of media and special interests, and examine innovative models like deliberative democracy and specialized legislative structures. How should we …

Georgi Gardiner discusses the intricate philosophy of safe sex, kink, and BDSM. She delves into the complexities of power dynamics, moral judgments, and ethical implications in kinky sex. How should we think about risk perception and its relation to STIs, and the value of sexual liberation? [00:00] Welcome and Introduction [00:10] A Curious Real Li…

Dive into the intersection of comedy and philosophy with South African comedian John Vlismas. We explore the power of humor as a political tool, its role in confronting societal issues, and the fine line between making people laugh and challenging their deeply held assumptions. Vlismas shares his insights on the evolving landscape of comedy, the et…

Join hosts Mark Opennheimer and Travis Timmerman as they dive into the world of bad movies with Matt Strohl, author of 'Why It's Okay to Love Bad Movies.' The episode explores 'bad' films like 'Dancing It's On,' the creative triumphs of low-budget movies, and the merits of B-movies. The conversation then shifts to the controversial film 'Cannibal H…

Bradley Hillier-Smith argues that states have a duty not to harm refugees, and a duty to improve the lives of refugees. He argues that wealthier nations, therefore, have an obligation to accept and support at least some refugees. But what is the impact of refugee policies on citizens? And just how far do our obligations go toward helping refugees? …

Isaac Arthur, president of the American National Space Society, discusses the nature and likelihood of alien civilizations. What sort of alien civilizations are most likely do exist? Is 'uplifting' an alien species ethical? What level of intelligence, sociability, and language are aliens most likely to have? And is AI a form of alien intelligence? …

This live episode of Brain in a Vat investigates the boundaries of animal creativity through real-life examples, thought experiments, and philosophical theories of art. What are the cognitive capacities of animals? What is the best way of understanding the apparent ‘art’ of animals? And how should we value the lives of animals? [00:00] Introduction…

Paul Morland, author of 'No One Left', joins the Brain in a Vat podcast to discuss demographic changes and Pronatalism. Paul explores the idea of having more children in response to declining fertility rates, demographic momentum, and the potential societal impacts of population collapse. Paul discusses potential solutions, including state interven…

What is the difference between love, limerence, crushes and squishes? Can someone be mistaken about whether they’re in love? And is limerence harmful, or can it also have therapeutic value? [00:00] Introduction to Love and Limerence [00:09] Thought Experiment: Terry and Sam Seder [01:38] Philosophical Debates on Love [03:37] The Power of Self-Descr…

How would we explain our social structures to aliens? Can we define our social groups in a way that is easy to articulate and understand? Jason Werbeloff argues that it’s extremely difficult to answer even the simplest questions about the nature of our social groups. Does this mean we should exclude any talk of groups when describing ourselves on t…

Has selfishness been misunderstood? Is there a way of defending Ayn Rand’s egoism? Tara Smith confronts challenging questions about morality, individual rights, and the balance between personal and societal well-being. Read Smith’s book here: https://a.co/d/5r4HfXb [00:00] Introduction to Ayn Rand and Egoism [00:21] Challenging Common Perceptions o…

Is intelligent design the best theory for how perfectly calibrated our universe is? How does God as an explanation compare with competing theories, like the multiverse? Perhaps we can understand the fine-tuned complexity of the universe in the same way we understand the fine-tuned complexity of AI creations? Tune in for a profound discussion on the…

Kate Manne discusses how fatphobia impacts the lives of fat-bodied people in various domains, including healthcare, education, and employment. Manne explores the relationship between weight and health, and challenges pervasive societal biases. She argues for a deeper understanding of systemic oppression against fat-bodied people, and considers how …

What is the nature of social institutions? Is Searle correct that collective agreement is the key to understanding social phenomena, or should we pursue a different theoretical framework? Smit argues for a different understanding of institutions, which relies on the notion of a coordination game. Read Smit's publications here: https://philpeople.or…

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: …

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'…

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 …

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. […

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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 …