Brain in a Vat

Nov 17 2024 229 ep. 58 mins 390

Brain in a Vat Podcast artwork

Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.

Society & Culture

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Determinism, Free Will, and the Meaning of Life | Stephen Maitzen

Nov 17 2024 59 mins

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

Abortion: An AI Debate - Mill vs Kant

Nov 10 2024 43 mins

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

Will Machines Rule the World? | Barry Smith

Nov 03 2024 60 mins

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 De

Reimagining Democracy as Lottocracy | Alexander Guerrero (With Travis Timmerman)

Oct 27 2024 65 mins

'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 ra

Navigating Kinky Sex: Ethics, Safety, and Risk | Georgi Gardiner

Oct 20 2024 62 mins

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

Comedy, Satire, and Laughing at the Uncomfortable | John Vlismas

Oct 13 2024 59 mins

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 responsibi

The Value of Bad Movies | Matt Strohl (with Travis Timmerman)

Oct 06 2024 65 mins

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 wi

Refugees and Border Control | Bradley Hillier-Smith

Sep 29 2024 70 mins

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

Exploring Alien Civilizations | Isaac Arthur

Sep 22 2024 63 mins

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 ch

Can Animals Create Art? | Yolandi Coetser

Sep 15 2024 85 mins

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: