The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 23, 2025 · 1H 12M

The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo

from Brain in a Vat · host Brain in a Vat

Who should be included in our 'moral circle' when we make our moral decisions? Jeff discusses the ethical responsibilities we might have towards non-human beings, such as Neanderthals, AIs, or even figments of our imagination. The conversation critically examines issues related to animal welfare, the complexities of population ethics, and the potential future implications of artificial intelligences with possible sentience.[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome[03:13] Neanderthal and Robot Roommates[04:48] Figment of Imagination: A Third Roommate[12:21] Ethical Decision Making Under Uncertainty[17:35] Chatbots and Moral Considerations[24:39] Factory Farming and Broader Ethical Concerns[35:10] Future Obligations to AI and Antinatalism[54:16] Distinctions in Suffering: Humans vs. Animals[01:00:39] Balancing Ethical Theories and Practicality[01:11:32] Concluding Thoughts and RecommendationsRead Sebo's book, 'The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why,' here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324064803?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&starsLeft=1&bestFormat=trueCheck 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/.

Who should be included in our 'moral circle' when we make our moral decisions? Jeff discusses the ethical responsibilities we might have towards non-human beings, such as Neanderthals, AIs, or even figments of our imagination. The conversation critically examines issues related to animal welfare, the complexities of population ethics, and the potential future implications of artificial intelligences with possible sentience.[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome[03:13] Neanderthal and Robot Roommates[04:48] Figment of Imagination: A Third Roommate[12:21] Ethical Decision Making Under Uncertainty[17:35] Chatbots and Moral Considerations[24:39] Factory Farming and Broader Ethical Concerns[35:10] Future Obligations to AI and Antinatalism[54:16] Distinctions in Suffering: Humans vs. Animals[01:00:39] Balancing Ethical Theories and Practicality[01:11:32] Concluding Thoughts and RecommendationsRead Sebo's book, 'The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why,' here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324064803?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_wa_apan_dp_P2YJTR05BK7S4PE59SBR&starsLeft=1&bestFormat=trueCheck 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/.

NOW PLAYING

The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo

0:00 1:12:08

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Ask A Spaceman Archives - 365 Days of Astronomy Ask A Spaceman Archives - 365 Days of Astronomy Podcasting Astronomy Every Day of the Year Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Brain in a Vat?

This episode is 1 hour and 12 minutes long.

When was this Brain in a Vat episode published?

This episode was published on February 23, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Who should be included in our 'moral circle' when we make our moral decisions? Jeff discusses the ethical responsibilities we might have towards non-human beings, such as Neanderthals, AIs, or even figments of our imagination. The conversation...

Can I download this Brain in a Vat episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!