Brain in a Vat

Philosopher Justin Kalef discusses cultural relativism and its implications. Topics include the clash between cultural relativism and absolute moral judgments, the challenge of finding true absolute morality, and the complexities of group membership.

The hosts discuss the complexities of love and the debate surrounding certain behaviors being considered loving. They explore the subjective nature of love and compare it to the subjective experience of pain. They examine the necessary features of love and the challenges of exclusivity in relationships, including the trend towards polyamory. The chapter delves into conceptual problems and moral aspects of love, questioning its necessary conditions and moral goodness. The podcast explores different forms of love, including unrequited love and love for objects, and delves into the controversial topic of zoophilia. The final chapter explores different perspectives on the nature of love, from inclusive forms of love to the idea that love may simply be a range of emotions.

Exploring the nature of evil and the influence of social media, call-out culture, and the complex relationship between enjoying horror and evil. Is evil inherent or a result of actions? Can finding humor in horror be labeled as sinister?

Brandon Warmke, author of 'Grandstanding: The Use and Abuse of Moral Talk,' discusses the nature of moral grandstanding and its motivations. They explore the complexities of defining grandstanding and distinguish it from bragging. The podcast examines the challenges of providing a functional account of moral grandstanding and the role of sincerity and intention in grandstanding behaviors. They also delve into the problematic aspects of virtue signaling and the need for norm change in public discourse.

Dustin Crummet, an expert on animal welfare and ethics, discusses the moral implications of eating meat, including factory farming, utilitarianism, and the concept of rights. The hosts explore the parallel between voting and refraining from eating meat, highlighting the potential impact of individual choices on societal issues. They also share their personal perspectives on eating meat and the ethical dilemmas involved.

Exploring the existence of God in the face of suffering and the problem of evil. The Big Bang and the beginning of the universe. The balance of values for life in the universe and the possibility of multiple universes. The conflict between determinism and free will. The idea of different sets of laws of nature in possible worlds. The progress of philosophy despite lack of expert agreement.

Elisa Galgut, art expert and critic, discusses the nature and value of art, explores the debate on offensive art and its potential ban, and raises questions about judging art based on the artist's identity. The speakers also debate the censorship of art, the controversy surrounding offensive statues, and the ethical evaluation of offensive artworks.

Peter Boghossian, an expert in having impossible conversations, discusses strategies for engaging with individuals who hold opposing and extreme views. They also delve into topics such as the breakdown of civil conversation in America, the controversial grieving studies hoax, the contrasting dynamics between conversations among philosophers and non-philosophers, a personal change of mind on gun ownership, the importance of predictions and falsifiable theories, and the use of the Socratic method in prisons for enhancing critical thinking.

In this podcast, Kenny Pearce, author of 'Language and the Structure of Berkeley's World' and 'Idealism', discusses various philosophical topics including the simulation argument, deception in reality, constructing language and meaning, moral obligations towards simulated beings, and the possibility of living in a simulation. They also explore the concept of God as the perceiver and generator of reality.

Guest Shaun Stanley, expert on race and social constructs, discusses the concept of race as a social construct rather than a biological reality. They explore the limitations of racial categories and propose racial eliminism as a solution. The hosts also examine the fallacy of race, highlighting its failure to accurately describe ethnic groups and cultural attitudes. They delve into structural racism and inequality, questioning the distinction between an unjust system and differential outputs.