Best Brain In A Vat Podcasts (2025)

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Facial Distortions and Prosopometamorphopsia | Brad Duchaine (Rebroadcast) 1:01:22

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16d ago1:01:22

1:01:22

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 disting…

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Should We Stay or Should We Go | Lionel Shriver (Rebroadcast) 55:47

30d ago55:47

55:47

When is death preferable to living? Are there fates worse than death? And what sort of future society should we build? Lionel Shriver discusses her latest novel, Should We Stay or Should We Go.

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Parental Licensing | Connor Kianpour (Rebroadcast) 1:02:07

1M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Should you be required to get a parental license from the State before you can raise your own children? Do the wishes of parents matter at all – or should we only care about the best interests of their children?

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Can AI Bring Our Loved Ones Back? Inside Reflekta AI’s Digital Afterlife | Miles Spencer 51:57

28d ago51:57

51:57

In this special episode of Brain in a Vat, we step outside our usual format to interview Miles Spencer, founder of Reflekta — a company using cutting-edge AI to recreate digital reflections of loved ones who’ve passed away. Miles shares his personal journey of using Reflekta to reconnect with his late father and explains how the system blends voice…

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Cultural Appropriation | Stephen Kershnar (Rebroadcast) 51:42

2M ago51:42

51:42

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?

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Aztec Philosophy: What the Aztecs Knew About Life | Sebastian Purcell 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

How did the Aztecs understand life, morality, and human purpose? What can Aztec philosophy teach us about living well? Sebastian Purcell guides us through Aztec thought, beginning with a thought experiment from Homer’s Odyssey and moving into the core ideas of Aztec wisdom. Along the way, he contrasts Aztec ethics with Western traditions and applie…

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The Assassination of Charlie Kirk 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

In this special episode of Brain in a Vat, Mark and Jasondiscuss the tragic assassination of political commentator, Charlie Kirk. The episode discusses Kirk's commitment to open dialogue and civil discourse, particularly on college campuses, and critique the societal implications of hisdeath. The episode delves into themes of free speech, academicf…

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Using AI to Fight Crime | David Boonin (Rebroadcast) 1:14:07

2M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Is racial profiling always wrong, even if used by an AI to decrease crime? Should we use AI to judge criminal cases, recommend sentences for the guilty, or decide parole for prisoners? Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to AI in Crime Fighting [00:12] Thought Experiment: The Looting Scenario [06:32] Predictive Policing and AI [10:13] Debating the Ethic…

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Are We Free at Work? Marx on Capitalism Today | Brian Leiter 1:10:47

3M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

In this episode of Brain in a Vat, we’re joined by Brian Leiter, co-author (with Jamie Edwards) of a new book on Marx. We explore whether workers in contemporary capitalism are truly free—or trapped in a form of “wage slavery.” Leiter uses thought experiments to probe the limits of workplace freedom. He also examines Marx’s labor theory of value—it…

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The Possible Worlds of David Lewis | Barry Lam (Rebroadcast) 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

What are possible worlds? Could you have been born to different parents, and could an object be both completely green and completely red? Barry Lam explains how David Lewis’s views on possible worlds can help us understand everything from time travel to the nature of who we are.

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Procreative Ethics | Rivka Weinberg (Rebroadcast) 1:02:39

4M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Is it wrong to bring new life into the world? Is adopting a child a moral obligation? Is parenting meaningful?

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Imagine There’s No Gender | Holly Lawford-Smith [with Raja Halwani] (Rebroadcast) 56:18

4M ago56:18

56:18

Would the world be better if we didn’t recognize genders? In such a world, there would be males and females, but nothing associated with what it means to be male or female other than biological facts. Men and women would be equally likely to be social leaders. And there would be no stereotypically male or female behavior. In this world, there’d be …

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The Moral Lives of Spies | Cécile Fabre 1:01:41

4M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

What does a spy owe — to their country, their conscience, or their cause? In this episode, Cécile Fabre investigates the moral lives of Cold War operatives like Kim Philby and Oleg Gordievsky. With Fabre, we probe the strange morality of spies and the ethical paradoxes they inhabit. Is it ever right to betray your country? Can deception be a moral …

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The Right to Sex | Raja Halwani (Rebroadcast) 59:01

4M ago59:01

59:01

Do we have a right to sex, and is there an obligation to sexually fulfill the disabled? Should sex work be not only legal, but obligatory? [00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:16] Exploring the Right to Sex: Thought Experiment [03:43] Negative vs. Positive Rights to Sex [09:50] State-Sponsored Sex Work and Ethical Considerations [11:52] Sexua…

