Brain in a Vat
Brain in a Vat
Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 25, 2021 • 1h 1min
The Second Sexism | David Benatar
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 women?
Prof Benatar's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Sexism-Discrimination-Against-Boys-ebook-dp-B007VJU7C4/dp/B007VJU7C4/
Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Apr 18, 2021 • 44min
Wittgenstein's Poker | David Edmonds
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 loved philosophy show.
David's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wittgensteins-Poker-Ten-Minute-Argument-Philosophers/dp/0060936649/
Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Apr 11, 2021 • 1h 1min
Hate Speech and Pornography | Mari Mikkola
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-Philosophical-Introduction-Mari-Mikkola-ebook/dp/B07LFJS6RR/
Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Apr 4, 2021 • 55min
Animal Welfare | Bob Fischer
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?
Mar 28, 2021 • 54min
Who should you believe? | Chris Ranalli
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]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Mar 21, 2021 • 1h 3min
Can God Right Past Wrongs? | Sam Lebens
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
Mar 14, 2021 • 1h 2min
Anarchy & Socialism | Mark Lance
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
Mar 7, 2021 • 49min
What is the Value of Philosophy? | Justin Weinberg
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://dailynous.com/ Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Feb 28, 2021 • 1h 2min
So You've Been Publicly Shamed | Rebecca Tuvel
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 for doing something shameful?
Contact us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
Feb 21, 2021 • 52min
Nietzsche: Morality is Dead | Brian Leiter
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 philosophers.
Brian's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Moral-Psychology-Nietzsche-Brian-Leiter-ebook-dp-B07QD6V99B/dp/B07QD6V99B/
Contact Us: Mark.Oppenheimer[at]gmail and Jwerbe[at]gmail
