We speak with Father Afonso about the use of weapon systems in warfare. The discussion explores a thought experiment involving two states at war and the deployment of autonomous drones capable of targeting terrorists without human intervention. Key topics include the legality and morality of such systems, the potential for reducing civilian casualties, the challenge of machine errors leading to war crimes, and the shifting responsibility in decision-making from humans to machines. The...

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 psychiatric conditions and the potential influence of social contagion. Key insights include questioning the lack of robust evidence for the efficacy of...

Peter Singer delves into difficult ethical questions regarding animal rights, the morality of factory farming, and difficult human-related ethical dilemmas. Singer discusses his views as a consequentialist, examining the impact of our choices on animal suffering, the ethical considerations around organ donation from anencephalic children, and the broader implications of such decisions. What are the moral implications of eating meat from factory farms versus ethically raised animals, and...

John Martin Fischer argues that life constantly offers new experiences and perspectives that prevent it from becoming monotonous. He delves into the idea of living a significantly extended life without aging and the implications it has on personal identity and society at large. Fischer distinguishes between true immortality and radical life extension, favoring the latter for its exit strategy options. The conversation covers the value of life experiences, the philosophical questions around...

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 social injustices. The discussion also addresses technological possibilities like consciousness uploading and the philosophical implications of...

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 the philosophical implications on national identity and personal liberty.    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Discussion on...

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 should we think about potential future crises, the role of technology in exacerbating or mitigating risks, and the moral obligations of...

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 altering commemorative symbols to preserve memory while adapting their messages.This episode probes the moral and aesthetic considerations of how...

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 distinguishes it from prosopagnosia (face blindness). It delves into the neurological basis of PMO, touching upon structural and functional differences...

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, professional reputability, and potential harm to his university. She also explores the complex relationship between pornography, liberty, and...

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?

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?

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?

Is morality real, a social construct, or non-existent? Can we rely on our moral intuitions? And are moral truths inaccessible to us?

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 Werbeloff Editor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter Kaufman Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShop Brain in a Vat bookshop (Amazon): https://smarturl.it/BrainAmazonShop

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/

John Rawls is widely regarded as the greatest modern liberal philosopher. Does his theory of justice lead to a fair society?

Is there life after death? Are near-death experiences meaningful? Are they similar to other altered states like meditation and drug-induced hallucinations?

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 Andy's Book Democracy Beyond Borders: https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Beyond-Borders-Representation-Institutions-ebook-dp-B000WNHG48/dp/B000WNHG48/

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

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?

Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?

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?

Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?