Episodes
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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 Griswold's Christmas Lights: A Lesson in Determinism
[04:01] Probabilistic Explanations vs. Deterministic Explanations
[05:06] The Limits of Probabilistic Explanations
[12:47] Human Behavior and Determinism
[17:26] Infinite Regress and Brute Facts
[20:31 ] Time Travel and Determinism
[28:20] The Role of Deliberation in Determinism
[29:24] Forward-Looking Rationality and Regret
[30:50] Libertarian vs. Determinist Deliberation
[32:00] Compatibilism and the Illusion of Free Will
[33:53] The Rationality of Regret in Determinism
[37:41] Counterfactuals and Deterministic Implications
[44:40] Determinism and the Meaning of Life
[47:56] Libertarianism and Disrupting the Causal Chain
[55:13] Compatibilist Responses to Libertarian Objections
[59:22] Final Thoughts
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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, focusing on inherent human dignity and universal moral laws.
Join us as we delve into intense discussions on autonomy, moral duties, and the ethical implications of difficult choices, including thought experiments involving moral blackmail and the value of life at different stages.
[00:00] Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
[00:28] John Stuart Mill's Thought Experiment
[02:13] Utilitarian Perspective on Sarah's Dilemma
[05:57] Infanticide and Utilitarianism
[07:21] Harm Principle and Moral Community
[12:01] Free Speech and Moral Boundaries
[18:35] Immanuel Kant's Perspective
[19:36] Kant vs. Mill on Abortion
[24:03] Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Principles
[35:16] Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics
[42:32] Conclusion
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Missing episodes?
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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] The Complexity of Human Desires
[20:24] The Nature of Human and Machine Intelligence
[30:58] AI and Creativity: A Writer's Perspective
[33:08] The Limits of AI Creativity
[35:01] The Future of AI and AGI
[36:05] Thermodynamics and Human Creativity
[39:13] Live Experiment: AI Poetry
[42:40] AI's Impressive Achievements
[49:42] The Debate on AGI
[59:53] Final Thoughts
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'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 balance between expertise and random selection, and combat elite influence and corruption?
[00:00] Introduction to the Thought Experiment
[00:52] Moral Obligations in Crisis
[05:14] Challenges of Political Institutions
[06:51] Electoral Democracy vs. Lottocracy
[14:44] Implementing Lottocracy
[21:15] Potential Issues and Objections
[29:20] Ensuring Representative Participation
[36:41] Challenges of Single Party Dominance
[37:32] Risks of Random Selection in Politics
[38:39] Expertise and Agenda Setting
[46:55] Corruption and Influence in Politics
[55:34] Social Pressure and Decision Making
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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 Life Case
[03:31] The Norms and Rules of Sexual Conduct
[06:55] Kink, BDSM, and Power Hierarchies
[11:32] The Morality of Sex and Sports
[22:10] Balancing Grace and Accountability
[32:37] Misconceptions About Safe Sex Practices
[37:15] Misunderstanding Risks and Technological Advances
[43:11] The Value of Sex and Sexual Freedom
[48:56] Developing Sexual Mastery and Communication
[58:31] Cultural Norms and Sexual Behavior
[01:02:21] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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 ethics of jokes, and the responsibility of comedians.
With captivating anecdotes and thought-provoking discussions, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative nature of comedy.
[00:00] Introduction to John Vlismas
[01:17] The Role of Comedy in Politics
[04:18] Techniques of a Good Comic
[08:47] The Power of Dark Humor
[14:54] Comedy's Role in Society
[23:12] Personal Stories and Humor
[32:02] Suffering in Comedy
[32:47] Judging Humor and Perspective
[34:33] Comedy in Horror Films
[38:39] Ethics and Boundaries in Comedy
[45:29] Evolution of Comedy
[52:32] Crafting and Performing Jokes
[56:48] Mastering the Art of Comedy
[58:57] Conclusion
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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 Holocaust,' examining its place within the Mondo genre, its ethical implications, and its raw portrayal of colonialism.
Explore both the delight of unconventional cinema and the moral questions surrounding graphic content.
[00:00] Introduction and Guest Introduction
[00:28] Discovering 'Dancing It's On'
[02:07] The Twitter Incident
[07:39] The Value of Bad Movies
[08:31] Bad Movie Love vs. Ridicule
[12:13] The Artistic Merit of Bad Movies
[15:56] The Role of Bad Movies in Aesthetic Life
[33:02] The Enigmatic Creative Process
[33:50] Ed Wood's Unconventional Genius
[37:25] Cult Films and Their Unique Appeal
[39:12] The Phenomenon of Film Modi
[43:44] The Genuine vs. The Performative in Bad Movies
[49:51] Production Houses and Their Impact
[57:31] The Morality of Immoral Films
[01:04:41] Concluding Thoughts on Cinema
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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?
