Brain in a Vat

Mar 09 2025 244 ep. 58 mins 447
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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Affirmative Action and Medical School | Stephen Kershnar

Mar 09 2025 51 mins  
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 consequences of using race, gender, and o

Should Only Queer Actors Play Queer Roles? | Kurt Blankschaen & Travis Timmerman

Mar 02 2025 62 mins  
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 industry. They respond to vario

The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo

Feb 23 2025 72 mins  
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 potential future implications o

Don't Vote | Chris Freiman with Rebecca Tuvel

Feb 16 2025 57 mins  
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 charitable giving an

Alix Spiegel on Storytelling | Alix Spiegel

Feb 09 2025 37 mins  
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: Elise Spiegel[00:23] The Stor

Why It's Okay to Eat Meat - Or Is It? | Dan Shahar (Rebroadcast)

Feb 02 2025 53 mins  
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 Ethical Challenges [21:59] Vo

Who was Derek Parfit? | David Edmonds (Rebroadcast)

Jan 26 2025 54 mins  
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 Parfit's Philosophical Contribut

The Philosophy of Severance | Travis Timmerman (Rebroadcast)

Jan 19 2025 60 mins  
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 Analogies and Thought Experiments

Anti-Semitism | Mark Oppenheimer (Rebroadcast)

Jan 12 2025 64 mins  
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] Understanding Antisemitism [13:38]

What Is a Woman? | Alex Byrne (Rebroadcast)

Jan 05 2025 61 mins  
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 Social Identity: 'One of the