Brain in a Vat
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Stephen Cave unpacks the ethical and practical problems of living forever. He highlights ongoing research in anti-aging and the potential societal and ecological catastrophes that could follow if humans were to achieve immortality. Stephen weighs the individual’s desire for immortality against social implications, and the potential exacerbation of social injustices. The discussion also addresses technological possibilities like consciousness uploading and the philosophical implications of personal identity, memory, and morality. The conversation navigates the complexities of life extension technologies, questioning the nature of what it means to live a meaningful life. 00:00 Welcome to the Immortality Debate 00:27 Exploring the Possibility of Living Forever 01:57 The Ethical Dilemmas of Immortality 05:03 Addressing Overpopulation and Societal Collapse 07:26 The Underpopulation Counterargument 09:09 The Philosophical and Practical Aspects of Life Extension 11:23 Space Colonization: A Feasible Solution? 13:01 The Ethical Quandary of Life Extension Pills 19:04 Addressing Social Justice in the Context of Immortality 24:30 The Boredom Argument Against Immortality 28:08 Exploring the Infinite Possibilities of AI and Immortality 28:26 The Philosophical Dilemma of Immortality and Ennui 30:26 Considering the Ethics and Legality of Suicide 31:12 The Rationality of Suicide in an Immortal Life 32:44 The Sorites Paradox and Life Extension 34:02 The Practical Challenges of Life Extension Policies 34:58 Dystopian Scenarios in Immortality and Central Planning 37:27 The Concept of Personal Identity and Immortality 40:38 Consciousness Uploading: A Dystopian Idea? 45:23 Personal Identity, Memory, and Augmentation 49:01 The Philosophical Exploration of Ennui and Meaninglessness 53:00 Immortality in Mythology and the Quest for Novel Experiences 54:58 Reimagining Immortality and Embracing Finitude --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message
Featuring Stephen Kershnar, we discuss the complexities of immigration ethics, the rights to immigrate, and the morality of borders, keeping in mind debates around wealth, exclusion, and property rights. Stephen considers consequentialist and deontological perspectives in immigration policies, the notion of collective versus individual rights, and the philosophical implications on national identity and personal liberty. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Discussion on Immigration 01:05 Thought Experiment on Immigration 02:57 Debate on Collective Ownership and Immigration 04:23 Exploring the Rights of Immigrants 04:34 Dilemma of Immigration in a Private Island Scenario 05:03 Debate on the Right to Life and Immigration 08:28 Discussion on Collective Decision Making 10:22 Exploring the Concept of Citizenship 11:18 Debate on Collective Ownership of a Country 20:09 Discussion on the Consequences of Immigration 27:46 Debate on National Self Interest and Immigration 34:39 Exploring the Concept of Citizenship 35:48 Analogies and Disanalogies in Citizenship 36:38 Consequences of Citizenship Revocation 37:34 Consequentialist Discussion on Immigration 39:15 The Utility of Immigration 41:46 The Right to Evict: A Discussion 42:01 The Case of Refugees and Birthright Citizenship 46:16 The Consequences of Open Borders 48:32 The Impact of Immigration on Population Growth 01:00:08 The Dilemma of Local Control and Freedom of Movement 01:06:42 The Value of Collective Property in Immigration
Trond Undheim delves into catastrophic risks facing humanity, including climate change, governance breakdown, and technological threats. Through discussions of risk perception, effective planning versus worry, and the complexities of managing existential threats, Trond emphasizes the importance of preparing and adapting for uncertain futures. How should we think about potential future crises, the role of technology in exacerbating or mitigating risks, and the moral obligations of contemporary society to future generations? 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:08 Imagining the World in 2075 00:26 The Impact of World Conflicts and Climate Change 01:03 The Rise of Organized Crime and Economic Divide 02:08 The Future of Medical Technologies and Lifespan 02:54 Reflections on the Turning Point of the Century 04:14 Understanding Risk and Worry 04:53 The Role of Planning and Thriving in Risk Management 06:35 The Potential of Giga Projects and Modular Solutions 07:40 The Dilemma of Investing in Uncertain Events 08:41 The Existential Risk of Asteroid Collision 11:27 The Responsibility of Future Generations 13:49 The Complexity of Catastrophic Risk 22:13 The Potential Risks by 2075 46:01 The Role of Community in Risk Mitigation 47:41 The Challenge of Collective Action in Preventing Catastrophe 53:25 Conclusion: The Importance of Good Intent in Systemic Understanding