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Decriminalizing Sex Work | Jessica Flanigan 1:01:25

4M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In this episode of Brain in a Vat, we welcome back Jessica Flanigan for a discussion on the decriminalization of sex work. Using a decriminalization framework, Flanigan examines the ethics of sex work and the role of state regulation. The conversation explores autonomy, consent, and coercion. It also addresses the stigma surrounding sex work, its p…

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Disgust | Martha Nussbaum (Rebroadcast) 58:01

4M ago58:01

58:01

What exactly makes us feel disgusted? Is disgust for a person or group ever justified? And is disgust useful, or should we try to eliminate it? Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to Disgust and Cognitive Content [00:11] Paul Rosen's Experiments on Disgust [02:16] Disgust and Its Connection to Animality and Mortality [03:05] Projective Disgust and Socia…

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Patriotism Unpacked | Spencer Case (Rebroadcast) 59:38

5M ago59:38

59:38

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 …

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Is Tarot a Tool for Thought? | Georgi Gardiner 1:01:44

5M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

In this episode of Brain in a Vat, Georgi Gardiner returns to explore the epistemic value of tarot: its capacity to shape self-understanding, spark creative reflection, and influence major life decisions. Drawing on personal experience and philosophical analysis, Georgi examines how tarot can serve as a mirror for introspection while also raising c…

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Living The Philosophical Life | Agnes Callard 55:21

5M ago55:21

55:21

In this episode, Brain in a Vat is joined by public philosopher and author Agnes Callard to explore the relevance of philosophy in everyday life. Drawing from her work on Socrates, Agnes makes a case for why philosophical inquiry matters, now more than ever. From the pig farmer analogy to Socratic love, this conversation is a deep dive into how phi…

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The Israel Palestine Conflict | David Benatar 59:21

5M ago59:21

59:21

Are Jews entitled to their own homeland? Is the Israeli response to the massacre of civilians perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th justified? Should there be a ceasefire? David's Article in Quillette: https://quillette.com/2023/10/21/its-not-the-occupation/ Raja Halwani wrote to us about Jason's exposition of his view at 33:06. Here is Raja's clarif…

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The Ideal State: An AI Debate - Plato vs Nozick 47:59

6M ago47:59

47:59

In this episode of Brain in a Vat, we examine two competing political visions through an AI debate between Plato and Robert Nozick. Plato defends rule by philosopher kings and a unified society, while Nozick argues for individual liberty and a minimal state. Following our previous episode featuring Mill and Kant, we continue investigating major phi…

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Organ Markets | James Stacey Taylor (Rebroadcast) 1:13:57

6M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

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? Check out FeedSpot's list of 90 best philosophy podcasts, where Brain in a Vat is ranked at 15, here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/philosophy_p…

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Academic Freedom in Universities | Eric Sampson and Rebecca Tuvel 1:07:23

6M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

Eric Sampson and Rebecca Tuvel explore the contested issue of academic freedom. They discuss the tensions that emerge when universities try to balance the promotion of diverse intellectual perspectives with concerns over potential harm to community members, as seen in controversies involving figures like philosopher Peter Singer. Drawing on debates…

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Children's Rights and Parenting | Connor Kianpour and Ella Coleman 1:02:09

6M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Connor examines involuntary commitment, substance abuse disorders, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding parenting and children's welfare. Should children be allowed to transition genders? When is the state justified in removing children from harmful environments? And what is the role of non-parental caregivers in a child's life? Join us for this th…

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Are Conspiracy Theories Right? | Jared Millson and Ella Coleman 58:01

7M ago58:01

58:01

Jared Millson delves into the intriguing world of conspiracy theories, exploring well-known cases like Pizzagate and lesser-known but historically significant events such as the COINTELPRO. The discussion spans the definitions and philosophical debates about what constitutes a conspiracy theory, the criteria for evaluating these theories, and the p…

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Animal Liberation Now | Peter Singer (Rebroadcast) 1:05:15

7M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Peter Singer delves into difficult ethical questions regarding animal rights, the morality of factory farming, and difficult human-related ethical dilemmas. Singer discusses his views as a consequentialist, examining the impact of our choices on animal suffering, the ethical considerations around organ donation from anencephalic children, and the b…

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End Taxes? | Jessica Flanigan 55:05