[00:00] Introduction to Refugee Crisis
[00:11] Personal Account of Calais Camp Clearance
[03:21] State Obligations and Negative Duties
[09:18] Different Types of Refugees
[15:24] Balancing State Interests and Refugee Rights
[23:03] Objections and Counter Arguments
[38:18] Challenges in Refugee Resettlement
[40:48] Moral Obligations and Fire Escape Analogy
[42:13] Global Responsibility and Northern States
[47:43] Positive Duty and the Drowning Child
[55:02] Screening Refugees and Security Concerns
[01:01:57] Balancing Interests and Moral Duties
[01:10:15] Concluding Thoughts on Refugee Rights
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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?
See Isaac Arthur’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@isaacarthurSFIA
[00:00] Introduction to Alien Civilizations
[00:10] Thought Experiment: Meeting Alien Species
[03:20] Intelligence and Sociability in Alien Species
[07:02] Language and Communication Among Aliens
[11:15] AI and Alien Intelligence
[16:29] Speculating on Alien Life and Evolution
[25:32] Hive Minds and Collective Intelligence
[28:30] Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence
[32:46] The Concept of Emotional Sliders
[37:47] The Ethics of Uplifting Alien Cultures
[44:23] Speculative Fiction and Alien Forms
[47:14] The Fine-Tuned Universe and the Existence of God
[50:27] The Fermi Paradox and Quiet Aliens
[54:46] Humanity's Future in Space
[01:01:45] The Hermit Shoplifter Hypothesis
[01:03:24] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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 to Thought Experiments[00:17] Human vs. Animal Art
[02:05] The Intentionality of Art
[02:52] Defining Art: Human and Animal Perspectives
[03:47] Ethical Considerations in Animal Art
[17:31] The Problem of Other Minds
[26:03] Legal and Moral Rights of Animals
[41:33] Controversial Views on Animal and Human Rights
[42:09] Peter Singer's Infamous Example
[42:53] Philosophical Debates on Animal Ethics
[44:01] Bestiality and Ethical Dilemmas
[47:23] Species vs. Individual Ethics
[51:46] Art, Animals, and Agency
[52:18] Audience Questions and Insights
[59:04] Defining Art and Talent
[01:05:17] Philosophical Reflections on Art and Morality
[01:24:22] Concluding Thoughts and Skepticism
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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 intervention, cultural changes, and technological advancements.
Read Morland's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-One-Left-World-Children/dp/1800754108
[00:00] Introduction
[00:17] A Thought Experiment on Pronatalism
[02:06] Debating the Value of Life
[06:12] David Benatar's Perspective
[10:28] Population Ethics and Decline
[11:40] Challenges of Low Fertility Rates
[18:43] Technology and Immigration as Solutions
[24:08] The Role of AI in the Future Workforce
[33:43] Skepticism Towards AI and Technological Solutions
[35:42] The Changing Nature of Retirement and Aging
[39:30] Economic Implications of Population Collapse
[41:15] Environmental Concerns and Population Dynamics
[46:11] Cultural and Political Influences on Fertility Rates
[51:39] Potential Solutions and Government Interventions
[01:08:37] Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook
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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-Descriptions
[06:14] Exploring Limerence
[10:10] Conceptual Interactions and Sexuality
[29:23] Polyamory and Relationship Dynamics
[31:58] Understanding New Relationship Energy (NRE)
[34:02] Monogamous Perspectives on NRE and Limerence
[35:55] The Power of Naming Emotions
[36:47] Exploring Compersion
[41:13] The Science Behind Limerence
[45:28] Limerence in Therapy and Daily Life
[49:53] Limerence vs. Love
[01:01:18] Final Thoughts on Limerence and Love
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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 the Golden Record?
And should we understand ourselves as individuals, rather than as members of social groups?
[00:00] Introduction and Welcome
[00:21] The Voyager Golden Record
[02:17] Philosophical Inquiry: Social Groups and Aliens
[02:57] The Alien's Perspective on Social Groups
[05:08] Defining Social Groups
[12:25] Margaret Gilbert's Theory of Social Groups
[14:16] Challenges to Gilbert's Theory
[20:41] Alternative Theories and Eliminativism
[27:08] Q&A and Further Discussion
[36:20] The Vagueness of Group Identity
[37:10] Dispositional Refinement and Group Membership
[37:47] Challenges in Defining Group Membership
[38:45] Moral Responsibility and Group Identity
[40:08] Individual Accountability in Group Actions
[44:09] Degrees of Group Membership
[46:43] The Role of Group Leaders
[48:56] Relational Properties and Group Persistence
[01:05:41] Human Groups vs. Animal Groups
[01:11:30] Concluding Thoughts
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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 of Self-Interest
[02:40] Objective vs. Subjective Self-Interest
[05:17] The Role of Rationality in Human Flourishing
[11:02] Principles of Human Flourishing
[14:33] The Practicality of Moral Theories
[26:54] Case-by-Case Basis in Moral Decisions
[31:05] Identifying Through Lines in Ethics
[31:46] Context Sensitivity in Moral Principles
[36:06] Altruism and Self-Interest
[36:52] Martians, Sociopaths, and Moral Obligations
[39:29] Species Needs and Moral Values
[42:48] Health, Psychology, and Individual Needs
[48:03] Freedom, Government, and Individual Rights
[54:16] Evolutionary Psychology and Randian Theory
[01:03:01] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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 innovative potential of combining human intellect with AI.
