Podcasts by Brain in a Vat

Trans women in sport: Is it fair? | Stephen Kershnar (Rebroadcast) from 2023-12-10T18:00

Lia Thomas, a trans woman, has sparked controversy by competing in and winning women’s collegiate swimming events. Should Thomas and other trans athletes be allowed to compete in the gendered co...

David Chalmers on Virtual Reality and The Simulation Argument (Rebroadcast) from 2023-12-03T06:00

Could you be a brain in a vat, or be living in a simulated or virtual reality? Could you live a meaningful, valuable existence even if you were?

Freedom | Ernst Roets and Martin Van Staaden from 2023-11-26T17:00

Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?

The Philosophy of Black Mirror's White Bear | Rebecca Tuvel from 2023-11-19T18:00

Black Mirror's episode, White Bear, is full of interesting philosophical problems. Are you still responsible for a crime you committed even if you've lost your memory of that cr...

Why you should stop eating meat | Mylan Engel from 2023-11-12T18:00

Do your current moral values require you to stop eating meat? Will going vegan actually prevent animal cruelty? Is the vegan movement a force for good?

David Benatar on the Israel Palestine Conflict from 2023-11-06T16:42:23

Are Jews entitled to their own homeland?  Is the Israeli response to the massacre of civilians perpetrated by Hammas on October 7th justified? Should there be a ceasefire? 

David's Ar...

The Ethics of Killing in War | Jeff McMahan (Rebroadcast) from 2023-10-29T17:00

This older conversation about war sheds light on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. Are soldiers fighting for the wrong side ever justified in killing? Should we punish these soldiers even...

Pornography and Exploitation | Holly Lawford-Smith from 2023-10-23T02:19:02

Are women generally exploited in pornography? Even in cases where women report that their pornography career is empowering, have they nevertheless been degraded? And if heterosexual pornography ...

Organ Markets | James Stacey Taylor from 2023-10-15T17:00

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 ...

Is Monogamy Wrong? | Harry Chalmers from 2023-10-08T17:00

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? An...

The Philosophy of Infinity Pool | Travis Timmerman from 2023-10-01T17:00

Does the clone of a murderer deserve to be punished? Is the clone with the murderer’s memories and dispositions guilty of the murder? And has justice been served if the clone is punished, even i...

Oppenheimers on Barbenheimer from 2023-09-24T17:00

Was dropping the bomb on Hiroshima justified? Is Ken the real star of Barbie? Three Oppenheimers weigh in on the film event of the year. Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff Editor...

Stephen Kershnar on Cultural Appropriation from 2023-09-17T17:00

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 appropr...

Sex work or prostitution? | Lori Watson from 2023-09-10T17:00

Is sex work actually work? Is prostitution always a form of exploitation? And show we legalize or decriminalize prostitution?

The Islam-Atheism Debate: Behind the Curtain from 2023-09-03T17:00

Recently, Eron Fasser and Mark Oppenheimer debated Hamza Tzortzis and Mohammed Hijab on whether Atheism or is Islam more rational. This episode discusses the arguments made and strategies employ...

Trans women in sport: Is it fair? | Stephen Kershnar from 2022-05-01T17:00:54

Lia Thomas, a trans woman, has sparked controversy by competing in and winning women’s collegiate swimming events. Should Thomas and other trans athletes be allowed to compete in the gendered co...

Evolutionary Psychology | Justin Garson from 2022-04-24T17:00:04

Is evolution the root cause of racism, rape, and disgust? Are differences between men and women a result of both nature and nurture? Are some forms of scientific inquiry too dangerous to allow? ...

The Philosophy of Dune | Adam Taylor from 2022-04-17T17:00

Dune contains a sophisticated moral dilemma - should Paul Atreides sacrifice billions of lives to avoid humanity's extinction? The answer echoes through the way we should deal with global climat...

How to discover TRUTH | Galen Barry from 2022-04-10T17:00

Some of the world's greatest discoveries were made by those on the fringe. Should scientists be encouraged to explore crazy ideas? Does the search for truth depend more on geniuses or a social b...

Sex, Gender and Sexual Orientation | Raja Halwani from 2022-04-03T17:00

Is your sexual orientation determined by the sex or the gender of the person you’re attracted to? How does gender fluidity impact sexual orientation? Are there other sexual orientations like dem...