In this episode of 'Brain In A Vat', Hans Gutbrod addresses the gap in philosophy in understanding the ethics around statues, street names, and museums. By drawing parallels to just war theory, Gutbrod proposes a framework to navigate the complexities of commemorating historical figures and events. The discussion also touches upon the potential for altering commemorative symbols to preserve memory while adapting their messages. This episode probes the moral and aesthetic considerations of how societies remember their past. 00:00 Introduction and Thought Experiment 01:31 The Gap in Philosophy and Ethics 02:47 The Ethics of Representations of the Past 03:19 The Role of Metaphysics in Commemoration 03:48 The Influence of History and Philosophy on Commemoration 04:42 The Impact of Statues and Memorials on Public Perception 06:30 The Ethics of Political Commemoration 09:38 The Criteria for Erecting and Keeping Statues 10:36 The Role of Intent in Commemoration 12:11 The Role of Empirical Research in Commemoration 13:17 The Challenges of Commemorating the Past 15:05 The Complexity of Commemoration 19:04 The Scope and Vagueness of Commemoration 21:54 The Role of Conversation in Commemoration 26:38 The Role of Vagueness in Commemoration 28:05 The Complexity of Erecting Statues 28:32 Perspectives from the Caucasus 28:58 Reframing the Debate: The Case of Georgia 30:00 Street Names and Shadows of the Past 30:57 The Role of Art in Commemoration 31:43 The Sackler Controversy and the Power of Art 32:40 The Value of Preservation and Enriching Debate 33:06 The Risk of Over-Inclusivity 33:29 The Osama Bin Laden Hypothetical 34:54 Addressing the Vagueness Problem 36:20 The Ethics of Political Commemoration 37:56 The Challenge of Deciding on Statues 41:30 The Power of Artistic Alteration 45:53 The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin: A Case Study 53:12 The Role of Aesthetics in Commemoration 55:31 The Personal Engagement with Commemoration
In this special episode of Brain in a Vat, Brad Duchaine from the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at Dartmouth discusses prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) – a condition where individuals see distorted faces. The episode explores various manifestations of PMO, including seeing demonic features, dragons, or entirely different faces, and distinguishes it from prosopagnosia (face blindness). It delves into the neurological basis of PMO, touching upon structural and functional differences in the brains of those affected. We discuss the significant impact PMO and prosopagnosia have on individuals' social interactions and quality of life, as well as potential management techniques such as using glasses or colored lights to reduce distortions. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:20 Exploring the Case of Face Distortion 03:19 Understanding the Nature of Distortions 05:49 Comparing Prosopagnosia and PMO 07:17 The Role of Visual System in Face Recognition 10:01 Impact of Face Recognition on Social Interactions 14:16 The Spectrum of Face Recognition Abilities 16:20 The Role of AI and Hallucinations in Face Recognition 23:48 Understanding the Diagnosis of Face Recognition Disorders 30:20 Understanding Prosopagnosia: Prevalence and Characteristics 31:59 The Mystery of PMO: Prevalence and Need for More Research 32:46 Exploring the Impact of Prosopagnosia and PMO on Social and Sexual Relationships 33:23 The Intersection of PMO and Other Psychiatric Conditions 37:03 The Struggles and Challenges of Living with Prosopagnosia and PMO 41:02 Potential Treatments and Coping Mechanisms for PMO 51:22 The Neurological Basis of PMO and Prosopagnosia 54:51 Testing and Characterizing PMO: A Deep Dive into Research Methods 59:54 Understanding the Perception and Processing of Faces in PMO
We welcome back Nadine Strasson for a comprehensive discussion about pornography and free speech. She highlights points from her re-released book 'Defending Pornography', explaining why she supports the freedom of sexual expression. Her thought experiment is about a respected academic who makes adult videos, raising questions about personal freedom, professional reputability, and potential harm to his university. She also explores the complex relationship between pornography, liberty, and equality, emphasizing that context matters when considering whether freedom of speech overrides other concerns. The conversation also touches on whether pornography subordinates women, Nadine underlines that she defends the right to pornography not because she is an aficionado, but because she believes in individual choices. (00:00) Introduction and Guest Presentation (00:37) Understanding Pornography and Free Speech (02:00) Controversies Surrounding Pornography (02:12) Case Study: Provost's Scandal (03:22) Debate on the Provost's Case (03:54) Exploring the Concept of Academic Freedom (05:10) Counter Argument: The Question of Judgment (06:43) The Impact of Sexual Taboos (07:30) The Role of the American Association of University Professors (08:16) Discussion on the Provost's First Amendment Claim (12:12) The Shift in Pornography Production (17:58) The Debate on Virtual Child Pornography (27:14) The Feminist Perspective on Pornography (40:13) Understanding the Real Case of Subordination (40:29) The Role of Subordination in Fantasy and Pornography (41:05) The Radical Feminist Anti-Pornography Movement (41:56) Analyzing Media and Subordinating Imagery (42:45) The Impact of Subordinating Imagery (42:59) The Irony of Anti-Pornography Activism (43:58) The Controversy of Subordinating Images in Public Spaces (45:05) The Role of Pornography in Society (46:15) The Popularity and Impact of Pornography (47:31) The Positive Benefits of Pornography (48:30) Balancing Liberty and Equality in Free Speech (55:02) The Intersection of Hate Speech and Pornography (01:00:02) The Egalitarian Nature of Pornography (01:05:48) The Controversy of Being a 'Minority Intellectual Dissident'
Can the definition of privilege be nuanced enough to address the broad range of individual experiences and historical contexts? Does recognizing and discussing privilege lead to meaningful social change? Or does talk of privilege oversimplify complex issues?
Is observing people in a public space from the privacy of your home an infringement of their rights? Can the widespread use of CCTV cameras be justified, or does it violate their privacy? And how do technological developments affect the delicate balance between safety and privacy?
