Brain in a Vat

Brain in a Vat
  • 4.3 (42)
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Brain in a Vat Podcast

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

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Population Decline and Pronatalism | Paul Morland

    Paul Morland, author of 'No One Left', joins the Brain in a Vat podcast to discuss demographic changes and Pronatalism. Paul explores the idea of having more children in response to declining fertility rates, demographic momentum, and the potential societal impacts of population collapse. Paul discusses potential solutions, including state intervention, cultural changes, and technological advancements. Read Morland's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-One-Left-World-Children/dp/1800754108 [00:00] Introduction [00:17] A Thought Experiment on Pronatalism [02:06] Debating the Value of Life [06:12] David Benatar's Perspective [10:28] Population Ethics and Decline [11:40] Challenges of Low Fertility Rates [18:43] Technology and Immigration as Solutions [24:08] The Role of AI in the Future Workforce [33:43] Skepticism Towards AI and Technological Solutions [35:42] The Changing Nature of Retirement and Aging [39:30] Economic Implications of Population Collapse [41:15] Environmental Concerns and Population Dynamics [46:11] Cultural and Political Influences on Fertility Rates [51:39] Potential Solutions and Government Interventions [01:08:37] Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

    1h 9m

  2. SEP 1

    Love and Limerence | Georgi Gardiner

    What is the difference between love, limerence, crushes and squishes? Can someone be mistaken about whether they’re in love? And is limerence harmful, or can it also have therapeutic value? [00:00] Introduction to Love and Limerence [00:09] Thought Experiment: Terry and Sam Seder [01:38] Philosophical Debates on Love [03:37] The Power of Self-Descriptions [06:14] Exploring Limerence [10:10] Conceptual Interactions and Sexuality [29:23] Polyamory and Relationship Dynamics [31:58] Understanding New Relationship Energy (NRE) [34:02] Monogamous Perspectives on NRE and Limerence [35:55] The Power of Naming Emotions [36:47] Exploring Compersion [41:13] The Science Behind Limerence [45:28] Limerence in Therapy and Daily Life [49:53] Limerence vs. Love [01:01:18] Final Thoughts on Limerence and Love

    1h 1m

  3. AUG 25

    Aliens, Social Groups, and the Golden Record | Jason Werbeloff

    How would we explain our social structures to aliens? Can we define our social groups in a way that is easy to articulate and understand? Jason Werbeloff argues that it’s extremely difficult to answer even the simplest questions about the nature of our social groups. Does this mean we should exclude any talk of groups when describing ourselves on the Golden Record?  And should we understand ourselves as individuals, rather than as members of social groups? [00:00] Introduction and Welcome [00:21] The Voyager Golden Record [02:17] Philosophical Inquiry: Social Groups and Aliens [02:57] The Alien's Perspective on Social Groups [05:08] Defining Social Groups [12:25] Margaret Gilbert's Theory of Social Groups [14:16] Challenges to Gilbert's Theory [20:41] Alternative Theories and Eliminativism [27:08] Q&A and Further Discussion [36:20] The Vagueness of Group Identity [37:10] Dispositional Refinement and Group Membership [37:47] Challenges in Defining Group Membership [38:45] Moral Responsibility and Group Identity [40:08] Individual Accountability in Group Actions [44:09] Degrees of Group Membership [46:43] The Role of Group Leaders [48:56] Relational Properties and Group Persistence [01:05:41] Human Groups vs. Animal Groups [01:11:30] Concluding Thoughts

    1h 14m

  4. AUG 18

    Ayn Rand and the Ethics of Selfishness | Tara Smith

    Has selfishness been misunderstood? Is there a way of defending Ayn Rand’s egoism? Tara Smith confronts challenging questions about morality, individual rights, and the balance between personal and societal well-being. Read Smith’s book here: https://a.co/d/5r4HfXb [00:00] Introduction to Ayn Rand and Egoism [00:21] Challenging Common Perceptions of Self-Interest [02:40] Objective vs. Subjective Self-Interest [05:17] The Role of Rationality in Human Flourishing [11:02] Principles of Human Flourishing [14:33] The Practicality of Moral Theories [26:54] Case-by-Case Basis in Moral Decisions [31:05] Identifying Through Lines in Ethics [31:46] Context Sensitivity in Moral Principles [36:06] Altruism and Self-Interest [36:52] Martians, Sociopaths, and Moral Obligations [39:29] Species Needs and Moral Values [42:48] Health, Psychology, and Individual Needs [48:03] Freedom, Government, and Individual Rights [54:16] Evolutionary Psychology and Randian Theory [01:03:01] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1h 3m

