How did the Aztecs understand life, morality, and human purpose? What can Aztec philosophy teach us about living well?

Sebastian Purcell guides us through Aztec thought, beginning with a thought experiment from Homer’s Odyssey and moving into the core ideas of Aztec wisdom.

Along the way, he contrasts Aztec ethics with Western traditions and applies them to modern debates on morality, from sex and meat consumption to life’s ultimate purpose. The conversation also takes on difficult topics like human sacrifice and sexual norms, showing how Aztec thought continues to challenge and enrich philosophy today.

Chapters:

[00:32] Odysseus and the Genie: A Thought Experiment

[04:40] The Concept of Rootedness

[08:17] Aztec Obligations and the Good Life

[19:12] Shared Agency and Virtue

[27:51] The Challenge of Community Bubbles

[28:58] Aztec Views on Community and Travel

[32:44] Human Sacrifice: Myth or Reality?

[48:51] Aztec Moral Framework and Applied Ethics

[53:03] Sexual Ethics in Aztec Society

[57:06] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this special episode of Brain in a Vat, Mark and Jasondiscuss the tragic assassination of political commentator, Charlie Kirk. The episode discusses Kirk's commitment to open dialogue and civil discourse, particularly on college campuses, and critique the societal implications of hisdeath.

The episode delves into themes of free speech, academicfreedom, and the dangerous conflation of words and violence. Jason and Mark also address arguments attempting to justify or minimize Kirk's assassination,advocating instead for a return to civility and the importance of open, reasoned debate.

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Charlie Kirk

01:22 The Importance of Civil Discourse

03:47 The Dangers of Conflating Words and Violence

05:00 Free Speech and Academic Freedom

10:04 Philosophical Perspectives on Assassination

15:01 The Impact on Society and Free Speech

16:14 Addressing Arguments Justifying the Assassination

27:04 Reflecting on Empathy and Society's Response

29:18 Conclusion: A Call for Civility

Is racial profiling always wrong, even if used by an AI to decrease crime? Should we use AI to judge criminal cases, recommend sentences for the guilty, or decide parole for prisoners?

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to AI in Crime Fighting

[00:12] Thought Experiment: The Looting Scenario

[06:32] Predictive Policing and AI

[10:13] Debating the Ethics of AI in Law Enforcement

[23:26] Affirmative Action and Racial Profiling

[37:51] Balancing Crime Reduction and Social Engineering

[39:00] AI in Sentencing: Benefits and Challenges

[40:08] Algorithmic Transparency and Legal Implications

[43:15] The Opaque Jury Argument

[47:44] Fairness vs. Accuracy in Legal Decisions

[57:25] Philosophical Implications of Opaque Decision-Making