Fauxlosophers

In this episode, we discuss various situations in which AI systems need to make decisions about ethical dilemmas. How can a computer know who deserves to die? Are there any techniques we can use to systematically assign responsibility in a world with AI everywhere? -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following metho...

Western culture places a high degree of value on the freedom to peaceably protest. Why do we protest, and does it actually work? -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you fee...

In this episode, we discuss the meaning of education, its role in society, and some alternative education systems. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inclined to...

What really is art, anyway? The definition of art tends to be a bit slippery, but this week we try to nail it down and discuss some benefits and drawbacks to art in society both today and throughout history. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anc...

Do we lose our humanity as we improve ourselves with technology? Is it such a bad thing to lose humanity if it means eliminating the strife of the human condition? This week, we discuss the philosophy of transhumanism, the intersection of techno-optimism and humanism. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following me...

In a more lighthearted episode, we set out to answer: what's in a game, and why do we play them? What benefits do we gain by voluntarily competing against one another for arbitrary goals not necessary for survival? -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: http...

What happened to liberalism? Looking through history at the usage of the term, it seems today's liberals have largely abandoned the philosophy the term once represented. In this episode, we discuss liberalism in general as well as its modern American evolution. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods:...

In this episode, we explain the political philosophy of conservatism as well as our own opinions on its merits and drawbacks. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel i...

When is it acceptable to use qualified definitions of words instead of the lay meanings? There are times when we need technical language in order to communicate effectively, but technical or qualified language is often used to derail conversations by nitpicking someone's verbiage without addressing the substance of the claim. In this episode, we consider this issue and which contexts are appropria...

In this episode we consider the implications of a Chinese meme "chabuduo", which says that it's acceptable not to fulfill your exact requirements so long as you get close to them. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlos...

It sucks. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inclined to donate, you can do so through any of the following platforms: - Patreon: https://patreon.com/fauxlosopher...

In this episode, we discuss an interesting phenomenon in which people's perception of a situation can determine its outcome. Note: this episode was recorded at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some comments may date this episode. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlos...

This episode has no particular topic. We talked about various things on our mind that week. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inclined to donate, you can do so t...

The development of technology has created new problems of scales never before possible. Much of our political philosophy was conceived in times before these problems emerged. What are some situations where the principles of a free society run up against real, deadly consequences? -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the...

Does legal authority really matter, or is it just an excuse tyrants use to get what they want? In this episode, we explore the implications of the trial of King Charles I of England, in which the will of the general public essentially nullified all pretenses of legal authority to overthrow the king. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you c...

In this episode, we discuss the issue of thinking of things in terms of black and white, why it's so tempting to think this way, and what problems arise from doing so. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is su...

In this episode, Joe argues that altruism is fundamentally incompatible with capitalism. David doesn't quite think so. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inclined...

Why do we romanticize military service as we do? Most people do not see war as positively as they once did, yet we are still taught that soldiers are heroes, and we give special treatment to war veterans. In this episode, we consider possible explanations for this phenomenon. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the foll...

Is it ever rational to believe an unfalsifiable claim? Where do we draw the line between necessary working assumptions and irrational speculation? -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers li...

In this episode, we discuss whether it's acceptable to deny service to customers and on what criteria they may be denied. What happens in a free society when a business owner is a bigot? -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers...

In this episode, we explore the ethics of biological enhancements such as genetic modification. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inclined to donate, you can do...

Are people entitled to citizenship by being born in a country? If so, when should this entitlement take effect? What does it really mean to even be a citizen? Should there be other qualifications required for citizenship? These questions addressed and more in this episode. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the followi...

Beliefs inform our actions, but our beliefs are easily shaped by feelings and whims. Does it really matter if our beliefs are "true" in the conventional sense? Can we fault people for acting on tradition and speculation? In this episode, we explore the distinction between "feels" and "reals". -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reac...

In this episode, we enumerate some situations that occur that poison productive discourse. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inclined to donate, you can do so th...

In this episode, we discuss the social and moral implications of obligations toward family, friends, society, and humanity. -- If you have suggestions for future show topics or just want to let us know what you think, you can reach us via the following methods: - Email: fauxlosophers@gmail.com - Anchor: https://anchor.fm/fauxlosophers Fauxlosophers is supported by viewers like you. If you feel inc...