Effective Altruism and Making a Difference | Jacob Bauer
How should we allocate our donations to address global issues effectively? Jacob discusses the principles guiding Effective Altruism, the importance of evidence-based charitable giving, the ethical implications of supporting local versus global causes, and the challenges of predicting long-term impacts.The episode also delves into the significant debate within the effective altruism community about how to prioritize immediate needs versus future generations, and the potential benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence.Join us for a compelling conversation about making the most impact with your altruistic efforts.[00:00] Introduction to Effective Altruism[00:07] Thought Experiment: Allocating a Billion Dollars[01:18] Effective Altruism: Head and Heart Approach[05:12] Frameworks for Effective Altruism[06:27] Measuring Impact and Effectiveness[13:30] Obligations and Moral Considerations[16:28] Global Development and Animal Welfare[31:05] Long-Termism and Future Generations[52:23] AI: Potential and Risks[57:26] ConclusionCheck 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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57:38
Ultimate Meaning | Rivka Weinberg (Rebroadcast)
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? [00:00] Introduction to the Meaninglessness of Life[00:14] Tolstoy's Existential Crisis[01:39] The Appropriateness of Sadness[04:18] Everyday Meaning vs. Ultimate Meaning[06:13] The Metaphysical Argument[10:57] The Role of Accomplishments[17:42] Philosophical Temperaments and Existential Angst[23:14] The Value of Human Potential[25:55] Questioning the Concept of Ultimate Meaning[29:47] Objective vs. Subjective Meaning[31:32] The Role of Values in Life[34:22] Philosophical Perspectives on Immortality[40:39] Balancing Everyday and Ultimate Meaning[44:04] Cosmic Meaning and the Question of SuicideCheck 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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51:03
Affirmative Action and Medical School | Stephen Kershnar
Join us for a provocative episode on Brain in a Vat as we rejoin the infamous Stephen Kershnar, whose prior discussions have made headlines. This episode delves into affirmative action, demographic considerations in education and employment, and the ethics of statistical predictions informed by race.The discussion debates the legitimacy and consequences of using race, gender, and other demographic factors in decision-making processes across various fields, from medicine and law to parole decisions. The episode explores the balance between fairness and efficiency, and whether algorithms could replace human judgment in critical decisions.Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of some of today's most contentious issues.[00:00] Introduction and Guest Reintroduction[00:25] Affirmative Action and Medical Care[02:23] Market Preferences and Performance[08:08] Challenges of Colorblind Policies[17:44] Fair vs. Unfair Discrimination[26:05] Statistical Predictors vs. Demographic Predictors[27:45] Correlation vs. Causation in Performance Prediction[31:31] IQ and Performance in Medicine[33:27] The Ethics of Using Demographics in Decision Making[41:59] Algorithmic Decision Making in Justice and BeyondCheck 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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51:12
Should Only Queer Actors Play Queer Roles? | Kurt Blankschaen & Travis Timmerman
Was Kit Conner obligated to reveal his queer sexual orientation to play his role as a queer character on ‘Heartstopper’? Timmerman and Blankschaen argue that straight actors can authentically portray queer characters, addressing issues of character versus performer authenticity, potential harm to marginalized actors, and the broader impact on the industry. They respond to various objections and explore the philosophical and ethical nuances surrounding representation in media.Link to Blankschaen and Timmerman's paper: https://philpapers.org/rec/BLAAOS-2[00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview[00:19] Thought Experiment: Kit Conner's Role in Heartstopper[02:54] Character vs. Performer Authenticity[10:28] Consequentialist Views on Performer Authenticity[25:37] Public vs. Private Lives of Actors[33:29] Alternative Rules for Casting Queer Roles[37:03] Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity in Casting[47:01] Optimism in Media Evolution[49:30] Strongest Objections to the View[52:03] Extending the Argument to Other Groups[01:01:10] Final Thoughts and ConclusionCheck 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 Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo
Who should be included in our 'moral circle' when we make our moral decisions? Jeff discusses the ethical responsibilities we might have towards non-human beings, such as Neanderthals, AIs, or even figments of our imagination. The conversation critically examines issues related to animal welfare, the complexities of population ethics, and the potential future implications of artificial intelligences with possible sentience.[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome[03:13] Neanderthal and Robot Roommates[04:48] Figment of Imagination: A Third Roommate[12:21] Ethical Decision Making Under Uncertainty[17:35] Chatbots and Moral Considerations[24:39] Factory Farming and Broader Ethical Concerns[35:10] Future Obligations to AI and Antinatalism[54:16] Distinctions in Suffering: Humans vs. Animals[01:00:39] Balancing Ethical Theories and Practicality[01:11:32] Concluding Thoughts and RecommendationsRead Sebo's book, 'The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why,' here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324064803?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&starsLeft=1&bestFormat=trueCheck 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/.
Brasil