Modern Wisdom #484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
8 snips
Jun 9, 2022 
In this engaging discussion, philosopher and YouTuber Alex O'Connor, known as Cosmic Skeptic, challenges listeners to explore the depths of moral philosophy through thought experiments. He tackles provocative topics such as the morality of killing to prevent catastrophe, the ethics of childbearing, and the implications of mental health on moral responsibility. With a blend of humor and insight, Alex also delves into the complexities of education ethics and the balance between wealth and opportunity. Get ready to stretch those mental muscles!
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Ethical Emotivism
- Alex O'Connor argues for ethical emotivism, the view that ethical statements express emotions.
- He believes "wrongness" is a distinct feeling akin to anxiety or sadness, not a verifiable fact.
The Rash Doctor
- Crisp's "rash doctor" thought experiment challenges utilitarianism.
- It questions whether maximizing pleasure justifies risky choices with potentially terrible outcomes.
Justice vs. Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism struggles with the concept of justice and inviolable rights.
- It suggests that harming one to save many is justifiable, which clashes with our moral intuitions.
