Episode
#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
1:42:09
Published: Thu Jun 09 2022
Description
Alex O'Connor is a philosopher, podcaster & a YouTuber. Philosophy is hard. Ethics are hard. Working out what is moral is hard. Today we get to put our mental muscles to the test with some of the most challenging thought experiments in moral philosophy. Expect to learn why brain tumours might be a good way to learn what is actually moral, whether ethics is just an expression of emotion, whether we can kill someone to stop them nuking a city, why it might be best to just not have any more children, whether an expensive education is cheating, what it means to say that someone is morally responsible for their actions, why Alex wore a suit to a boat party and much more... Sponsors: Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ Get 15% discount on the amazing 6 Minute Diary at https://bit.ly/diarywisdom (use code MW15) (USA - search Amazon and use 15MINUTES) Get 10% discount on your first month from BetterHelp at https://betterhelp.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied) Get 30% discount on your at-home testosterone test at https://trylgc.com/modernwisdom (use code: MODERN30) Extra Stuff: Watch Alex on YouTube - https://youtu.be/gcVR2OVxPYw Subscribe to Alex on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/CosmicSkeptic To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/
Chapters
In this podcast, Alex O'Connor discusses challenging thought experiments in moral philosophy, from brain tumors to the ethics of having children, an expensive education being cheating, moral responsibility, and more.
00:00 - 01:17 (01:17)
Summary
In this podcast, Alex O'Connor discusses challenging thought experiments in moral philosophy, from brain tumors to the ethics of having children, an expensive education being cheating, moral responsibility, and more. The host reminds listeners to hit the subscribe button to not miss upcoming episodes and mentions the Six Minute Diary as the sponsor.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
BetterHelp offers affordable, quick and accessible online therapy sessions for individuals seeking mental health services.
01:17 - 07:26 (06:08)
Summary
BetterHelp offers affordable, quick and accessible online therapy sessions for individuals seeking mental health services. On the other hand, Modern Wisdom provides an at-home hormone testing kit that diagnoses testosterone levels and explains the results that may affect gym performance.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The act of studying ethical theories does not necessarily make a person a better person, as ethics is subjective to personal experiences and emotions.
07:26 - 14:01 (06:34)
Summary
The act of studying ethical theories does not necessarily make a person a better person, as ethics is subjective to personal experiences and emotions. The speaker subscribes to the view of ethical emotivism, which holds that ethics is purely an expression of emotion.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The conversation delves into the ethics of choosing between two potentially deadly medications and explores why some people have a hard time deciding which pill to take.
14:01 - 23:25 (09:23)
Summary
The conversation delves into the ethics of choosing between two potentially deadly medications and explores why some people have a hard time deciding which pill to take.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The paradox of utilitarianism is that we want to maximize pleasure, yet trying to analyze a situation in order to maximize pleasure can ultimately result in less pleasure.
23:25 - 31:42 (08:17)
Summary
The paradox of utilitarianism is that we want to maximize pleasure, yet trying to analyze a situation in order to maximize pleasure can ultimately result in less pleasure. Every decision we make seems to have a minimal effect on pleasure and suffering, which raises the question of whether minimizing suffering is the right thing to do when trying to maximize pleasure.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The podcast discusses the difference between utilitarianism and deontology, where utilitarians believe that the morality of an action is determined by its ability to maximize pleasure and minimize pain while deontologists believe in following moral principles or rules, even if doing so may not maximize pleasure.
31:42 - 38:08 (06:26)
Summary
The podcast discusses the difference between utilitarianism and deontology, where utilitarians believe that the morality of an action is determined by its ability to maximize pleasure and minimize pain while deontologists believe in following moral principles or rules, even if doing so may not maximize pleasure.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The podcast discusses the ethical implications of inflicting harm on someone to avoid a greater harm or to bring about greater pleasure.