7M ago55:05

55:05

Jess Flanigan argues that personal income tax is illegitimate. But is the state ever justified in extracting money from its population to pay for public goods? Are property taxes and privatization of state functions better options? And if taxes are illegitimate, are we permitted, or even obligated, to stop paying our taxes? [00:00] Introduction and…

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The Problem with Democracy | Jason Brennan (Rebroadcast) 1:01:12

7M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

If most voters are misinformed, is democracy legitimate? What sort of voting system should we have in its place? And should some votes count more than others? [00:00] Introduction to the Problems of Democracy [00:17] Brexit: A Case Study in Misinformed Voting [05:33] Voter Behavior: Social Benefits and Signaling [18:29] The Legitimacy of Democratic…

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Mass Shootings | Kurt Blankschaen 58:00

8M ago58:00

58:00

Does our common understanding of mass shootings help us to prevent them? Blankschaen argues that our common beliefs and media narratives around gun ownership, mental illness, and school policies are unhelpful in preventing future mass shootings. Can we even provide an adequate definition of mass shootings? Should we give up the concept of mass shoo…

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The Problems with Virtue Ethics | Travis Timmerman 58:02

8M ago58:02

58:02

Through comparisons to consequentialism and deontological ethics, Travis dissects the core principles and critiques of virtue ethics. Along the way, we discuss moral dilemmas, the application of virtues, and the real-world implications of ethical theories. Whether you're a student of philosophy or just curious about moral reasoning, this discussion…

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The End Goal of Wokeness | Nathan Cofnas 1:11:13

8M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

What is the underlying logic of woke ideology? Is it consistent, and can it justify the pursuit of equality of outcome, such as redistributing wealth and land? Cofnas discusses the origins and evolution of wokeism, the moral and empirical premises underlying it, and the political dynamics between conservatives and liberals. Tune in to gain a deeper…

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Effective Altruism and Making a Difference | Jacob Bauer 57:38

8M ago57:38

57:38

How should we allocate our donations to address global issues effectively? Jacob discusses the principles guiding Effective Altruism, the importance of evidence-based charitable giving, the ethical implications of supporting local versus global causes, and the challenges of predicting long-term impacts. The episode also delves into the significant …

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Ultimate Meaning | Rivka Weinberg (Rebroadcast) 51:03

9M ago51:03

51:03

Is it possible for us to lead meaningful lives? Is there an ultimate point to our existence? Can we enrich our lives with the pursuit of love, knowledge and friendship? [00:00] Introduction to the Meaninglessness of Life [00:14] Tolstoy's Existential Crisis [01:39] The Appropriateness of Sadness [04:18] Everyday Meaning vs. Ultimate Meaning [06:13]…

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Affirmative Action and Medical School | Stephen Kershnar 51:12

9M ago51:12

51:12

Join us for a provocative episode on Brain in a Vat as we rejoin the infamous Stephen Kershnar, whose prior discussions have made headlines. This episode delves into affirmative action, demographic considerations in education and employment, and the ethics of statistical predictions informed by race. The discussion debates the legitimacy and conseq…

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Should Only Queer Actors Play Queer Roles? | Kurt Blankschaen & Travis Timmerman 1:02:05

9M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Was Kit Conner obligated to reveal his queer sexual orientation to play his role as a queer character on ‘Heartstopper’? Timmerman and Blankschaen argue that straight actors can authentically portray queer characters, addressing issues of character versus performer authenticity, potential harm to marginalized actors, and the broader impact on the i…

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The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo 1:12:08

9M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Who should be included in our 'moral circle' when we make our moral decisions? Jeff discusses the ethical responsibilities we might have towards non-human beings, such as Neanderthals, AIs, or even figments of our imagination. The conversation critically examines issues related to animal welfare, the complexities of population ethics, and the poten…

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Don't Vote | Chris Freiman with Rebecca Tuvel 57:41

10M ago57:41

57:41

Chris Freiman argues that we’re justified in ignoring politics. Freiman, whose book 'Why It's Okay to Ignore Politics' delves into this controversial stance, presents thought experiments and addresses common objections. The conversation also explores effective altruism, the moral implications of individual actions, and the complexities surrounding …

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Alix Spiegel on Storytelling | Alix Spiegel 37:19

10M ago37:19

37:19

In this special episode, Alix Spiegel, host and producer of ‘Invisibilia’ and journalist for ‘This American Life’, joins us to talk about storytelling. Alix discusses storytelling techniques, the philosophical and political dimensions of narrative choices, and the emotional journey of confronting climate change. [00:00] Introduction to the Guest: E…

