Superhero Ethics

Latest Episodes:

Ep 202 - Cobra Kai 5 Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

Paul & I's conversation on the latest season of Cobra Kai can be summed up as follows:
Matthew: ok, this season really jumped the shark
Paul: Look at all this cool stuff on the other side of the shark!
Plus a stinger about training montages.

Ep 201 Wargames & the Ethics of AI Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

We continue our series on the ethics of AI by diving into Wargames, game theory, machine learning and the ethics of treating warfare as a game.

Ep 200 - Rounders - Poker as a Superpower Sep 20, 2022

Show notes

Rounders has long been one of Paul and I's favorite movie, so its fitting we're covering it for our 200th episode! We talk about poker itself, why this movie represents it so well, and all the ethical questions poker and the movie bring up. Never seen the movie, don't know anything about poker? No worries, we explain it all as we go.

Ep 199 - Finding Nuance in Noise Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

Sometimes our podcast episodes are born out of careful planning and deliberation- and sometimes the stinger of one episode shift into a whole new conversation and we're recording a new episode (while continuously saying we just want to make one more point, then we'll stop.)
At the end of a different episode we got into a discussion of how we can talk about topics that have become the targets of attacks and hate, and it turned into a new episode all of its own. We're a bit punchy, but hopefully that just adds some humor to a serious subject.
As always we love feedback. TheEthicalPanda.com has all the ways to contact us and join in the conversation.
And don't forget to check out our week by week coverage of Star Wars: Andor, starting with a no spoilers primer episode this Wednesday at 8:30 pm, and continuing till the last episode airs. Live stream on twitch.tv/zenmadman and episodes will go up Thursday mornings on the Star Wars Universe Podcast.
The book Paul mentioned is called Shijak: To Begin: A Modern Martial Arts Story, by Kathryn Yang. Find it here - https://bookshop.org/books/shijak-to-begin-a-modern-martial-arts-story/9781735673912

Ep 198 - Ethics of the Final Frontier Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Space: The Final Frontier. The Frontier has been an essential part of America's mythology from the beginning. It has led to exploration, adventure- and all the problems wrapped up in seeing 'undiscovered country' as a land where no white man has been. Prof Matthew Wilhelm Kapell joins Paul and myself to talk about the idea of the frontier, and the way Star Trek has engaged with it over so many decades.
(Note: We had some problems with the sound quality on this episode, for which I apologize. We'll continue working to make our episodes better and better)
|Matthew Wilhelm Kapell has taught everything from human genetics to film studies at universities and colleges in California, Michigan, the UK, and now New York City at Pace University. Currently he edits an academic book series on the study of digital and tabletop games. You can find out about his books and other stuff at matthewkapell.com. He never forgets that too many “Hero’s Journeys” are also “Heroine’s Ordeals.”
We love feedback! To ask questions or let us know what you think, contact us at
Email: Matthew@TheEthicalPanda.com
Twitter: https://EthicalPanda77
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEthicalPanda
Or go to our website www.theethicalpanda.com for more information, contact info and to find all of our podcasts!

Ep 197 - She-Hulk Kickoff Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Comic book nerd extraordinaire Jessica Plummer joins us to talk about ethical questions in She-Hulk, episodes 1 and 2. Does Abomination have a case? What's the importance of Jennifer having such a different relationship to being a Hulk than Bruce has? We dive into those questions and talk about She-Hulks origins in the business of comic books and how that effects her stories today.
Jessica Plummer lives in New York and loves Superman very very much. You can listen to just how much on her Superman podcast, Flights and Tights (http://flightsandtights.libsyn.com/). She also writes about comics and books in general at BookRiot.com (https://bookriot.com/author/jessica-plummer/). Find her on Twitter @jess_plummer.
Lastly, check out the story Jessica wrote in an awesome anthology titled Sword Stone Tablet!

She Hulk & Uncle Ben Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

What would Uncle Ben think of She-Hulk not wanting to be a hero? Does she prove him wrong? Matthew Carroll on the MCUCast talked about an episode of this podcast where we discussed the question of great power and great responsibility and asked I repost it, so here it is, with a short discussion at the top of how She-Hulk continues this discussion.
Enjoy, and stay tuned for our full episodes on She-Hulk coming next Tuesday!

Ep 196 - A Canon is not a Weapon Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Where is the line between Canon and Continuity? Who defines canon, and what role does headcanon play? Paul and I dive into these questions.

Ep 195- Thor & the Theology of Killing God(s) Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

PopCultureRabbi joins me to discuss the theology of Thor: Love & Thunder. What makes Gorr so relatable? Can a God who allows suffering be called good? What is theodicy, and how does this movie approach that question? No religion or theological background necessary to enjoy our discussion!
My guest is Pop Culture Rabbi, who talks about Marvel, Star Wars, comics and pop culture on TikTok. You can also find him at nerdinitiative.com where he contributes articles, and pop culture rabbi on Twitter and Instagram.

Ep 194- Harley Quinn S3 Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

Can we find ethical questions to discuss in HarleyQuinn Season 3? Hells yes! Emily Cissel joins us, and Abby Neiman makes her first podcast appearance!

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