Affirmative Action and Medical School | Stephen Kershnar

03/09/25 • 51 min

Join us for a provocative episode on Brain in a Vat as we rejoin the infamous Stephen Kershnar, whose prior discussions have made headlines. This episode delves into affirmative action, demographic considerations in education and employment, and the ethics of statistical predictions informed by race.

The discussion debates the legitimacy and consequences of using race, gender, and other demographic factors in decision-making processes across various fields, from medicine and law to parole decisions. The episode explores the balance between fairness and efficiency, and whether algorithms could replace human judgment in critical decisions.

Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of some of today's most contentious issues.

[00:00] Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

[00:25] Affirmative Action and Medical Care

[02:23] Market Preferences and Performance

[08:08] Challenges of Colorblind Policies

[17:44] Fair vs. Unfair Discrimination

[26:05] Statistical Predictors vs. Demographic Predictors

[27:45] Correlation vs. Causation in Performance Prediction

[31:31] IQ and Performance in Medicine

[33:27] The Ethics of Using Demographics in Decision Making

[41:59] Algorithmic Decision Making in Justice and Beyond

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/

Don't miss this thought-provoking exploration of some of today's most contentious issues.

[00:00] Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

[00:25] Affirmative Action and Medical Care

[02:23] Market Preferences and Performance

[08:08] Challenges of Colorblind Policies

[17:44] Fair vs. Unfair Discrimination

[26:05] Statistical Predictors vs. Demographic Predictors

[27:45] Correlation vs. Causation in Performance Prediction

[31:31] IQ and Performance in Medicine

[33:27] The Ethics of Using Demographics in Decision Making

[41:59] Algorithmic Decision Making in Justice and Beyond

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/

Previous Episode

Should Only Queer Actors Play Queer Roles? | Kurt Blankschaen & Travis Timmerman

Was Kit Conner obligated to reveal his queer sexual orientation to play his role as a queer character on ‘Heartstopper’? Timmerman and Blankschaen argue that straight actors can authentically portray queer characters, addressing issues of character versus performer authenticity, potential harm to marginalized actors, and the broader impact on the industry. They respond to various objections and explore the philosophical and ethical nuances surrounding representation in media.

Link to Blankschaen and Timmerman's paper: https://philpapers.org/rec/BLAAOS-2

[00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview

[00:19] Thought Experiment: Kit Conner's Role in Heartstopper

[02:54] Character vs. Performer Authenticity

[10:28] Consequentialist Views on Performer Authenticity

[25:37] Public vs. Private Lives of Actors

[33:29] Alternative Rules for Casting Queer Roles

[37:03] Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity in Casting

[47:01] Optimism in Media Evolution

[49:30] Strongest Objections to the View

[52:03] Extending the Argument to Other Groups

[01:01:10] Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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/

Next Episode

Ultimate Meaning | Rivka Weinberg (Rebroadcast)

Is it possible for us to lead meaningful lives? Is there an ultimate point to our existence? Can we enrich our lives with the pursuit of love, knowledge and friendship?

[00:00] Introduction to the Meaninglessness of Life

[00:14] Tolstoy's Existential Crisis

[01:39] The Appropriateness of Sadness

[04:18] Everyday Meaning vs. Ultimate Meaning

[06:13] The Metaphysical Argument

[10:57] The Role of Accomplishments

[17:42] Philosophical Temperaments and Existential Angst

[23:14] The Value of Human Potential

[25:55] Questioning the Concept of Ultimate Meaning

[29:47] Objective vs. Subjective Meaning

[31:32] The Role of Values in Life

[34:22] Philosophical Perspectives on Immortality

[40:39] Balancing Everyday and Ultimate Meaning

[44:04] Cosmic Meaning and the Question of Suicide

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/