Dignity and Society | Colin Bird from 2022-03-20T17:00

How important is it to treat people with dignity, or respect? Do institutions and groups, rather than individuals, owe us dignity? And if we have to choose, should we strive for a society that i...

Hidden Motives| Elena Garadja from 2022-03-20T17:00

Are Jean Jacques Rousseau's confessions trustworthy? Can we consciously decide to forget our sins? Should we be held accountable for all of our actions, including the ones we don't intend?

Gun Control | Eric Sampson from 2022-03-13T16:57:59

Should citizens have the right to bear arms? Are guns necessary to defend yourself from criminals, invading militants, and your own government? Should guns be banned because of school shootings,...

Should we save animals? | Jeffrey Sebo from 2022-03-06T17:00

Should we sacrifice our time and convenience to save animals? Jeff Sebo argues we must, but more than that, it's in our self-interest to do so. 

Jeff's book: https://www.amazon.com/S...

Near-Death Experiences | John Martin Fischer from 2022-02-27T17:00

Is there life after death? Are near-death experiences meaningful? Are they similar to other altered states like meditation and drug induced hallucinations?   

Brain in a Vat boo...

The Philosophy of Squid Game | Travis Timmerman from 2022-02-20T17:03:44

Travis Timmerman shows us what can we learn about morality, democracy, and exploitation from Squid Game.

Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): Listen

Free Will and Moral Responsibility | John Fischer from 2022-02-13T17:00

Is it possible to be morally responsible for a choice even if you could not have chosen otherwise? Can you have free will even if God knows ahead of time what you are about to choose? John Fisch...

Abortion | Stephen Kershnar from 2022-02-06T17:00

Does a fetus have a right to its mother's womb? Are we obligated to have as many children as possible? And must pro-lifers assassinate abortion doctors?

The Kershnar Controversy | Brain in a Vat from 2022-02-03T22:41:28

We recently aired an episode with Stephen Kershnar on sexual taboos. A clip from that episode has been viewed over a million times on Twitter, and on many news channels. We address the controver...

Sexual Taboos | Stephen Kershnar from 2022-01-30T15:22:20

Should there be an age of consent? Is it wrong to fantasize about someone against their will? Is it wrong to lust after someone because of their race?   

Brain in a Vat bookshop...

Parfit's view of personal identity | Jeff McMahan from 2022-01-25T14:08:28

What makes the 'you' of yesterday the same 'you' today? Should we care about future people who don't yet exist, and should we prevent climate change if it means preventing people from coming int...

Do you have a character? | Iskra Fileva from 2022-01-16T17:00

Is there a core to who we are that is unchanging or unique? Do people have characters, personalities, or neither?

Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShop

B...

End of Year Surprise from 2021-12-13T17:00

In our final episode for 2021, we reveal a surprise we've been working on all year, and tell you about the exciting episodes planned for 2022.

The Fall of UCT | David Benatar from 2021-12-05T17:00

Destructive forces have been eroding the University of Cape Town, Africa’s leading university. David Benatar tells the sad, true tale of what has been transpiring. It is a saga of lunacy, crimin...

The Possible Worlds of David Lewis | Barry Lam from 2021-11-28T17:00

What are possible worlds? Could you have been born to different parents, and could the laws of physics be different? Barry Lam explains how David Lewis’s views on possible worlds can help us und...

Can Hope Save Your Life? | Jack Kwong from 2021-11-21T17:00

Is it possible to hope for something good, but feel despair that it won't happen? Is it virtuous to feel hopeful? Can hoping make you act recklessly? 

Moral Disagreement | Eric Sampson from 2021-11-14T17:00

In a world where we disagree about pretty much everything - about borders and abortion, marriage and monogamy, wars and meat-eating - how do you maintain confidence in your own moral position? A...

Ballenesque | Roger Ballen from 2021-11-07T17:00

Marginalized people, animals, found objects, wires and childlike drawings inhabit the unlocatable worlds presented in Ballen's artworks. Ballen describes his works as existential psychodramas th...

Pandemic Ethics | Peter Singer from 2021-10-31T17:00

Rebecca Tuvel, Dan Cullen and Eric Samson interview Peter Singer about pandemic ethics. Are lockdowns and mandatory vaccines morally justified? What should governments have done differently? Why...

Michael Huemer on Disobeying the Law from 2021-10-24T17:00

Should you disobey the law, at least some of the time? If justice isn’t simply enforcing the law, then what is it? And what sorts of laws would we have in a just society?

