

Brain in a Vat
Brain in a Vat
Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Jul 9, 2023 • 51min
Is Grieving Good for You? | Michael Cholbi
Experiencing grief at the death of a person we love or who matters to us―as universal as it is painful―is central to the human condition. In Grief, Michael Cholbi presents a groundbreaking philosophical exploration of this complex emotional event, offering valuable new insights about what grief is, whom we grieve, and how grief can ultimately lead us to a richer self-understanding and a fuller realization of our humanity.
Michael's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Philosophical-Guide-Michael-Cholbi/dp/069120179X/

Jul 2, 2023 • 1h 3min
The Supreme Court Ban on Affirmative Action | David Benatar
Should we implement affirmative action when determining which students are admitted to universities? Should affirmative action be based on race or socio-economic status? Is diversity important when deciding on university admissions? And should we think about race and gender in the same way when considering affirmative action?
Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff
Editor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter Kaufman
Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShop
Brain in a Vat bookshop (Amazon): https://smarturl.it/BrainAmazonShop

Jun 25, 2023 • 1h 3min
Self-driving Cars and the Apocalypse | Ryan Jenkins (with Stephen Kershnar)
As technology improves, ethical problems deepen too. Flying cars and ChatGPT are convenient, but may benefit some at the cost of harming others. Is the future convenient and full of promise, or should we fear a dystopian apocalypse?

Jun 18, 2023 • 49min
Animal Ethics | Thad Metz
Do we have ethical obligations to all animals or only cute and majestic ones? Is factory farming worse than hunting? We answered these questions and more at a live event hosted by The Inside Out Center for the Arts. https://insideoutcentreforthearts.com/

Jun 11, 2023 • 51min
Will there be peace in the middle east? | Raja Halwani
Is a two state solution desirable to resolve the Arab Israeli conflict? Does Israel have the right to be a Jewish state? Do other states have an obligation to help resolve the conflict?

Jun 4, 2023 • 1h 6min
Friendship is Magic | Samuel Kimbriel
Are human beings social creatures? Do social groups have an important role to play in political life? Can hermits lead meaningful lives?

May 28, 2023 • 53min
Anonymous Publishing | Ivar Hardman
Are some ideas too controversial to publish in your own name? Is it cowardly to use a pseudonym? Does the journal for controversial ideas ghettoize important topics?

May 21, 2023 • 1h 15min
Thought Experiments | Spencer Case
Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff
Editor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter Kaufman
Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShop
Brain in a Vat bookshop (Amazon): https://smarturl.it/BrainAmazonShop

May 14, 2023 • 57min
Conserving Monuments | Dan Demetriou
Should we preserve monuments, even if they offend us? Do we have a right to call for monuments to be removed in other countries? Does Ghengis Khan deserve a monument?

May 7, 2023 • 59min
Why Americans Don't Owe Veterans Gratitude | Stephen Kershnar (with Spencer Case)
Traditionally, we celebrate American soldiers with strong displays of gratitude, including national holidays and monuments. But is this gratitude warranted? Stephen Kershnar thinks not: we should be no more grateful to veterans than to farmers or loggers.


