What does it mean to be patriotic, or to love your country? Some argue that patriotism is virtuous because it allows us to transcend our selfish needs and act for the good of our community. But others argue that patriotism is overly narrow-minded, arbitrary and sometimes immoral.

Microdigressions Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Micro-Digressions

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to Brain Nevada

[00:27] Exploring John Lennon's 'Imagine'

[01:11] Critique of Utopian Ideals

[01:52] Possessions and National Identities

[05:44] The Role of Security Companies

[06:19] Metaphysics of Property and Groups

[11:58] Patriotism and Fictional Nations

[15:07] Patriotic Love and Social Constructs

[17:44] Allegiance and National Identity

[23:34] Rationality of Patriotism

[29:09] Patriotism Post-9/11: Sentiment and Criticism

[30:56] Moral Conflicts in Patriotism

[34:28] Patriotism and Unjust Wars

[40:00] Loyalty and Its Limits

[44:09] Patriotism in Historical Contexts

[47:28] The Invisible Hand

[49:23] Patriotism in a Globalized World

[56:09] The Future of Nation States and Global Culture

[58:55] Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Brain in a Vat, Georgi Gardiner returns to explore the epistemic value of tarot: its capacity to shape self-understanding, spark creative reflection, and influence major life decisions.

Drawing on personal experience and philosophical analysis, Georgi examines how tarot can serve as a mirror for introspection while also raising concerns about confirmation bias and self-deception. The discussion also considers the history and diversity of tarot practices, and compares tarot with artificial intelligence as a tool for navigating uncertainty and meaning.

Whether you are a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a thoughtful examination of how we seek knowledge and what counts as a good reason to believe.

[00:00] Introduction and Guest Welcome

[00:11] Georgie's Personal Journey with Tarot

[00:51] The Impact of Tarot on Decision Making

[11:50] The Epistemic Value of Tarot

[28:22] Potential Criticisms of Tarot

[31:28] The Five Waves of Tarot History

[38:29] Confirmation Bias and Flipping the Reading

[42:25] Comparing Tarot and AI in Epistemology

[44:09] The Role of Tarot in Education and Research

[59:01] Concluding Thoughts

In this episode, Brain in a Vat is joined by public philosopher and author Agnes Callard to explore the relevance of philosophy in everyday life. Drawing from her work on Socrates, Agnes makes a case for why philosophical inquiry matters, now more than ever. From the pig farmer analogy to Socratic love, this conversation is a deep dive into how philosophy is a way of life.

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to the Guest and Topic

[00:44] The Monologue vs. Dialogue Experiment

[06:50] Philosophical Training and the Element of Surprise

[13:34] The Nature of Philosophical Inquiry

[21:45] The Pig Farmer Analogy and Life's Purpose

[29:26] Intellectual Progress and Stability

[31:41] Socratic Views on Love

[35:21] Friendship and Enemies in Philosophy

[47:47] Cultural Perspectives on Disagreement

[54:58] Conclusion: Inspiring Philosophical Lives