Is Nuclear War Ever Justified? | Eron Fasser from 2021-10-17T17:00

Should certain weapons be banned from use in war? Are there limits on the amount of force countries should use to protect their citizens? Is it ever justified to kill innocent civilians to end a...

Plato’s problem with Democracy | Clif Mark from 2021-10-10T17:00

Is Democracy the best political system? Plato thought not. But what is the best alternative? Clif Mark, from the podcast Good in Theory, joins us this week to discuss Plato’s Republic.<...

Is it wrong to enjoy good films made by bad people? | Travis Timmerman from 2021-10-03T10:00

Is the art separate from the artist? Can a moral defect in a film undermine its aesthetic quality?

The Power of Imagination | Amy Kind from 2021-09-26T17:00

What would a world without imagination be like? Why do we feel sympathy, fear or excitement for fictional characters? And can imaginary actions be morally wrong?

Where is my mind? | Shaun Stanley from 2021-09-19T17:00

Are human being merely sophisticated robots? Do we have mental states or can we be understood only through our behavior?

Should You Trust Experts? | Oliver Traldi from 2021-09-12T17:00

There's a growing trend to distrust scientists. Sometimes they get the facts wrong, or align with a political party. What should we do in the face of conflicting expertise? Who should we trust?

How To End Global Poverty | Andy Kuper from 2021-09-05T17:00

Andy Kuper, the founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, tells us how his PHD in philosophy led him to marry profit with purpose, by creating investment funds with deep impact on the lives of 20...

Cryonics: who wants to live forever? | Francesca Minerva from 2021-08-29T17:00

Is cryonics a viable route to immortality? Is immortality desirable, or would it present us with endless boredom and meaninglessness?

Addiction | Daniel Hochman from 2021-08-22T17:00

Is being addicted to love or chocolate the same as being addicted to cocaine?

Death | Travis Timmerman from 2021-08-15T19:30:11

Would it be better to live forever than to die? Is the goodness or badness of death dependent on the future quality of our lives? Is death so bad that it would be better never to have been born?...

When should you forgive? | Brandon Warmke from 2021-08-08T17:00

What is forgiveness, and when is it appropriate? What does it mean to apologize to a group of people, and for that group to forgive? Is forgiveness ever obligatory, or is forgiveness irrational ...

John Rawls: Justice as Fairness | Paul Weithman from 2021-08-01T17:00

John Rawls is widely regarded as the greatest modern liberal philosopher. Does his theory of justice lead to a fair society?   

Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[...

Do the ends justify the means? | Alastair Norcross from 2021-07-25T17:01:08

Should you sacrifice one innocent person to save many? Can you justify killing one annoying politician to save millions of people from suffering a minor headache? And is morality a matter of deg...

What Is Madness? | Justin Garson from 2021-07-18T17:00

Is 'mental disorder' purely a dysfunction, or are there important advantages to being psychologically different? Do depression and anxiety serve a vital role in healing and bettering one's life?...

Is it okay to be a slacker? | Alison Suen from 2021-07-11T17:00

What makes Hollywood slackers like The Dude so enchanting? Are slackers the unsung heroes of the pandemic, or a bunch of useless bums?   

Read Alison's Book: https://www.amazon....

What Offends You? | Mark Oppenheimer from 2021-07-04T17:00

Should we ban offensive speech? Should we tolerate racism and transphobia? Should everything that is immoral also be illegal?

Is evil real? | Spencer Case from 2021-06-27T17:00

Is murder wrong? Can evolution fully explain why we think certain actions are immoral? And can we believe moral truths with even greater certainty than truths about the physical world?

Sp...

What if? | Peg Tittle from 2021-06-20T17:00

What if you navigated the world through echo location instead of sight? What if cats could gain all of the traits of humans? What if you were a brain in a vat trying to solve a difficult moral p...

What Is Happiness? | Shane Gronholz from 2021-06-13T17:00

What makes your life go well? Can you be wrong about whether you are happy? And can happiness be bad for you?

Trans, Sex, and Gender | Kathleen Stock from 2021-06-06T17:00

Is sex only a matter of biology? Are there conflicts between trans rights, women's rights, and gay rights? Is it possible to change genders?  

Buy Kathleen's Book: Material Girls htt...

Do Social Groups Exist? | Jason Werbeloff from 2021-05-30T17:00

What transforms a collection of individuals into a social group? Jason Werbeloff argues the answer is: nothing. There are no social groups. No countries, political parties, marriages, or sports ...

