
Very Bad Wizards Episode 323: Debate Me 'Phro
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Dec 23, 2025 Explore the complexities of Plato's Euthyphro, where a confident priest meets Socrates just before prosecuting his father. The dialogue raises questions about piety and the nature of divine approval, leading to the famous Euthyphro dilemma. Meanwhile, delving into Oliver Sacks, the hosts discuss the ethical ramifications of embellishing true stories in nonfiction, weighing narrative power against scientific trust. With humor and insight, they navigate the intersections of morality, humanism, and the very essence of justice.
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Euthyphro Dilemma Introduced Early
- Plato's Euthyphro contains the famous Euthyphro dilemma about piety and the gods.
- The dialogue frames this problem right before Socrates' trial to sharpen its stakes.
Oliver Sacks' Fabrications Revealed
- Tamler and David discuss Rachel Aviv's New Yorker piece revealing Oliver Sacks fabricated details in case studies.
- They wrestle with admiration for Sacks' empathy versus discomfort about misrepresenting patients.
Storytelling Undermines Scientific Trust
- Fabrication in popular science blurs art and science, complicating trust in anecdotal case studies.
- Powerful narrative value doesn't justify misleading representation of patients or data.
