Brain in a Vat

Brain in a Vat
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  • PHILOSOPHY
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Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.

  1. 09/11/2025

    Facial Distortions and Prosopometamorphopsia | Brad Duchaine (Rebroadcast)

    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. Chapters: [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

    1h 1m

  2. 02/11/2025

    Should We Stay or Should We Go | Lionel Shriver (Rebroadcast)

    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.

    56 min

  3. 26/10/2025

    Parental Licensing | Connor Kianpour (Rebroadcast)

    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?

    1h 2m

  4. 17/10/2025

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

    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 recordings, photos, and written biographies to create realistic digital personas. The discussion covers the emotional impact, ethical questions, and philosophical issues raised by this technology, from preserving family memories to reviving historical or fictional figures. We also consider what it means to build a living legacy in the age of AI, and how this might change the way we understand grief, identity, and memory. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [00:15] Meet Miles Spencer, Founder of Reflector AI [03:07] How the Technology Works [07:12] Philosophical Implications of Digital Afterlife [15:29] Living Legacies and Ethical Boundaries [23:12] Historical and Public Figures [26:33] Family, Memory, and AI Elders [33:17] Reflections on “The Rehearsal” and Reality [42:31] Future Implications [47:54] Legacy, Spirit, and the Human Story [51:21] Closing Thoughts

    52 min

  5. 30/09/2025

    Cultural Appropriation | Stephen Kershnar (Rebroadcast)

    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?

    52 min

  6. 22/09/2025

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

    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 applies them to modern debates on morality, from sex and meat consumption to life’s ultimate purpose. The conversation also takes on difficult topics like human sacrifice and sexual norms, showing how Aztec thought continues to challenge and enrich philosophy today. Chapters: [00:32] Odysseus and the Genie: A Thought Experiment [04:40] The Concept of Rootedness [08:17] Aztec Obligations and the Good Life [19:12] Shared Agency and Virtue [27:51] The Challenge of Community Bubbles [28:58] Aztec Views on Community and Travel [32:44] Human Sacrifice: Myth or Reality? [48:51] Aztec Moral Framework and Applied Ethics [53:03] Sexual Ethics in Aztec Society [57:06] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    58 min

  7. 11/09/2025

    The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

    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, academicfreedom, and the dangerous conflation of words and violence. Jason and Mark also address arguments attempting to justify or minimize Kirk's assassination,advocating instead for a return to civility and the importance of open, reasoned debate. 00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Charlie Kirk 01:22 The Importance of Civil Discourse 03:47 The Dangers of Conflating Words and Violence 05:00 Free Speech and Academic Freedom 10:04 Philosophical Perspectives on Assassination 15:01 The Impact on Society and Free Speech 16:14 Addressing Arguments Justifying the Assassination 27:04 Reflecting on Empathy and Society's Response 29:18 Conclusion: A Call for Civility

    30 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    Using AI to Fight Crime | David Boonin (Rebroadcast)

    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 Ethics of AI in Law Enforcement [23:26] Affirmative Action and Racial Profiling [37:51] Balancing Crime Reduction and Social Engineering [39:00] AI in Sentencing: Benefits and Challenges [40:08] Algorithmic Transparency and Legal Implications [43:15] The Opaque Jury Argument [47:44] Fairness vs. Accuracy in Legal Decisions [57:25] Philosophical Implications of Opaque Decision-Making

    1h 14m
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About

Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.

Information

  • Creator
    Brain in a Vat
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brain in a Vat
  • Show Website
    Brain in a Vat

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