12 Mind Blowing Thought Experiments from 2021-05-23T17:00

What can a runaway train, a patient wrapped head to toe in bandages, and man condemned by the gods to roll a rock for eternity teach us about leading a good life? If you enjoy stories that tickl...

The Dangers of Thought Experiments | Roy Sorensen from 2021-05-16T17:00

Are thought experiments useful for telling us about the nature of reality? What are the limitations of thought experiments, and should we trust them in discussions of morality and science?

Is Morality Real? | Shaun Stanley from 2021-05-09T17:00

Should we care whether we cause others suffering? Do we have duties or obligations to others? Shaun Stanley thinks there are no moral reasons for action. Do you think morality is real?

The Danger of Wokeness | Helen Zille from 2021-05-02T17:00

Many believe Woke ideology to be a source of positive change in society. Helen Zille thinks otherwise. Could Wokeness be dangerous? 

You can find Helen's book, #StayWoke: Go Broke, o...

The Second Sexism | David Benatar from 2021-04-25T17:00

Are there some areas of life where men are worse off than women? Are these disadvantages always the product of sexism? If we recognize a second sexism against men, what effect would this have on...

Wittgenstein's Poker | David Edmonds from 2021-04-18T17:00

David Edmonds of Philosophy Bites fame regales us with a fiery story about Ludwig Wittgenstein's only meeting with Karl Popper. David also gives us a behind the scenes tour of the world's best l...

Hate Speech and Pornography | Mari Mikkola from 2021-04-11T17:00

What is hate speech, and what are the limits of free speech? Should pornography be censored in the same way we censor speech?  

Mari's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pornography-Philos...

Animal Welfare | Bob Fischer from 2021-04-04T17:00

Are some animals more equal than others? Do zoos protect animals or are they solely designed for our amusement? Should we test medicines on animals?

Who should you believe? | Chris Ranalli from 2021-03-28T16:13:29

In a polarized world where everyone is certain, who should you believe? Are certain beliefs immoral? And how seriously should we take conspiracy theories?   

Mark.Oppenheimer[at...

Can God Right Past Wrongs? | Sam Lebens from 2021-03-21T17:00

Would a just God allow us to suffer? Could God rewrite history to remove the bad bits?   

Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail

Anarchy & Socialism | Mark Lance from 2021-03-14T16:57:05

Can we construct a society free of state coercion and inequality? Is there a place for Capitalism in that society?  

Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail

What is the Value of Philosophy? | Justin Weinberg from 2021-03-07T16:11:52

Are there certain questions that should never be asked? Is Philosophy useful? And have philosophers made any progress in answering the BIG questions?  Justin's Daily Nous blog: https://dail...

So You've Been Publicly Shamed | Rebecca Tuvel from 2021-02-28T17:00

What can we learn about public shaming from the Black Mirror episodes Hated in the Nation and Nosedive? Are there ever cases where someone deserves to be shamed? When should someone be forgiven ...

Nietzsche: Morality is Dead | Brian Leiter from 2021-02-21T17:00

If God is dead, did morality die with him? Are artists, writers and lovers more valuable than the rest of us mere mortals? Find out what Friedrich Nietzsche thought in our new series on great ph...

Stephen King and Philosophy | Jacob Held from 2021-02-14T17:00

What is horror, and why do some of us willingly terrify ourselves by watching or reading the genre? Is horror poor quality fiction, or can it offer us a unique opportunity for empathy and moral ...

Is Academic Freedom Under Threat? | Spencer Case from 2021-02-07T17:00

Are universities a safe space for dangerous ideas? Does a right to academic freedom guarantee a culture that tolerates controversial views? Should universities limit the research fields of profe...

Which God Should You Believe in? | Eron Fasser from 2021-01-31T17:00

Are all Gods created equal? Are certain divine attributes less likely to be real given that multiples faiths exist?  Are religions like different paths leading to the same destination?

Is Abortion Immoral? | Nathan Nobis from 2021-01-24T17:00

Does a fetus have a right to life? Should there be any limitations on the choices that a woman makes over her own body?   

Nathan's book: https://www.abortionarguments.com/p/thi...

The Argument for Anarchism from 2021-01-17T17:14:59

Anarchism, or the view that we should not have a government, seems impractical. But Michael Huemer believes there is a way to understand Anarchism that not only resolves these impracticalities -...