38:08 - 43:28 (05:19)
Summary
The podcast discusses the ethical implications of inflicting harm on someone to avoid a greater harm or to bring about greater pleasure. The conversation touches on the concept of utilitarianism and situational ethics.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The podcast discusses the dilemma of whether it's ethically justifiable to violate someone's human rights in order to save more lives, and how this should be weighted against other ethical considerations, such as number of lives saved.
43:28 - 47:24 (03:56)
Summary
The podcast discusses the dilemma of whether it's ethically justifiable to violate someone's human rights in order to save more lives, and how this should be weighted against other ethical considerations, such as number of lives saved.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The episode tackles the difficult case of people who developed pedophilic tendencies as a result of brain tumors, diving into the science behind it and the ethical questions it poses.
47:24 - 51:53 (04:28)
Summary
The episode tackles the difficult case of people who developed pedophilic tendencies as a result of brain tumors, diving into the science behind it and the ethical questions it poses.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The possibility of brain injuries and tumors affecting one's moral judgment and behavior is explored through various studies and experiments conducted by neuroscientists.
51:53 - 57:35 (05:42)
Summary
The possibility of brain injuries and tumors affecting one's moral judgment and behavior is explored through various studies and experiments conducted by neuroscientists. The argument is made that an individual's brain makeup is responsible for their actions and decisions, rather than their conscious choice.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The Ship of Theseus thought experiment is used to explore the idea of gradual change and identity over time.
57:36 - 1:01:56 (04:19)
Summary
The Ship of Theseus thought experiment is used to explore the idea of gradual change and identity over time. Personal history, such as upbringing and life experiences, is seen as a crucial factor in shaping a person's identity.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The way we view the real self versus our everyday self can impact how we view moral responsibility and rehabilitative justice.
1:01:56 - 1:12:02 (10:06)
Summary
The way we view the real self versus our everyday self can impact how we view moral responsibility and rehabilitative justice.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
While many universities have become more inclusive, some argue that colleges should prioritize admitting students who are best suited for their programs.
1:12:02 - 1:18:46 (06:44)
Summary
While many universities have become more inclusive, some argue that colleges should prioritize admitting students who are best suited for their programs. This could increase efficiency and create a better workforce in high-paying jobs, but it raises concerns regarding individual liberty and property rights.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The debated topic of whether college admissions based on merit or wealth is fair and institutionalized in society, as government sees universities as an important part of society.
1:18:46 - 1:23:11 (04:24)
Summary
The debated topic of whether college admissions based on merit or wealth is fair and institutionalized in society, as government sees universities as an important part of society.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The question of whether non-smokers should receive priority over smokers for lung cancer treatment due to limited funds or resources is posed, acknowledging that while some smokers made the choice to engage in a high-risk behavior, not all lung cancer cases are linked to smoking.
1:23:11 - 1:28:44 (05:33)
Summary
The question of whether non-smokers should receive priority over smokers for lung cancer treatment due to limited funds or resources is posed, acknowledging that while some smokers made the choice to engage in a high-risk behavior, not all lung cancer cases are linked to smoking.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The discussion analyzes the morality of prioritizing COVID-19 treatment based on one's personal choices, such as being overweight or participating in extreme sports, as opposed to other factors like race or age.
1:28:44 - 1:39:12 (10:27)
Summary
The discussion analyzes the morality of prioritizing COVID-19 treatment based on one's personal choices, such as being overweight or participating in extreme sports, as opposed to other factors like race or age.
Episode#484 - Cosmic Skeptic - 8 Impossible Thought Experiments
PodcastModern Wisdom
The narrator discusses the need to consider religious ethics dilemmas for religious and non-religious people alike, while also promoting a discount on a diary and counseling service, as well as an at-home testosterone test.
1:39:12 - 1:42:05 (02:52)
Summary
The narrator discusses the need to consider religious ethics dilemmas for religious and non-religious people alike, while also promoting a discount on a diary and counseling service, as well as an at-home testosterone test.