Philosophy Bites

Philosopher Walter Sinnott Armstrong and David Edmonds discuss AI's role in ethics, focusing on embedding human values, resolving ethical dilemmas in healthcare, and AI's potential in decision-making processes like kidney transplants and medical diagnoses.

David Edmonds discusses the life and philosophy of Derek Parfit, focusing on his views on personal identity, selflessness, the pressures behind 'Reasons and Persons', and the intersection of Parfit's photography and philosophy.

Yascha Mounk delves into the impact of focusing on gender, racial, and sexual identities in political arguments, discussing the distortions it can create. He explores the complexities of identity, the challenges of balancing diversity and universality for justice, nuances of cultural appropriation, boundaries of free speech and identity, and the controversy of disinviting speakers in universities.

Learn about J.L. Austin's transition into philosophy, his role in World War II intelligence, and his innovative contributions to ordinary language philosophy. Explore his evolving views on philosophy, from linguistic clarity to speech acts, and his lasting legacy in post-war Oxford philosophy.

James Klagge, an expert on Wittgenstein, discusses his affluent upbringing, transition to philosophy, and influences like Russell in the Tractatus. They delve into how Wittgenstein's war experiences shaped his philosophical themes and contrast with the Vienna Circle's views on ethics and religion.

David Chalmers discusses the two-way interaction between technology and philosophy, exploring techno philosophy and the extended mind hypothesis. He examines the criteria for determining what can be considered part of one's mind and how technology has extended communication and knowledge. The podcast also delves into the relevance of the extended mind hypothesis in today's technology-driven world.

Agnes Callard, a philosophy professor, discusses topics such as the complexity of sexual desire, the connection between eroticism and reciprocity, the role of orgasm in sex, and the absence of philosophical discourse on the topic of sex.

Augustine's view on hope as a virtue is explored, challenging the perception of him as a pessimist. The podcast discusses his thoughts on evil, virtue, sin, and grace. Augustine emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness, cautioning against presumption. His connection of hope, faith, and love as virtues is highlighted, and the hosts share how studying his work has changed their attitude towards hope.

How should political philosophy adapt to the impact of AI? This podcast explores algorithmic intermediaries, power relations, ethical and legal oversight, risks and benefits of AI, and the role of philosophy in shaping AI technologies.

Hannah Dawson, editor of The Penguin Book of Feminist Writing, discusses Mary Wollstonecraft's book 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman'. They explore her beliefs on education, independence, and the patriarchy, as well as her personal struggles. The chapter also delves into Wollstonecraft's life, her works on women's rights and freedom, and her perspectives on education and self-government. They discuss the theory of arbitrary power and its relation to unfreedom, Wollstonecraft's philosophy on liberty and equality, and her views on deconstructing sex and gender.