In this special episode, Alix Spiegel, host and producer of ‘Invisibilia’ and journalist for ‘This American Life’, joins us to talk about storytelling.

Alix discusses storytelling techniques, the philosophical and political dimensions of narrative choices, and the emotional journey of confronting climate change.

[00:00] Introduction to the Guest: Elise Spiegel

[00:23] The Story of Joy and Her Unique Ability

[04:53] Exploring Dark Futures and Climate Change

[08:23] The Art of Storytelling and Narrative Creation

[11:15] Different Story Structures and Their Impact

[14:41] The Process of Crafting a Story

[30:47] Influences and Inspirations in Storytelling

[35:26] The Ethics and Authenticity in Documentary Storytelling

Check 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/.

Dan Shahar defends the view that eating meat is permissible, even though meat farming is not. Is this a coherent position?

[00:00] Introduction and Thought Experiment

[00:48] The Alien Analogy

[02:20] Moral Implications and Human Relationships

[03:33] Vegetarian Perspective and Ethical Dilemmas

[08:01] Super Cow Hypothetical

[12:11] Real-World Ethical Challenges

[21:59] Voting and Social Activism

[26:39] Moral Implications of Indirect Harm

[32:58] The Role of Social Norms in Ethical Decisions

[37:01] Individual Actions and Collective Outcomes

[48:09] Balancing Moral Obligations and Personal Values

Check 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/

Parfit altered the landscape of the philosophy of identity. We speak to David Edmonds about his recently released biography on this influential philosopher, and ask: what made Parfit the man he was?

[00:00] Introduction to David Edmunds

[00:25] David's Personal Connection to Derek Parfit

[01:42] Derek Parfit's Early Life and Education

[04:17] Derek Parfit's Philosophical Contributions

[08:39] The Teletransporter Thought Experiment

[12:20] Derek Parfit's Views on Death and Identity

[24:45] The Non-Identity Problem

[28:47] David Benatar's View on Existence

[30:00] Climate Change Thought Experiment

[34:42] Derek Parfit's Life and Interests

[37:15] The Academic Saint

[43:17] Derek Parfit's Philosophical Impact

[48:45] Writing Derek Parfit's Biography