Brain in a Vat Brain in a Vat

Should we consider gaming as potentially addictive? Sarah Malanowski argues gaming is much like any other beneficial hobby: it provides a sense of community, challenge, and personal growth. She argues gaming is unfairly stigmatized, and should instead be seen as a valuable tool for growing character.



Link to Sarah’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Its-OK-Be-Gamer/dp/1032312130 



[00:00] Introduction to the Discussion



[00:06] Thought Experiment: The New Hobby



[02:51] Cam's Story: A Real-Life Testimonial



[04:23] The Four Reasons for Gaming



[05:37] Contrasting Perspectives on Gaming



[06:03] The Physical vs. Virtual Social Connection



[07:59] The Ethics of Hobbies: Grave Robbing vs. Gaming



[09:49] Violence in Video Games: A Longstanding Debate



[16:35] Gaming Addiction: A Clinical Perspective



[20:25] Gaming's Potential Positive Impact



[27:55] The Stigma Around Gaming



[30:02] Gaming and Addiction: A Philosophical Perspective



[36:28] Evaluating the Worth of Different Games



[39:12] Ethics and Morality in Gaming



[43:26] Comparing Gaming to Other Activities



[52:43] Intrinsic Value of Gaming



[55:41] Conclusion


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message

What makes for good philosophy? How has philosophy impacted popular culture? Can sci-fi be good philosophy? And can we inspire philosophical inquiry despite not strictly adhering to rigorous philosophical methods?



[00:00] Introduction to Bad Philosophy



[00:51] The Repugnant Conclusion



[03:09] Criteria for Good Philosophy



[06:05] Examples of Good Philosophy



[06:26] Defining Bad Philosophy



[07:29] Critique of Continental Philosophy



[18:17] Philosophical Fiction and Pop Culture



[30:36] The Value of Teaching Philosophy



[34:03] Teaching Philosophy: Balancing Quality and Diversity



[39:35] Science Fiction and Philosophy



40:16 The Role of Fiction in Philosophical Thought Experiments



[53:59] Controversial Philosophical Arguments



[01:10:31] Meta-Philosophy and Peer Disagreement



[01:12:25] Conclusion and Final Thoughts


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message

Perry Hendricks argues that abortion restrictions are beneficial, especially to black women, by preventing them from engaging in what he presupposes is the wrongful act of abortion. The conversation critically examines the ethics of abortion, the impact of restrictions on black women, and the broader societal implications. We discuss paternalism, state authority, the moral status of embryos, and the consequences of imposing restrictions amidst uncertainty about the moral status of abortion.



[00:00] Introduction to the Abortion Debate with Perry Hendricks



[00:09] Thought Experiments on Moral Choices



[01:04] Exploring the Ethics of Abortion Restrictions



[04:02] The Objective vs. Subjective Well-being Debate



[08:15] Revisiting the Ethics and Implications of Abortion Restrictions



[12:01] The Complexities of Abortion Ethics and Societal Impacts



[29:58] Paternalism and Political Legitimacy in Abortion Laws



[34:09] Considering Unborn Children as Citizens: A Philosophical Inquiry



[40:17] The Impact of Abortion Restrictions on Different Groups



[47:40] Navigating Uncertainty in Abortion Ethics



[53:16] The Moral Quandary of Infanticide and Time Travel



[01:01:08] Academic Freedom and the Controversy of Publishing


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message

Nathan Cofnas argues that distinct populations have developed specific cognitive abilities due to varying environmental challenges.

The conversation explores the definition and validity of racial categorization from a biological perspective, addressing whether certain physical and cognitive differences among races have a genetic basis.

Nathan argues that acknowledging these differences does not necessitate negative social implications but rather an honest recognition of human biodiversity. The dialogue delves into the controversy surrounding race realism in academia, including censorship, accusations of racism, and the consequences of denying or accepting biological differences among races.



[00:00] Introduction to Race Realism Discussion

[00:27] Exploring Human Evolution and Genetic Diversity

[02:52] Debating the Reality and Definitions of Race

[06:16] The Semantic vs. Metaphysical Nature of Race

[12:53] Genetics, Intelligence, and Race

[27:26] Addressing Criticisms and Misunderstandings

[37:22] Social Implications and Policies on Racial Differences

[39:27] The End of Wokeism and the Future of Society

[40:14] Quotas and Representation: Navigating the Complexities

[41:37] The Role of Environment in Intelligence

[46:32] Race, Genetics, and Intelligence: A Controversial Intersection

[56:58] The Political and Social Implications of IQ and Race Research

[01:06:06] Navigating Academic Freedom and Controversy


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message

We welcome back Lionel Shriver to discuss her latest novel, 'Mania'. Shriver explores how egalitarian principles push us to ignore obvious truths about the world, particularly in discussions on transgender rights. She critiques the Left’s inclination to measure art and literature through the lens of political virtue.



Read Shriver’s book, ‘Mania’, here: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Mania/dp/B0CRRXCMKD/



[00:00] Introduction to Lionel Shriver's 'Mania'



[00:05] Exploring the Premise of 'Mania' and Its Social Commentary



[01:12] The Allegory of Equality and Its Implications in 'Mania'



[06:47] The Reality Problem in Modern Ideologies



[10:14] The Impact of Ideology Over Merit in Society



[16:30] Literature and Politics: The Intersection in 'Mania'



[17:50] The Role of the Author in Literature's Reception



[24:02] Navigating Political and Social Manias in Fiction and Reality



[29:11] The Obligation to Confront Widely Believed False Ideas



[30:26] Navigating Moral Responsibility in Societal Manias



[32:36] The Protagonist's Struggle: Between Ideals and Reality



[34:14] The Vulnerability of Students to Ideological Manias



[35:23] Character Study: Emery's Opportunism and Adaptability



[36:20] The Intellectuals' Complicity in Trendy Ideologies



[38:37] The Rapid Shift in Academic Norms



[40:31] Decolonizing the Curriculum: A Critical Examination



[48:46] The Dangers of Utopianism and Totalitarian Tendencies



[51:46] The Novel's Conclusion: Reflecting on the Next Mania



[56:18] Valuing Excellence, Competence, and Beauty Over Political Virtue



[01:00:16] The Role of Humor and Entertainment in Literature


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message

A discussion on gun control, exploring philosophical, legal,
and ethical aspects of the issue. Eric Samson offers a range of arguments and
counterarguments on the necessity and consequences of gun laws. The
conversation includes the right to self-defence, the impact of gun ownership on
violence and society, victims of violent crimes, and proposals for mitigating
gun violence without infringing on gun rights. Special attention is given to
contrasting views on police presence, the efficacy of gun bans, and the
societal implications of widespread gun ownership versus tighter control.



[00:00] Introduction to the Show and Guests
[00:27] Setting the Stage with a Hypothetical Scenario
[01:31] Debating Gun Control: Rights vs. Safety
[04:45] Exploring the Limits of Gun Ownership
[11:32] The Practical Challenges of Gun Control
[15:52] Considering the Impact of Gun Bans and Buybacks
[23:54] Addressing the Complexity of Gun-Related Deaths
[26:22] Exploring the Impulsivity of Gun Ownership
[26:49] The Debate on Gun Rights and Government Intervention
[27:43] Mass Shootings: Perception vs. Reality
[28:37] Moral and Aesthetic Considerations in Gun Ownership
[35:20] Practical Measures and Gun Control Proposals
[44:47] Addressing the Role of Police in Society and Gun Control
[48:03] Philosophical Perspectives on Gun Control and Society








---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/braininavat/message