Brain in a Vat

Is it possible for your actions to be free, even if they are determined? And would an indeterministic universe make us any freer? If we don't have free will, should we be held accountable for our actions?

If your vote has only a tiny chance of influencing the outcome of an election, is it irrational to vote? Does voting grant legitimacy to repugnant candidates? Is voting always an obligation, or are there situations that require you not to vote? Philosopher Games on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PhilosopherGames/ Philosopher Games on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilosopherGames

Is virtual sex outside of a relationship cheating? How should we determine a person's gender? Should the same rules apply to race?  Rebecca's article: In Defense of Transracialism https://cryptome.org/2017/05/in-defense-of-transracialism.pdf Hypatia transracialism controversy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia_transracialism_controversy

We have a philosophical conversation with an artist about her latest exhibition. Dom's paintings explore the social and sexual mores of the last twenty years through the lens of our current values.

Are you just a physical body? If you have a brain transplant do you stay with your original body or move with your brain? Could the existence of an immaterial soul solve the mind body problem?   Tyron's Books: The Puzzle of Existence: Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?  Idealism: New Essays in Metaphysics Thumbnail Art: Lateralus Album Cover by Alex Grey

Rob Sparrow is a Professor at Monash University, focusing on the ethics of new technologies and artificial intelligence. In this enlightening conversation, he debates whether it’s ethically wrong to destroy a sentient AI or torture a robot that exhibits signs of suffering. The discussion navigates how AI appearance shapes our emotional responses and moral intuitions, while also probing the moral implications of human-robot relationships. Sparrow challenges our notions of identity and consciousness, pushing us to reconsider our responsibilities toward intelligent machines.

Are some animals more equal than others? Are game reserves a part of nature if they are man made?  Is global warming universally bad or does it benefit some species? Brain in a Vat Store: smarturl.it/Lockdownbook Thumbnail Art: Peace by Lynn Bywaters

Mark Oppenheimer discusses his experience interviewing Holocaust deniers and the role of journalists in reporting on controversial topics. The podcast explores the limits of free speech, the importance of open dialogue, and the power of personal transformation. It delves into the negative dynamics of online discussions, the value of in-person debates, the importance of free speech disagreements, and the limits of free speech in inciting harm or violence. It also discusses the ethical and legal implications of controversial content.

Atom bombs, diamond billionaires, and hate mail have a special role to play in this bonus episode.   Brain in a Vat Store: smarturl.it/Lockdownbook 

Is it wrong to only have a sexual preference for certain races? Can you have sex without being objectified? Is there a moral limit on our sexual fantasies?   Store: http://smarturl.it/LockdownBook Thumbnail Art: The Yoshiwara Prostitute by Kikugawa Eizan