Are Conspiracy Theories Right? | Jared Millson and Ella Coleman
Jared Millson delves into the intriguing world of conspiracy theories, exploring well-known cases like Pizzagate and lesser-known but historically significant events such as the COINTELPRO. The discussion spans the definitions and philosophical debates about what constitutes a conspiracy theory, the criteria for evaluating these theories, and the psychological and sociopolitical impacts they have on society.Tune in to understand why some conspiracy theories should not be immediately dismissed and the role they play in democratic accountability.[00:00] Introduction and Special Guests[00:34] The Pizzagate Conspiracy Theory[02:37] The Police State Conspiracy Theory[06:37] Defining Conspiracy Theories[15:54] Evaluating Conspiracy Theories[29:35] The Unfalsifiability of Conspiracy Theories[31:54] The Role of Renegade Scientists[38:22] The Longevity of Conspiracy Theories[48:27] The Psychological Appeal of Conspiracy Theories[57:24] Final Thoughts
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Animal Liberation Now | Peter Singer (Rebroadcast)
Peter Singer delves into difficult ethical questions regarding animal rights, the morality of factory farming, and difficult human-related ethical dilemmas.Singer discusses his views as a consequentialist, examining the impact of our choices on animal suffering, the ethical considerations around organ donation from anencephalic children, and the broader implications of such decisions.What are the moral implications of eating meat from factory farms versus ethically raised animals, and cannibalism under hypothetical scenarios with no harm to others?Singer emphasizes the need for considering the consequences of our actions, shedding light on the pressing need to reform our food production systems and make more ethical choices in our daily lives.Peter Singer’s Substack: https://substack.com/profile/4270932-peter-singerPeter Singer’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@peter_singerPeter Singer’s book, ‘Animal Liberation Now’: https://www.amazon.com/Animal-Liberation-Now-Definitive-Classic/dp/0063226707[00:00] A Philosophical Dive into Animal Rights with Peter Singer[00:12] Exploring the Ethical Dilemmas of Human and Animal Lives[01:59] The Complexities of Organ Donation from Anencephalic Children[03:57] Comparing Human and Animal Rights in Medical Contexts[06:08] Consequentialism and Individual Case Analysis in Ethics0[7:42] The Ethical Quandaries of Parental Consent and Medical Decisions[15:54] Navigating the Slippery Slope of Euthanasia and Assisted Dying[25:41] The Ethical Considerations of Eating Meat and Factory Farming[33:29] The Harsh Realities of Factory Farming[34:45] Ethical Considerations and the Nature of Animal Suffering[36:50] Addressing Common Objections to Animal Rights[41:12] The Impact of Individual Choices on Animal Suffering[43:43] The Role of Vegetarianism and Veganism in Reducing Demand for Meat[01:00:46] Exploring the Ethical Implications of Consuming Expired or Discarded Meat[01:04:50] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
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End Taxes? | Jessica Flanigan
Jess Flanigan argues that personal income tax is illegitimate. But is the state ever justified in extracting money from its population to pay for public goods? Are property taxes and privatization of state functions better options? And if taxes are illegitimate, are we permitted, or even obligated, to stop paying our taxes?[00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment[02:40] Justifying Taxes for Public Goods[03:40] Alternative Tax Systems[07:27] The Egalitarian Distribution Debate[13:15] The Alienation of Labor in Capitalism[17:49] Privatization and the Role of the State[21:45] The Debate on Tariffs[27:56] Economic Impact of Industrialization and Labor[32:15] Debating Defensive Tariffs[38:49] Funding Public Goods: Challenges and Solutions[51:36] Libertarian Views on Government and Personal FreedomCheck 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/
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The Problem with Democracy | Jason Brennan (Rebroadcast)
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?[00:00] Introduction to the Problems of Democracy[00:17] Brexit: A Case Study in Misinformed Voting[05:33] Voter Behavior: Social Benefits and Signaling[18:29] The Legitimacy of Democratic Systems[30:32] The Challenge of Political Incentives[33:02] The Abortion Debate and Judicial Power[36:41] Depoliticizing Social Life[43:10] Proposals for Enlightened Preference Voting[55:10] Global Voting and Democratic Legitimacy[58:28] Philosophical Reflections on Democratic TheoryCheck 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/
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Mass Shootings | Kurt Blankschaen
Does our common understanding of mass shootings help us to prevent them?Blankschaen argues that our common beliefs and media narratives around gun ownership, mental illness, and school policies are unhelpful in preventing future mass shootings.Can we even provide an adequate definition of mass shootings? Should we give up the concept of mass shootings altogether, and focus instead on the particular shooters and victims in each circumstance?Read Kurt’s paper here: https://philpapers.org/rec/BLAAMS[00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment[01:35 ] Exploring the Concept of Mass Shooters[06:56] Challenges in Profiling and Predicting[12:06] Defining Mass Shootings and Intent[24:10] Policy Implications and Conceptual Concerns[28:09] Terrorist Attacks vs. Mass Shootings[29:31] Tailoring Solutions to Different Types of Violence[35:54] Farm Murders in South Africa: A Case Study[40:14] The Role of Guns in Mass Shootings[42:53] Media Influence and Moral Panic[55:18] International Comparisons and Cultural Context[57:55] Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck 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/
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