Face Blindness with Jeff Waters from 2021-01-10T18:42:04

What's it like to be unable to recognize faces? 2% of the population have a neurological condition called prosopagnosia, or face blindness - including this week's guest, and one of our hosts. &n...

Tenet Explained from 2021-01-03T17:00

Christopher Nolan's Tenet is a visual feast, but does it make any sense? Eron Fasser explains if you can you time travel to change the past and if Neil and Protagonist have free will?  Brai...

The Future of Brain in a Vat from 2020-12-07T16:58:46

A round up of our favorite episodes and some insight into how we make the show. We will be on a hiatus until January. Let us know in the YouTube comments who you want to see us interview in the ...

Brian Leiter: The Supreme Court from 2020-11-29T17:00

Is the Supreme Court merely a political body made up of warring liberals and conservatives? Should Judges apply laws that are unjust? Will the Supreme Court declare Trump the winner of the elect...

Thad Metz: Meaning in Life from 2020-11-22T17:00

What makes life worth living? How valuable are truth, beauty and morality? If life is ultimately meaningless from the perspective of the universe is none the less better to have been born?  ...

Do You Have Free Will? With Mark Leon from 2020-11-15T17:00

Is it possible for your actions to be free, even if they are determined? And would an indeterministic universe make us any freer? If we don't have free will, should we be held accountable for ou...

Does Your Vote Count? With Jacob Bauer from 2020-11-05T21:47:55

If your vote has only a tiny chance of influencing the outcome of an election, is it irrational to vote? Does voting grant legitimacy to repugnant candidates? Is voting always an obligation, or ...

Black Mirror, Virtual Sex and Trans with Rebecca Tuvel from 2020-11-01T17:00

Is virtual sex outside of a relationship cheating? How should we determine a person's gender? Should the same rules apply to race?  Rebecca's article: In Defense of Transracialism https://c...

#2000andlate in 2020 Hindsight from 2020-10-25T17:00

We have a philosophical conversation with an artist about her latest exhibition. Dom's paintings explore the social and sexual mores of the last twenty years through the lens of our current valu...

Do You Have a Soul? With Tyron Goldschmidt from 2020-10-18T08:00

Are you just a physical body? If you have a brain transplant do you stay with your original body or move with your brain? Could the existence of an immaterial soul solve the mind body problem? &...

Should Robots Have Rights? With Rob Sparrow from 2020-10-11T08:00

Is it wrong to destroy an AI if it can have a conversation with a human being? If a robot expresses suffering is it wrong to torture it? Should we mourn the death of a robot lover? 

...

Should We Save The Polar Bears? With Yolandi Coetzee from 2020-10-04T08:00

Are some animals more equal than others? Are game reserves a part of nature if they are man made?  Is global warming universally bad or does it benefit some species?

Brain in a Vat S...

[Bonus] Mark Oppenheimer² from 2020-09-27T08:00

Atom bombs, diamond billionaires, and hate mail have a special role to play in this bonus episode.   Brain in a Vat Store: smarturl.it/Lockdownbook 

Mark Oppenheimer²: The Limits Of Free Speech? from 2020-09-27T08:00

Is cancel culture destroying our institutions? Should Holocaust deniers have the right to speak? What is hate speech, and should it be illegal?

Brain in a Vat Store: smarturl.it/Lockdownb...

Let's Talk About Sex With Raja Halwani from 2020-09-20T08:00

Is it wrong to only have a sexual preference for certain races? Can you have sex without being objectified? Is there a moral limit on our sexual fantasies?  

Store: http://smarturl.i...

David Benatar: The Meaning of Life from 2020-09-13T08:00

What does it all mean? If we live on a pail blue dot in a vast and uncaring universe can our lives have cosmic meaning? Is it better never to have been born?

Should You Volunteer To Get Covid? With Dustin Crummett from 2020-09-06T08:00

Could purposely infecting volunteers with the Coronavirus help us reach herd immunity or develop a vaccine more rapidly? Is it wrong to expose people to the risk of death, even if they consent? ...

Gorgeous or Grotesque? With Amanda Ballen from 2020-09-02T08:00

Can you be revolted and attracted to the same person? Can concepts be beautiful? Does art need to create sensations to be enjoyed?   IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12490350/ Thumbn...

