by Brain in a Vat
Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/22/2020
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 20, 2025
<p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>[00:00] Introduction to the Problems of Democracy</p><p>[00:17] Brexit: A Case Study in Misinformed Voting</p><p>[05:33] Voter Behavior: Social Benefits and Signaling</p><p>[18:29] The Legitimacy of Democratic Systems</p><p>[30:32] The Challenge of Political Incentives</p><p>[33:02] The Abortion Debate and Judicial Power</p><p>[36:41] Depoliticizing Social Life</p><p>[43:10] Proposals for Enlightened Preference Voting</p><p>[55:10] Global Voting and Democratic Legitimacy</p><p>[58:28] Philosophical Reflections on Democratic Theory</p><p><br></p><p>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_podcasts/</p>
April 13, 2025
<p>Does our common understanding of mass shootings help us to prevent them?</p><p><br></p><p>Blankschaen argues that our common beliefs and media narratives around gun ownership, mental illness, and school policies are unhelpful in preventing future mass shootings.</p><p><br></p><p>Can we even provide an adequate definition of mass shootings? </p><p><br></p><p>Should we give up the concept of mass shootings altogether, and focus instead on the particular shooters and victims in each circumstance?</p><p><br></p><p>Read Kurt’s paper here: https://philpapers.org/rec/BLAAMS</p><p><br></p><p>[00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment</p><p>[01:35 ] Exploring the Concept of Mass Shooters</p><p>[06:56] Challenges in Profiling and Predicting</p><p>[12:06] Defining Mass Shootings and Intent</p><p>[24:10] Policy Implications and Conceptual Concerns</p><p>[28:09] Terrorist Attacks vs. Mass Shootings</p><p>[29:31] Tailoring Solutions to Different Types of Violence</p><p>[35:54] Farm Murders in South Africa: A Case Study</p><p>[40:14] The Role of Guns in Mass Shootings</p><p>[42:53] Media Influence and Moral Panic</p><p>[55:18] International Comparisons and Cultural Context</p><p>[57:55] Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p>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_podcasts/</p>
April 6, 2025
<p>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 provides deep insights into the essence of virtuous behavior and its place in ethical discourse.</p><p><br></p><p>[00:00] Introduction and Welcome</p><p>[00:14] The Drowning Child Thought Experiment</p><p>[03:53] The Virtuous Agent Problem</p><p>[04:45] Virtue Ethics vs. Other Ethical Theories</p><p>[13:48] Virtue Ethics and Practical Advice</p><p>[21:52] Challenges in Virtue Ethics</p><p>[29:42] The Moral Theory Bug</p><p>[33:26] Moral Rationalism and Obligations</p><p>[44:54] Virtue Ethics as a Theory of Good Character</p><p>[52:19] Eating Meat: Ethical Dilemmas</p><p>[57:39] Concluding Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p>You can also 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_podcasts/[00:00] Introduction and Welcome</p>
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