
Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 289 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PhilosophySociety & Culture | |||

Spencer Case returns to discuss Pluribus, one of the most philosophically ambitious science fiction series in recent years. The conversation explores whether individuality is worth preserving if giving it up would create a happier and more peaceful w... more
Rivka Weinberg returns to argue that time is both the source of meaning and its greatest threat, making meaningful lives possible while also guaranteeing loss and impermanence. The conversation explores the relationship between suffering and meaning,... more
Do adults have a right to decide what goes into their own bodies, even when experts believe they're making a mistake?
Jessica Flanigan returns to defend a radical idea: competent adults should have the freedom to access pharmaceuticals without needi... more
We welcome back Stephen Kershnar to discuss the ethics of torture. Kershnar argues that some criminals deserve torture because severe wrongdoing can cause a person to forfeit protections against extreme punishment. He critiques the idea that there ar... more
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Really enjoyed the Free Speech episode with Dr. Carmichael!
I agree that civil debate is of critical import. I have seen Kirk debate in ways that viciously undermine and promote the discrimination, discrediting and devaluation of people who are different from him. His performance of moral disgust should not be construed as tolerance. Lament his death as a human, yes, but committed to civil debate he was not.
Great exercise for the brain
Just listened to the ‘white privilege’ episode.. my first in this series… I am guessing it’s 3 white males bantering about how to “nuance” the concept of white male privilege in order to make the concept meaningless. The discussion reminded me of 3 kids coming up with ever more ridiculous “what about-isms” —- what about the colour of bandaids, what about all the animals, what about all the people who ever lived, what about really old people… the end goal is to say there’s nothing meaningful to s... more
Brain In A Vat offers engaging conversations with contemporary philosophers that are both fun and intellectually stimulating. Dr. Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer excel at making complex ideas accessible. Once you start, you'll find yourself eagerly exploring their archive for more insightful episodes.
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Thoughtful, rigorously argued discussions centered on philosophy, ethics, and thought experiments. Across episodes, listeners encounter deep dives into topics like torture, free speech, academic freedom, cultural norms, and the nature of mind and society, often featuring philosophers, authors, and scholars who push controversial ideas into careful debate. The show tends to favor rigorous analysis, live-trial ideas, and nuanced positions, with hosts challenging objections while inviting guests who can illuminate complex concepts. It may be especially compelling for listeners who enjoy cerebral discourse, ethical puzzles, and the practical implications of philosophical theories in politics, law, and culture.
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5. The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
Brain in a Vat launched 6 years ago and published 289 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Brain in a Vat include:
1. David Benetton
2. Kevin Allison
3. Chloe Carmichael
4. Amy Wax
5. Nathan Bray
6. Sebastian Purcell
7. Cécile Fabre
8. Raja Halwani
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