The Philosophy of Black Mirror's White Bear | Rebecca Tuvel
Nov 19, 2023
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Rebecca Tuvel, a philosopher specializing in ethics and philosophy of mind, discusses the philosophical questions raised by Black Mirror's episode 'White Bear'. Topics include punishment, personal identity, memory manipulation, the uncomfortable question of human capacity for horrific acts, the looping effect in the episode, the compatibility of positions, the role of principles, the incentive structure for attention on social media, and the role of private companies in restricting free speech.
The podcast explores the question of personal identity and the impact of memory manipulation on individual agency.
The hosts discuss the challenges of social media platforms in disseminating misinformation and the role of universities in taking moral positions.
Deep dives
Summary of the Episode
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the Black Mirror episode called 'White Bear' with guest Rebecca Teval. The episode centers around a woman named Victoria who finds herself in a confusing situation, chased by people and later discovering she is a criminal being punished at White Bear Justice Park. The episode raises questions about personal identity, free will, and the nature of punishment. The hosts explore different perspectives, including retributivist and consequentialist theories of punishment. They discuss the challenges of determining moral responsibility and the impact of memory manipulation on individual agency. The episode also touches on the limits of free speech on social media platforms and the role of universities in taking moral positions.
The Nature of Punishment
The hosts delve into the concept of punishment in the 'White Bear' episode. They analyze the retributivist and consequentialist justifications for punishment and discuss how White Bear Justice Park serves as a form of retribution for Victoria's crimes. They explore the implications of memory erasure and the potential impact on personal identity. The hosts also question the effectiveness and ethics of White Bear's punishment and how it aligns with theories of justice.
Challenges of Personal Identity and Free Will
The conversation focuses on the personal identity of Victoria and the implications of memory manipulation on her sense of self. They discuss the psychological continuity view of personal identity and question whether Victoria, after each memory wipe, can still be considered the same person who committed the crime. The hosts also touch on the issue of free will in the context of determinism and its relevance to moral responsibility. They offer contrasting perspectives on the relationship between personal identity, free will, and punishment.
Social Media and University Commentary
The hosts reflect on the role of social media and universities in the context of moral and political commentary. They discuss the challenges of social media platforms in disseminating misinformation and the impact on public discourse. Regarding universities, they examine the tension between the desire to take a stand on justice issues and the preservation of the university as an educational space with diverse perspectives. They consider arguments for and against universities making public statements on contentious matters and the potential implications for freedom of speech and academic neutrality.
Black Mirror's episode, White Bear, is full of interesting philosophical problems. Are you still responsible for a crime you committed even if you've lost your memory of that crime? Do you persist through time despite amnesia? And what are the limits of justified punishment for horrendous crimes?
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