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 of artificial intelligences with possible sentience.
[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome
[03:13] Neanderthal and Robot Roommates
[04:48] Figment of Imagination: A Third Roommate
[12:21] Ethical Decision Making Under Uncertainty
[17:35] Chatbots and Moral Considerations
[24:39] Factory Farming and Broader Ethical Concerns
[35:10] Future Obligations to AI and Antinatalism
[54:16] Distinctions in Suffering: Humans vs. Animals
[01:00:39] Balancing Ethical Theories and Practicality
[01:11:32] Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations
Read Sebo's book, 'The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why,' here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324064803?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&starsLeft=1&bestFormat=true
Check out FeedSpot's list of 90 best philosophy podcasts, where Brain in a Vat is ranked at 15, here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/philosophy_podcasts/.
