Brain in a Vat

Latest Episodes:

Will there be peace in the middle east? | Raja Halwani Jun 11, 2023

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Is a two state solution desirable to resolve the Arab Israeli conflict? Does Israel have the right to be a Jewish state? Do other states have an obligation to help resolve the conflict?

Friendship is Magic | Samuel Kimbriel Jun 04, 2023

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Are human beings social creatures? Do social groups have an important role to play in political life? Can hermits lead meaningful lives?

Anonymous Publishing | Ivar Hardman May 28, 2023

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Are some ideas too controversial to publish in your own name? Is it cowardly to use a pseudonym? Does the journal for controversial ideas ghettoize important topics?

Thought Experiments | Spencer Case May 21, 2023

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Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason Werbeloff Editor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter Kaufman Brain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShop Brain in a Vat bookshop (Amazon): https://smarturl.it/BrainAmazonShop

Conserving Monuments | Dan Demetriou May 14, 2023

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Should we preserve monuments, even if they offend us? Do we have a right to call for monuments to be removed in other countries? Does Ghengis Khan deserve a monument?

Why Americans Don't Owe Veterans Gratitude | Stephen Kershnar (with Spencer Case) May 07, 2023

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Traditionally, we celebrate American soldiers with strong displays of gratitude, including national holidays and monuments. But is this gratitude warranted? Stephen Kershnar thinks not: we should be no more grateful to veterans than to farmers or loggers.

Procreative Ethics | Rivka Weinberg Apr 30, 2023

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Is it wrong to bring new life into the world? Is adopting a child a moral obligation? Is parenting meaningful?

Anti-Semitism | Mark Oppenheimer Apr 23, 2023

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What do anti-semites and ultra orthodox Jews have in common? How did the ivy league discriminate against Jews? Is America still a safe haven for Jews?

Ultimate Meaning | Rivka Weinberg Apr 16, 2023

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Is it possible for us to lead meaningful lives? Is there an ultimate point to our existence? Can we enrich our lives with the pursuit of love, knowledge and friendship?

Dystopian Technology | Ryan Jenkins, guest host Stephen Kershnar Apr 09, 2023

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Will technology improve or worsen our lives? And should social media and AI be used to prevent hurtful speech?