Has selfishness been misunderstood? Is there a way of defending Ayn Rand’s egoism? Tara Smith confronts challenging questions about morality, individual rights, and the balance between personal and societal well-being. Read Smith’s book here: https://a.co/d/5r4HfXb [00:00] Introduction to Ayn Rand and Egoism [00:21] Challenging Common Perceptions of Self-Interest [02:40] Objective vs. Subjective Self-Interest [05:17] The Role of Rationality in Human Flourishing [11:02] Principles of Human Flourishing [14:33] The Practicality of Moral Theories [26:54] Case-by-Case Basis in Moral Decisions [31:05] Identifying Through Lines in Ethics [31:46] Context Sensitivity in Moral Principles [36:06] Altruism and Self-Interest [36:52] Martians, Sociopaths, and Moral Obligations [39:29] Species Needs and Moral Values [42:48] Health, Psychology, and Individual Needs [48:03] Freedom, Government, and Individual Rights [54:16] Evolutionary Psychology and Randian Theory [01:03:01] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Is intelligent design the best theory for how perfectly calibrated our universe is? How does God as an explanation compare with competing theories, like the multiverse? Perhaps we can understand the fine-tuned complexity of the universe in the same way we understand the fine-tuned complexity of AI creations?  Tune in for a profound discussion on the innovative potential of combining human intellect with AI. [00:00] Guest Introduction [00:17] Thought Experiment [03:19] The Fine-Tuning Problem [07:05] Questioning the Designer [08:21] Fundamental Existence and Axioms [11:12] Evaluating Rival Explanations [18:57] The Complexity of the Universe [27:15] The Mystery of the Constants [30:17] Scientific Knowledge and Fine Tuning [31:21] Intelligent Cause vs. Multiverse Theory [33:25] Challenges to Multiverse Theory [39:31] Probability and Divine Psychology [43:12] Naturalistic Mysterianism vs. Theism [53:11] AI and the Appearance of Intentionality [59:40] Conclusion

Kate Manne discusses how fatphobia impacts the lives of fat-bodied people in various domains, including healthcare, education, and employment. Manne explores the relationship between weight and health, and challenges pervasive societal biases.  She argues for a deeper understanding of systemic oppression against fat-bodied people, and considers how fat we should choose to be. [00:00] Guest Introduction [00:17] Case Study: Jen Curran's Misdiagnosis [01:59] Defining Fatphobia [02:56] The Straitjacket Metaphor [04:20] Fatphobia in Education and Employment [08:04] Fatphobia in Healthcare [10:11] Intersectionality [15:14] Historical Roots of Fatphobia [18:54] Weight and Health: A Complex Relationship [29:54] The Ineffectiveness of Diets [35:44] Genetics and Weight [49:09] Moral and Prudential Considerations [01:04:45] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What is the nature of social institutions? Is Searle correct that collective agreement is the key to understanding social phenomena, or should we pursue a different theoretical framework? Smit argues for a different understanding of institutions, which relies on the notion of a coordination game. Read Smit's publications here: https://philpeople.org/profiles/j-p-smit [00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:15] Thought Experiment: Prison Economy [01:29] The Nature of Money: Abstract vs. Physical [02:12] Searle's Explanation of Money [03:45] Philosophical Debates on Institutional Objects [05:02] Game Theoretical Account of Money [08:08] Analogy: Chess and Money [20:06] Critique of Complex Theories of Money [24:18] Coordination Games and Social Phenomena [35:36] Exploring Social Facts and Ontology [36:46] Human Existence and Social Phenomena [38:03] Borders and Incentives [41:47] Dormant Laws and Institutions [45:41] Legal Definitions and Descriptive Tasks [53:27] The Nature of Companies and Legal Entities [01:02:14] Social Groups and Identity [01:08:17] Concluding Thoughts

Oliver Traldi explores the polarization of modern politics, mechanisms of belief political formation, the influence of social costs on public reasoning, and the complexities of political reasoning and norms.  What is the relationship between political and moral reasoning? And what makes political decision making legitimate?  Read Traldi's book here: https://www.routledge.com/Political-Beliefs-A-Philosophical-Introduction/Traldi/p/book/9781032409108 [00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:10] Thought Experiment: The Hills Game [02:00] Polarization in Modern Politics [05:07] Public vs. Private Reasoning [09:37] Self-Delusion in Political Beliefs [11:14] Memory and Political Beliefs [28:13] Epistemic Democracy and Independent Thinking [32:53] Political Humility and Controversy [34:38] Political Beliefs vs. Political Knowledge [36:26] Descriptive vs. Normative Political Beliefs [37:40] Moral and Political Justification [39:22] Ideologies and Philosophical Theories [48:06] Liberalism and Neutrality [56:21] Conclusion

