In this special episode, Alix Spiegel, host and producer of ‘Invisibilia’ and journalist for ‘This American Life’, joins us to talk about storytelling.Alix discusses storytelling techniques, the philosophical and political dimensions of narrative choices, and the emotional journey of confronting climate change.[00:00] Introduction to the Guest: Elise Spiegel[00:23] The Story of Joy and Her Unique Ability[04:53] Exploring Dark Futures and Climate Change[08:23] The Art of Storytelling and Narrative Creation[11:15] Different Story Structures and Their Impact[14:41] The Process of Crafting a Story[30:47] Influences and Inspirations in Storytelling[35:26] The Ethics and Authenticity in Documentary StorytellingCheck 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/.

Dan Shahar defends the view that eating meat is permissible, even though meat farming is not. Is this a coherent position? [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [00:48] The Alien Analogy [02:20] Moral Implications and Human Relationships [03:33] Vegetarian Perspective and Ethical Dilemmas [08:01] Super Cow Hypothetical [12:11] Real-World Ethical Challenges [21:59] Voting and Social Activism [26:39] Moral Implications of Indirect Harm [32:58] The Role of Social Norms in Ethical Decisions [37:01] Individual Actions and Collective Outcomes [48:09] Balancing Moral Obligations and Personal Values 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/

Parfit altered the landscape of the philosophy of identity. We speak to David Edmonds about his recently released biography on this influential philosopher, and ask: what made Parfit the man he was? [00:00] Introduction to David Edmunds [00:25] David's Personal Connection to Derek Parfit [01:42] Derek Parfit's Early Life and Education [04:17] Derek Parfit's Philosophical Contributions [08:39] The Teletransporter Thought Experiment [12:20] Derek Parfit's Views on Death and Identity [24:45] The Non-Identity Problem [28:47] David Benatar's View on Existence [30:00] Climate Change Thought Experiment [34:42] Derek Parfit's Life and Interests [37:15] The Academic Saint [43:17] Derek Parfit's Philosophical Impact [48:45] Writing Derek Parfit's Biography

Travis Timmerman, a resident philosopher of sci-fi, explores profound philosophical questions sparked by the series Severance. He dives into the nature of personal identity, asking if we are merely minds or brains. The conversation navigates ethical dilemmas surrounding autonomy and the implications of memory separation. Timmerman also discusses real-life analogies, pondering the moral ramifications of drastic changes in identity, and even questions surrounding the ethics of suicide and the pursuit of relief from suffering.

Mark Oppenheimer, a contributing writer for The Atlantic and host of his own podcast, dives deep into the complexities of anti-Semitism and Jewish identity. He discusses the distressing legacy of discriminatory practices at Ivy League schools, the historical context of Jewish persecution, and the evolving nuances of cultural identity. Oppenheimer also reflects on the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, contextualizing contemporary threats to Jewish communities. His insights challenge common misconceptions and highlight the unique nature of anti-Semitism within broader societal biases.

Oxford University Press refused to publish Alex Byrne's book on gender. We discuss whether women are adult human females and whether sex is the same as gender. [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [02:38] Exploring Gender Identity [11:22] Historical Context and Gender Roles [19:00] Biological and Social Perspectives [27:51] Understanding Social Identity: 'One of the Boys' [28:17] Conrad Lorenz and the Ducklings: A Metaphor for Social Roles [33:58] The Debate on Context-Dependent Definitions of Sex [38:21] Legal and Social Implications of Gender Identity [52:41] The Controversy Over Publishing Gender Philosophy [01:00:49] Reflections on Academic Freedom and Gender Discourse

Lori Watson, an expert on prostitution and sex work, dives deep into the complexities surrounding these topics. She debates the differences between prostitution and sex work, while addressing moral and legal concerns. The conversation explores the unique harms of prostitution, the role of coercion and trauma, and the implications of different regulatory frameworks. Watson challenges listeners to rethink the societal power dynamics and the notion of consent. This insightful discussion sheds light on the realities faced by those in sex work versus typical labor conditions.

Is the restriction on having additional sexual or romantic partners similar to the restriction on having additional friends? Should you allow your partner to be free to pursue other partners? And are we able to overcome the jealousy associated with non-monogamy? [00:00] Introduction to the Debate on Monogamy [00:11] Thought Experiment: Friendship Restrictions [03:17] Defending Monogamy: Common Arguments [06:35] The Morality of Consensual Restrictions [13:53] Exploring the Concept of Exclusivity [18:54] Workplace Analogies and Monogamy [22:45] Balancing Risks and Benefits [29:44] Questioning Monogamy's Blanket Ban [33:50] Forms of Non-Monogamous Relationships [37:52] Addressing Jealousy and Insecurity [47:42] Social Implications of Non-Monogamy [54:42] Monogamy vs. Non-Monogamy as Orientations

In this discussion, philosopher David Boonin, an expert in ethics and political philosophy, tackles the pressing issues of surveillance and privacy rights. He analyzes the moral implications of observing individuals in public, like the fictional Mrs. A, and questions the ethics of widespread CCTV usage. The conversation delves into how advancements in technology complicate safety versus privacy debates, the significance of intent in surveillance, and the hidden dangers of pervasive monitoring, ultimately challenging listeners to reconsider their own views on privacy.

David Benatar, author of 'Very Practical Ethics,' joins philosopher Rebecca Tuvel to dissect the nature of bullshit. They explore whether bullshitters are aware of their deceit and categorize forms of bullshit found in academia and daily life. The duo discusses the ethics of calling out dishonesty, the tragedy of collective nonsense, and the tension between personal and social responsibility. They also delve into the role of satire and language in highlighting bullshit and strategies for navigating today's misinformation landscape.