Crime and Punishment With Doug Husak from 2020-08-23T08:00

Who deserves to be punished? Should the State kill killers and rape rapists?  Should we abolish the police and the prison system?  

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/grou...

Is Cultural Relativism Racist? With Justin Kalef from 2020-08-16T08:00

Culturals groups have different beliefs about what is morally right and wrong. Does a tolerant outlook mean that we should accept these different beliefs as correct? What if those beliefs are di...

What is Love? With Raja Halwani from 2020-08-09T08:00

Is love everlasting? Can we love more than one person at the same time?  

Do we choose our lovers for the wrong reasons?

http://rajasmusingsconfusings.blogspot.com/ 

Are You Evil? from 2020-08-02T08:00

Is it wrong to root for the bad guy in a horror movie? Is evil a matter of who you are or what you do? What makes an action supremely evil?

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups...

What's Wrong with Moral Grandstanding? With Brandon Warmke from 2020-07-26T08:00

What do Greta Thunberg, #BLM and #Metoo have in common? Are these moralising quests to end climate change, racism and sexism motivated by the will to do good, or merely the will to look good? &n...

Is it wrong to eat meat? With Dustin Crummet from 2020-07-19T08:00

Were you outraged when Cecil the lion was killed by a hunter? Are you against rhino poaching? Do you order extra bacon with your cheese burger? Are some animals more equal than others?

Fa...

Graham Oppy: Does God Exist? from 2020-07-12T05:00

Can God exist if the world is filled with suffering? And are there compelling arguments for or against God's existence? Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/braininavat  IMDB: https://ww...

Should Offensive Art be Banned? With Elisa Galgut from 2020-07-05T08:00

What is art? Why is art valuable? If enough people feel hurt by a piece of art or public monument, should we hide or destroy the work?

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brai...

Peter Boghossian: How to Have Impossible Conversations from 2020-06-28T08:00

"Defund the police. Violent protests are justified. Anyone against Black Lives Matter is a Nazi." How would you engage with these views? We ask Peter Boghossian how to have impossible conversati...

Do You Live in a Simulation? With Kenny Pearce from 2020-06-21T08:00

Do you live in a simulation? And if you do, could you live a valuable life?   We talk with Kenny Pearce this week to find out. 

Read Kenny's Berkeley book here: https://glo...

Does Race Exist? With Shaun Stanley from 2020-06-14T08:00

Does the colour of your skin, the texture of your hair, or the shape of your nose make you part of a racial group? Is race a social construct based on collective perception? Do the members of a ...

Does Tuvix Deserve to Die? from 2020-06-07T08:00

When Tuvok and Neelix accidentally merge into a single man in a transporter accident, Captain Janeway has to make a tough decision:  Should she kill Tuvix to restore Tuvok and Neelix? We discuss th...

Is the Lockdown Lawful? With Martin van Staden from 2020-05-31T08:00

Are lockdown regulations lawful? Do we have a duty to obey the law? What if the law is immoral, contradictory or unknowable?  The famous philosopher Lon Fuller wrote a thought experiment about King...

Time Travel and The Grandfather Paradox with Helen Robertson from 2020-05-24T08:00

Imagine you build a time machine. Is it possible for you to travel back in time, meet your grandfather before he produces any children, and kill him?  Time travel is a sci-fi staple. Is Bac...

Belief, Faith, and Hope with Liz Jackson from 2020-05-17T08:00

Your brother has been missing for months and there is mounting evidence that he is dead. Is it rational to hope that he is alive and keep searching for him?  

Is it rational to have ...

Lost in Translation with Shaun Stanley from 2020-05-10T08:00

Language is ambiguous at the best of times, think about how much gets lost in translation. Imagine hearing a tribesman in a remote land utter the word "gavagai" upon seeing a rabbit. A speaker o...

The Value of Human Life with Eron Fasser from 2020-05-03T08:00

What can eating Marilyn Monroe's thigh and the pain of teenage heartbreak tell us about the value of human life? We discuss what makes life worth living and ending.

The Veil of Ignorance and Justice in a Lockdown from 2020-04-26T08:00

John Rawls thought we needed to wear a veil of ignorance to remove our biases before deciding on the rules of a just society. Are his ideas useful in a world where the elderly and the vulnerable...

Lockdown: A Trolley Problem from 2020-04-22T20:09:43

An out-of-control trolley is rumbling toward five innocent people trapped on a track. You can divert the trolley onto another track by pulling a switch, but the other track has one person on it....