[00:00] Guest Introduction
[00:17] Thought Experiment
[03:19] The Fine-Tuning Problem
[07:05] Questioning the Designer
[08:21] Fundamental Existence and Axioms
[11:12] Evaluating Rival Explanations
[18:57] The Complexity of the Universe
[27:15] The Mystery of the Constants
[30:17] Scientific Knowledge and Fine Tuning
[31:21] Intelligent Cause vs. Multiverse Theory
[33:25] Challenges to Multiverse Theory
[39:31] Probability and Divine Psychology
[43:12] Naturalistic Mysterianism vs. Theism
[53:11] AI and the Appearance of Intentionality
[59:40] Conclusion
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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 fat we should choose to be.
[00:00] Guest Introduction
[00:17] Case Study: Jen Curran's Misdiagnosis
[01:59] Defining Fatphobia
[02:56] The Straitjacket Metaphor
[04:20] Fatphobia in Education and Employment
[08:04] Fatphobia in Healthcare
[10:11] Intersectionality
[15:14] Historical Roots of Fatphobia
[18:54] Weight and Health: A Complex Relationship
[29:54] The Ineffectiveness of Diets
[35:44] Genetics and Weight
[49:09] Moral and Prudential Considerations
[01:04:45] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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.org/profiles/j-p-smit
[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome
[00:15] Thought Experiment: Prison Economy
[01:29] The Nature of Money: Abstract vs. Physical
[02:12] Searle's Explanation of Money
[03:45] Philosophical Debates on Institutional Objects
[05:02] Game Theoretical Account of Money
[08:08] Analogy: Chess and Money
[20:06] Critique of Complex Theories of Money
[24:18] Coordination Games and Social Phenomena
[35:36] Exploring Social Facts and Ontology
[36:46] Human Existence and Social Phenomena
[38:03] Borders and Incentives
[41:47] Dormant Laws and Institutions
[45:41] Legal Definitions and Descriptive Tasks
[53:27] The Nature of Companies and Legal Entities
[01:02:14] Social Groups and Identity
[01:08:17] Concluding Thoughts
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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: https://www.routledge.com/Political-Beliefs-A-Philosophical-Introduction/Traldi/p/book/9781032409108
[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome
[00:10] Thought Experiment: The Hills Game
[02:00] Polarization in Modern Politics
[05:07] Public vs. Private Reasoning
[09:37] Self-Delusion in Political Beliefs
[11:14] Memory and Political Beliefs
[28:13] Epistemic Democracy and Independent Thinking
[32:53] Political Humility and Controversy
[34:38] Political Beliefs vs. Political Knowledge
[36:26] Descriptive vs. Normative Political Beliefs
[37:40] Moral and Political Justification
[39:22] Ideologies and Philosophical Theories
[48:06] Liberalism and Neutrality
[56:21] Conclusion
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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's Journey into Swearing
[00:43] The Infamous Paper Incident
[02:46] Philosophical Musings on Censorship
[05:27] The Function of Swear Words
[06:04] Cultural Reactions to Swearing
[10:25] The Role of Context in Offense
[20:26] Borderline Swear Words and Slurs
[22:05] The Power of Offensive Words
[29:38] Debating the Use of Offensive Words
[32:05] Personal Experience with Slurs
[33:33] Slurs vs. Swear Words: Key Differences
[36:55] The Use-Mention Distinction
[41:52] Legal and Moral Implications of Offensive Language
[44:31] The Versatility of Swear Words
[52:10] Swearing and Intelligence: Is There a Link?
[55:25] The Value and Impact of Swearing
[01:02:51] Comedy, Dignity, and Swearing
[01:04:12] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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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
[00:00] Introduction to Brain Nevada
[00:27] Exploring John Lennon's 'Imagine'
[01:11] Critique of Utopian Ideals
[01:52] Possessions and National Identities
[05:44] The Role of Security Companies
[06:19] Metaphysics of Property and Groups
[11:58] Patriotism and Fictional Nations
[15:07] Patriotic Love and Social Constructs
[17:44] Allegiance and National Identity
[23:34] Rationality of Patriotism
[27:46] The Complexity of Patriotism and Love
[29:09] Patriotism Post-9/11: Sentiment and Criticism
[30:56] Moral Conflicts in Patriotism
[34:28] Patriotism and Unjust Wars
[40:00] Loyalty and Its Limits
[44:09] Patriotism in Historical Contexts
[47:28] The Invisible Hand and Patriotism
[49:23] Patriotism in a Globalized World
[56:09] The Future of Nation States and Global Culture
[58:55] Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
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