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Why It's Okay to Eat Meat - Or Is It? | Dan Shahar (Rebroadcast) 53:10

10M ago53:10

53:10

Dan Shahar defends the view that eating meat is permissible, even though meat farming is not. Is this a coherent position? [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [00:48] The Alien Analogy [02:20] Moral Implications and Human Relationships [03:33] Vegetarian Perspective and Ethical Dilemmas [08:01] Super Cow Hypothetical [12:11] Real-World Ethi…

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Who was Derek Parfit? | David Edmonds (Rebroadcast) 54:45

10M ago54:45

54:45

Parfit altered the landscape of the philosophy of identity. We speak to David Edmonds about his recently released biography on this influential philosopher, and ask: what made Parfit the man he was? [00:00] Introduction to David Edmunds [00:25] David's Personal Connection to Derek Parfit [01:42] Derek Parfit's Early Life and Education [04:17] Derek…

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The Philosophy of Severance | Travis Timmerman (Rebroadcast) 1:00:59

11M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Ben Stiller's superb series, Severance, raises fascinating questions about the nature of personal identity. Are we minds or brains? Is it possible for two persons to inhabit the same body? And can a person survive gaps in their existence? [00:00] Introduction to Severance [01:24] Philosophical Questions on Personal Identity [05:59] Real-Life Analog…

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Anti-Semitism | Mark Oppenheimer (Rebroadcast) 1:04:08

11M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

What do anti-semites and ultra-orthodox Jews have in common? How did the ivy league discriminate against Jews? Is America still a safe haven for Jews? Follow Mark's work on https://markoppenheimer.substack.com/ [00:00] Introduction and Confession [00:17] The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting [03:59] Historical Context of Jewish Persecution [07:15] Un…

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What Is a Woman? | Alex Byrne (Rebroadcast) 1:01:59

11M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Oxford University Press refused to publish Alex Byrne's book on gender. We discuss whether women are adult human females and whether sex is the same as gender. [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [02:38] Exploring Gender Identity [11:22] Historical Context and Gender Roles [19:00] Biological and Social Perspectives [27:51] Understanding Soc…

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Sex Work or Prostitution? | Lori Watson (Rebroadcast) 58:53

11M ago58:53

58:53

Is sex work actually work? Is prostitution always a form of exploitation? And show we legalize or decriminalize prostitution? [00:00] Introduction and Opening Remarks [00:14] The Moral and Legal Concerns of Prostitution [04:11] Debating Terminology: Prostitution vs. Sex Work [06:37] Legal Frameworks and Models of Prostitution [11:24] The Unique Har…

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Is Monogamy Wrong? | Harry Chalmers (Rebroadcast) 57:27

12M ago57:27

57:27

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? [00:00] Introduction to the Debate on Monogamy [00:11] Thought Experiment: Friendship R…

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The Privacy Paradox | David Boonin (Rebroadcast) 1:00:35

12M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

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? [00:00] Introduction [00:18] The Case of Mrs. A [02:06] Privacy and …

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Benatar on Bullshit | With Rebecca Tuvel 55:12

12M ago55:12

55:12

Are there different kinds of bullshit? Do bullshitters know they are full of it? What should we do to stem the tide? [00:00] Introduction [00:19] David Benatar's Joke [02:25] Defining Bullshit: Philosophical Perspectives [04:21] Academic Bullshit and Real-World Examples [09:34] The Ethics of Calling Out Bullshit [23:14] The Tragedy of the Bullshit …

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Unravelling “White Privilege” | Spencer Case 1:00:29

1y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

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? [00:00] Introduction and Welcome [00:14] Exploring the Privilege Walk [04:57] Discussion on…

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Cultural Appropriation | Stephen Kershnar 51:42

1y ago51:42

51:42

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? [00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment [00:29] Criticism and Cultural Appropriation [02:07] Ownership of Ideas [04:49] Intellectual Property an…

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Determinism, Free Will, and the Meaning of Life | Stephen Maitzen 59:53

1y ago59:53

59:53

Stephen Maitzen argues that the world is deterministic. But if all of our choices are determined, how should we understand free will, the meaning of life, and regret? Read Maitzen’s Book here: https://www.routledge.com/Determinism-Death-and-Meaning/Maitzen/p/book/9781032134185 [00:00] Introduction to Determinism and Thought Experiment [00:15] Clark…