Join us for a provocative episode on Brain in a Vat as we rejoin the infamous Stephen Kershnar, whose prior discussions have made headlines. This episode delves into affirmative action, demographic considerations in education and employment, and the ethics of statistical predictions informed by race.The discussion debates the legitimacy and consequences of using race, gender, and other demographic factors in decision-making processes across various fields, from medicine and law to parole decisions. The episode explores the balance between fairness and efficiency, and whether algorithms could replace human judgment in critical decisions.Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of some of today's most contentious issues.[00:00] Introduction and Guest Reintroduction[00:25] Affirmative Action and Medical Care[02:23] Market Preferences and Performance[08:08] Challenges of Colorblind Policies[17:44] Fair vs. Unfair Discrimination[26:05] Statistical Predictors vs. Demographic Predictors[27:45] Correlation vs. Causation in Performance Prediction[31:31] IQ and Performance in Medicine[33:27] The Ethics of Using Demographics in Decision Making[41:59] Algorithmic Decision Making in Justice and BeyondCheck 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/

Travis Timmerman, co-author of a paper advocating for straight actors portraying queer characters, and Kurt Blankschaen, who contributes to the discourse on authenticity, dive deep into casting controversies. They discuss the societal pressures on actors, using Kit Conner's role in 'Heartstopper' as a case study. The duo navigates the moral implications of character versus performer authenticity, argues for inclusivity in casting, and highlights the evolution of queer representation in media while addressing the need for nuanced storytelling.

In this thoughtful conversation, philosopher Jeff Sebo, author of 'The Moral Circle', dives into our ethical obligations towards non-human beings, from Neanderthals to AI. He explores who deserves a spot in our moral circle, scrutinizes animal welfare, and examines the moral implications of treating sentient entities differently. Jeff also tackles the complexities of population ethics and the balance between human and animal suffering, sparking a compelling dialogue on the future of ethics in an AI-driven world.

Chris Freiman, author of "Why It's Okay to Ignore Politics," champions the idea that ignoring politics can be justified, using thought experiments to tackle objections. He discusses charity versus civic duty, ranking altruistic actions above voting. Philosophical insights from Rebecca Tuvel highlight moral complexities in helping others versus participating in elections. Together, they debate effective altruism and the ethics of individual impact, all while questioning our obligations to future generations and the trustworthiness of charities.

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