The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast Episode 145, The Mystery of Morality: Live in London (Part I - The Debate)
Jul 13, 2025
Join thinkers Richard Swinburne, an Oxford philosopher, Jessica Frazier, a religious studies scholar, Alex O’Connor, the CosmicSkeptic, and bioethicist Peter Singer for a lively debate on morality. They tackle pressing issues like animal rights, the ethics of same-sex relationships, and the cultural roots of morality. Expect a thought-provoking discussion that contrasts Eastern and Western views and explores the interplay between emotion and ethical reasoning. Prepare for humor amidst serious inquiries as they unravel the mystery of moral inclusion.
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Episode notes
Reason Grounds Morality
- Morality is grounded in our capacity to reason beyond evolved instincts.
- All sentient beings, including potential conscious AI, count morally due to their interests.
Ethics as Emergent Reality
- Ethics can be seen as an emergent reality, not dependent on a divine law.
- Every being contributing to experiences of good is part of the ethical realm.
Ethics Learn Through Generalization
- Moral principles arise from learned particular judgments and generalize to broader obligations.
- Some obligations, like keeping promises, extend beyond mere consequences.