What if our understanding of morality is fundamentally flawed? Should the absence of objective moral facts alter the way we live and interact? Is the structure of our society dependent on moral beliefs, or are these just a result of individual desires and social evolution?
Is morality real, a social construct, or non-existent? Can we rely on our moral intuitions? And are moral truths inaccessible to us?
What is a proportional response to a terrorist attack? What does genocide involve? And is South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice justified? Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff Editor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter Kaufman Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShop https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1pxOGY5SVd0cTJZQjF3aE1kREplZXBoZXZFZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttajRsb3kwaUJFNVdBREVjaERlaS0tU01DeExQT1FzWWx6VzEzLWxza1hsRHhqLVFmRnRRamlwYnNqdW1rVjdHRnRuQUFJWmcxUG9xcnZDMVRpNGpSaUdsYmF2Wl90aDh3VldMYUI5end4X09BZ2RFaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsmarturl.it%2FBrainShop&v=8DNTlHgTrAw Brain in a Vat bookshop (Amazon): https://smarturl.it/BrainAmazonShop https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUxjUXlyY1RFUWtuQ2pkSUF1bE5TOGk2WWpoZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttN010eTRfY2pOOGo3UWNETTA0SGhSUGstZ25WMWJNU19DWndoYlNMTnBOdVVkTTU1M2FucFhsaGZsbm9yWl9qQ3VpWFdfMV9HRUxvWTlkNG9RNWxPZE5oeHk0YWhGQVhyVHNXYVM5NGdIWFl5b3BLaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsmarturl.it%2FBrainAmazonShop&v=8DNTlHgTrAw
Does the biology you were born with trump self-identity when determining your sex or gender? Is gender innate, or can it change? And what can real-life cases of children being reassigned their sex at birth teach us? Alex's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Gender-Sex-Facts-Fictions/dp/1509560017/
John Rawls is widely regarded as the greatest modern liberal philosopher. Does his theory of justice lead to a fair society?
Is there life after death? Are near-death experiences meaningful? Are they similar to other altered states like meditation and drug-induced hallucinations?
Andy Kuper, the founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, tells us how his PHD in philosophy led him to marry profit with purpose, by creating investment funds with deep impact on the lives of 200 million low-income people worldwide, while generating strong returns for its investors and the companies in which it invests. https://leapfroginvest.com https://leapfroginvest.com/ Andy's Book Democracy Beyond Borders: https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Beyond-Borders-Representation-Institutions-ebook-dp-B000WNHG48/dp/B000WNHG48/
Is evolution the root cause of racism, rape, and disgust? Are differences between men and women a result of both nature and nurture? Are some forms of scientific inquiry too dangerous to allow? Justin's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Biological-Mind-Philosophical-Introduction/dp/0367466317
Lia Thomas, a trans woman, has sparked controversy by competing in and winning women’s collegiate swimming events. Should Thomas and other trans athletes be allowed to compete in the gendered competition of their choice?
Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?
Could you be a brain in a vat, or be living in a simulated or virtual reality? Could you live a meaningful, valuable existence even if you were?
Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?
Black Mirror's episode, , is full of interesting philosophical problems. Are you still responsible for a crime you committed even if you've lost your memory of that crime? Do you persist through time despite amnesia? And what are the limits of justified punishment for horrendous crimes?
Do your current moral values require you to stop eating meat? Will going vegan actually prevent animal cruelty? Is the vegan movement a force for good?
Are Jews entitled to their own homeland? Is the Israeli response to the massacre of civilians perpetrated by Hammas on October 7th justified? Should there be a ceasefire? David's Article in Quillette: https://quillette.com/2023/10/21/its-not-the-occupation/
This older conversation about war sheds light on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. Are soldiers fighting for the wrong side ever justified in killing? Should we punish these soldiers even if they were coerced by their State to fight? And is it ever justified to kill civilians? Read Jeff's book here: amazon.com/Killing-War-Uehiro-Practical-Ethics/dp/019960357X http://amazon.com/Killing-War-Uehiro-Practical-Ethics/dp/019960357X
Are women generally exploited in pornography? Even in cases where women report that their pornography career is empowering, have they nevertheless been degraded? And if heterosexual pornography undermines women’s dignity, is this true of gay male pornography too?
Should we be allowed to sell our organs on the open market? Would the poor be exploited under such a system? And does organ donation impose an unfair burden on the relatives of those that need a transplant?
Is the restriction on having additional sexual or romantic partners similar to the restriction on having additional friends? Should you allow your partner to be free to pursue other partners? And are we able to overcome the jealousy associated with non-monogamy?
Does the clone of a murderer deserve to be punished? Is the clone with the murderer’s memories and dispositions guilty of the murder? And has justice been served if the clone is punished, even if the original murderer goes free?
Was dropping the bomb on Hiroshima justified? Is Ken the real star of Barbie? Three Oppenheimers weigh in on the film event of the year. 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 Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Is it permissible for members of one group to appropriate the cultural practices of another? Is there anything wrong with cultural appropriation at all, or are there benefits to cultural appropriation?