Why do we find swearing offensive, and should we? Is it wrong to use swear words despite causing offense? This episode is an eye-opener into the often overlooked depth and implications of everyday profanity. Listen to Rebecca’s podcast here: https://www.academicimperfectionist.com/podcast [00:00] Introduction and Guest Introduction [00:19] Rebecca's Journey into Swearing [00:43] The Infamous Paper Incident [02:46] Philosophical Musings on Censorship [05:27] The Function of Swear Words [06:04] Cultural Reactions to Swearing [10:25] The Role of Context in Offense [20:26] Borderline Swear Words and Slurs [22:05] The Power of Offensive Words [29:38] Debating the Use of Offensive Words [32:05] Personal Experience with Slurs [33:33] Slurs vs. Swear Words: Key Differences [36:55] The Use-Mention Distinction [41:52] Legal and Moral Implications of Offensive Language [44:31] The Versatility of Swear Words [52:10] Swearing and Intelligence: Is There a Link? [55:25] The Value and Impact of Swearing [01:02:51] Comedy, Dignity, and Swearing [01:04:12] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What does it mean to be patriotic, or to love your country? Some argue that patriotism is virtuous because it allows us to transcend our selfish needs and act for the good of our community. But others argue that patriotism is overly narrow-minded, arbitrary and sometimes immoral. Microdigressions Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Micro-Digressions [00:00] Introduction to Brain Nevada [00:27] Exploring John Lennon's 'Imagine' [01:11] Critique of Utopian Ideals [01:52] Possessions and National Identities [05:44] The Role of Security Companies [06:19] Metaphysics of Property and Groups [11:58] Patriotism and Fictional Nations [15:07] Patriotic Love and Social Constructs [17:44] Allegiance and National Identity [23:34] Rationality of Patriotism [27:46] The Complexity of Patriotism and Love [29:09] Patriotism Post-9/11: Sentiment and Criticism [30:56] Moral Conflicts in Patriotism [34:28] Patriotism and Unjust Wars [40:00] Loyalty and Its Limits [44:09] Patriotism in Historical Contexts [47:28] The Invisible Hand and Patriotism [49:23] Patriotism in a Globalized World [56:09] The Future of Nation States and Global Culture [58:55] Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

David Shoemaker explores the intricate relationship between humor and morality. What makes a faux insult funny? Can wisecracks be both humorous and hurtful? The conversation delves into academic theories of humor, the significance of context and intentions, and the controversial topics of offensive jokes and the boundaries of humorous expression. [0:00] Introduction to Humor with David Shoemaker [00:10] The Faux Insult: Exploring Humor in Relationships [01:06] Hypotheticals and Humor Dynamics [03:24] Morality and Humor: A Complex Relationship [04:29] Wisecracks vs. Jokes: A Deeper Dive [08:04] Comic vs. Moral Domains: Finding the Balance [12:06] Theories of Humor: Incongruity, Superiority, and More [21:38] The Carrie Prank: When Cruelty Overpowers Humor [30:13] Exploring Humor in Relationships [31:01] The Controversy of Rape Jokes [32:49] Solidarity Through Humor [36:00] Consequences of Misinterpreted Jokes [38:23] The Morality of Jokes [40:31] Free Speech and Humor [57:22] Punching Up vs. Punching Down [01:02:03] Concluding Thoughts and Wisecracks

Mark Oppenheimer defends Israel's war as just, while Raja Halwani argues it's unjust. They discuss Hamas ideology, civilian casualties, historical context, and one-state vs. two-state solutions in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

How do digital interactions, specifically through gaming, form genuine friendships? Nicholas Baima challenges the traditional notion that physical presence is essential for true friendship. By examining ancient ethical theories, especially Aristotle's various forms of friendship, the episode debates whether online friendships can reach the purest form of friendship.  The conversation also addresses potential drawbacks, such as gaming culture's sometimes toxic behavior and the unique opportunities gaming affords for connecting people from diverse backgrounds. Link to Nicholas Baima’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Its-OK-Be-Gamer/dp/1032312130  [00:00] Introduction to the Series and Guest [00:20] Thought Experiment: Friendship in Gaming [01:23] Debating the Nature of Virtual Friendships [02:50] Philosophical Perspectives on Friendship [04:30] Gaming and Ethical Theories [11:53] Gaming as a Shared Adventure [14:19] Idealization and Authenticity in Online Friendships [24:59] The Depth of Gaming Friendships [26:01] Aristotelian Friendship and Gaming [27:12] Challenges of Maintaining Gaming Friendships [28:28] The Social Dynamics of Online Gaming [29:44] Toxicity and Anonymity in Online Gaming [32:46] Game Design and Social Interactions [35:14] Gender and Gaming Communities [37:48] Gaming as Character Development [44:03] The Value of Gaming Activities [45:47] AI and the Illusion of Friendship [48:09] Emotional Connections with Non-Playable Characters [49:43] Concluding Thoughts on Friendship and Gaming