  5. AUG 11

    The Fine-Tuning Argument for God’s Existence | Aaron Zimmer (with Nathan Bray)

    Is intelligent design the best theory for how perfectly calibrated our universe is? How does God as an explanation compare with competing theories, like the multiverse? Perhaps we can understand the fine-tuned complexity of the universe in the same way we understand the fine-tuned complexity of AI creations?  Tune in for a profound discussion on the innovative potential of combining human intellect with AI. [00:00] Guest Introduction [00:17] Thought Experiment [03:19] The Fine-Tuning Problem [07:05] Questioning the Designer [08:21] Fundamental Existence and Axioms [11:12] Evaluating Rival Explanations [18:57] The Complexity of the Universe [27:15] The Mystery of the Constants [30:17] Scientific Knowledge and Fine Tuning [31:21] Intelligent Cause vs. Multiverse Theory [33:25] Challenges to Multiverse Theory [39:31] Probability and Divine Psychology [43:12] Naturalistic Mysterianism vs. Theism [53:11] AI and the Appearance of Intentionality [59:40] Conclusion

    1h 0m

  6. AUG 4

    Fatphobia | Kate Manne (with Travis Timmerman)

    Kate Manne discusses how fatphobia impacts the lives of fat-bodied people in various domains, including healthcare, education, and employment. Manne explores the relationship between weight and health, and challenges pervasive societal biases.  She argues for a deeper understanding of systemic oppression against fat-bodied people, and considers how fat we should choose to be. [00:00] Guest Introduction [00:17] Case Study: Jen Curran's Misdiagnosis [01:59] Defining Fatphobia [02:56] The Straitjacket Metaphor [04:20] Fatphobia in Education and Employment [08:04] Fatphobia in Healthcare [10:11] Intersectionality [15:14] Historical Roots of Fatphobia [18:54] Weight and Health: A Complex Relationship [29:54] The Ineffectiveness of Diets [35:44] Genetics and Weight [49:09] Moral and Prudential Considerations [01:04:45] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1h 5m

  7. JUL 28

    Money, Institutions, and Social Groups | J. P. Smit

    What is the nature of social institutions? Is Searle correct that collective agreement is the key to understanding social phenomena, or should we pursue a different theoretical framework? Smit argues for a different understanding of institutions, which relies on the notion of a coordination game. Read Smit's publications here: https://philpeople.org/profiles/j-p-smit [00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:15] Thought Experiment: Prison Economy [01:29] The Nature of Money: Abstract vs. Physical [02:12] Searle's Explanation of Money [03:45] Philosophical Debates on Institutional Objects [05:02] Game Theoretical Account of Money [08:08] Analogy: Chess and Money [20:06] Critique of Complex Theories of Money [24:18] Coordination Games and Social Phenomena [35:36] Exploring Social Facts and Ontology [36:46] Human Existence and Social Phenomena [38:03] Borders and Incentives [41:47] Dormant Laws and Institutions [45:41] Legal Definitions and Descriptive Tasks [53:27] The Nature of Companies and Legal Entities [01:02:14] Social Groups and Identity [01:08:17] Concluding Thoughts

    1h 9m

  8. JUL 21

    Left vs Right, Polarization, and Political Legitimacy | Oliver Traldi

    Oliver Traldi explores the polarization of modern politics, mechanisms of belief political formation, the influence of social costs on public reasoning, and the complexities of political reasoning and norms.  What is the relationship between political and moral reasoning? And what makes political decision making legitimate?  Read Traldi's book here: https://www.routledge.com/Political-Beliefs-A-Philosophical-Introduction/Traldi/p/book/9781032409108 [00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:10] Thought Experiment: The Hills Game [02:00] Polarization in Modern Politics [05:07] Public vs. Private Reasoning [09:37] Self-Delusion in Political Beliefs [11:14] Memory and Political Beliefs [28:13] Epistemic Democracy and Independent Thinking [32:53] Political Humility and Controversy [34:38] Political Beliefs vs. Political Knowledge [36:26] Descriptive vs. Normative Political Beliefs [37:40] Moral and Political Justification [39:22] Ideologies and Philosophical Theories [48:06] Liberalism and Neutrality [56:21] Conclusion

    57 min
See All (219)

4.3
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Brain in a Vat
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    219
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brain in a Vat
  • Show Website
    Brain in a Vat

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada