The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast

In 2021, Netflix released His Dark Material, a Christmas stand-up special by Irish–British comedian Jimmy Carr. The show sparked international outrage. Toward the end of the set, Carr delivered what he called a ‘career ender’ – a joke about the Holocaust, in which he described the Nazis’ murder of thousands of ‘Gypsies’ as a ‘positive’. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, the Auschwitz Memorial, and the UK government condemned the joke as ‘appalling’, ‘abhorrent’, and ‘racist’; Carr, critics said, was trading on the ‘last acceptable form of racism’. Comedy touches every part of our lives. We tell jokes at the pub, around the dinner table, and by the office coffee machine. We all know someone who makes us laugh – and someone who seems to take things too far. But is there a line when it comes to humour? And if there is, who gets to draw it? Should we suspend our moral judgements when the lights go down and the curtain goes up? Or do jokes, like most speech acts, carry moral weight? To answer these questions, we need to understand the nature of comedy itself – what exactly it is we’re responding to when we laugh. Humour might be a release of nervous tension, a playful disruption of expectations, or – more troublingly, if it applies to Carr’s joke – a means of asserting social superiority. No doubt, comedy has the power to shape our culture and perceptions. But, as we’ll find out, it also tells us something about who we are, who we ought to be, and the things we value most. Links Abrahams, Daniel – Winning Over the Audience: Trust and Humor in Stand‐Up Comedy (paper) Anderson, Luvell – Roasting Ethics (paper) Bergson, Henri – Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic (book) Carroll, Noël – Ethics and Comic Amusement (paper) Carroll, Noël – Humour: A Very Short Introduction (book) Carroll, Noël – I’m Only Kidding: On Racist and Ethnic Jokes (paper) Carroll, Noël – Cruelty and Humour (paper) Critchley, Simon – On Humour (book) Deen, Phillip – What Could It Mean to Say That Today’s Stand‐Up Audiences Are Too Sensitive? (paper) Gimbel, Steven (ed.) – The Philosophy of Comedy (book) Hick, Darren Hudson – Why Can’t You Take a Joke? The Several Moral Dimensions of Pilfering a Ha‐Ha (paper) Morreall, John – Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor (book) Morreall, John – Philosophy of Laughter and Humor (book) Morreall, John – Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Philosophy of Humor (article) Smuts, Aaron – Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Comedy (article)

The podcast delves into the provocative intersection of humor and ethics. It wrestles with the implications of controversial jokes, like Jimmy Carr's Holocaust quip, questioning where the line should be drawn in comedy. The discussion explores comic amoralism and the evolving audience perceptions of humor, particularly relating to sensitive topics. It also touches on the ethics of roasting and the significance of incongruity in eliciting laughter, revealing how humor can simultaneously challenge societal norms and provoke necessary conversations.

The podcast dives into the provocative world of comedy, examining how humor intersects with societal norms and moral boundaries. It discusses controversial jokes, like those that sparked outrage from Jimmy Carr, and questions where the line is drawn in comedy. The hosts explore various theories of humor, such as superiority and incongruity, while reflecting on personal experiences. They emphasize humor's ability to shape cultural values and foster connections, all while navigating the complex interplay of laughter, emotions, and social dynamics.

In this lively discussion, Alex O’Connor, a moral philosophy expert known for his insights on emotivism, joins a panel to unravel the origins of morality. They tackle intriguing questions about personal choices and societal structures, particularly regarding family dynamics and marriage. The group also explores the intersection of Hindu philosophy and moral truths, recommending key texts. The candid audience Q&A further dives into ethical emotivism, revealing how emotions shape our moral landscape.

Join thinkers Richard Swinburne, an Oxford philosopher, Jessica Frazier, a religious studies scholar, Alex O’Connor, the CosmicSkeptic, and bioethicist Peter Singer for a lively debate on morality. They tackle pressing issues like animal rights, the ethics of same-sex relationships, and the cultural roots of morality. Expect a thought-provoking discussion that contrasts Eastern and Western views and explores the interplay between emotion and ethical reasoning. Prepare for humor amidst serious inquiries as they unravel the mystery of moral inclusion.

Join psychologist Steven Pinker, renowned for his insights on language and human nature, in a captivating discussion with biologist Richard Dawkins. They tackle the generational shifts in religious beliefs and the ethical implications of AI on society. Dive into the evolving standards of animal welfare and the intriguing future of synthetic meat. The duo engages in thought-provoking Q&A, contemplating AI consciousness and the potential impacts on human evolution. A lively exchange that brilliantly connects the past, present, and future of humanity!

In a captivating discussion, Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist, interviews cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker. They explore the evolution of humanity, diving deep into language, culture, and cognition's roles in our development. Topics include societal progress and public perception, highlighting cognitive biases that often skew our understanding. They also address the controversial idea of nature’s rights and how political beliefs shape our grasp of information. Optimism for the future, especially driven by technology and AI, rounds out their insightful dialogue.

In this engaging discussion, Rose Cartwright, author of 'Pure' and 'The Maps We Carry,' dives deep into the current mental health crisis. She explores the societal shifts contributing to the rise of mental health disorders, questioning whether modern life or evolving narratives about mental well-being play a role. She shares personal experiences with various therapeutic methods, including psychedelic journeys, and examines the complex impact of socioeconomic factors on mental health. The conversation is a blend of humor and profound insights, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Rose Cartwright, author of 'Pure' and 'The Maps We Carry', dives into the urgent mental health crisis affecting society today. She explores the impact of modern life on mental well-being and critiques traditional biomedical approaches to mental suffering. Cartwright emphasizes the power of storytelling in navigating mental health challenges, advocating for new narratives and frameworks. She also discusses the complexities of psychiatric diagnoses, the role of psychedelics, and highlights how personal experiences shape our understanding of mental health.

Julian Baggini, a renowned philosopher and member of the Food Ethics Council, dives deep into food's ethical dimensions and its global impact. He examines the balance between animal welfare and practical activism, critiquing utilitarian views. The discussion also tackles the philosophy behind cultured meat, scrutinizing its practicalities versus traditional methods. Baggini explores the complexities surrounding GMOs, advocating for informed food choices. Additionally, he highlights the emotional and social significance of food and shared meals, revealing their philosophical depths.