In this episode of Brain in a Vat, we welcome back Jessica Flanigan for a discussion on the decriminalization of sex work.

Using a decriminalization framework, Flanigan examines the ethics of sex work and the role of state regulation.

The conversation explores autonomy, consent, and coercion. It also addresses the stigma surrounding sex work, its possible benefits, and the impact of market dynamics on both workers and clients. Flanigan offers a nuanced perspective on a complex and often controversial topic.

Check out our related episode on sex work and prostitution featuring Lori Watson: https://youtu.be/feG24mRCTzo

[00:00] Introduction

[00:25] Thought Experiment: Don and Melania

[06:36] Arguments Against Prostitution

[11:57] Market Dynamics and Gendered Preferences

[21:18] Regulation and Legal Models

[26:13] Advertising and Public Perception

[31:55] Comparing Sex Work to Other Professions

[34:04] Labor Justice and Sex Work

[37:47] Consumer Protection in Sex Work

[38:55] Licensing and Certification in Sex Work

[45:05] Moral Obligations and Promises in Sex Work

[51:01] Contracts and Personal Autonomy

[57:45] Changing Attitudes Towards Money and Sex

[01:00:47] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What exactly makes us feel disgusted? Is disgust for a person or group ever justified? And is disgust useful, or should we try to eliminate it?

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to Disgust and Cognitive Content

[00:11] Paul Rosen's Experiments on Disgust

[02:16] Disgust and Its Connection to Animality and Mortality

[03:05] Projective Disgust and Social Implications

[05:06] Disgust in Legal Theory and Practice

[08:00] Personal Anecdotes on Disgust and Social Change

[11:18] Disgust Towards Transphobia and Body Malleability

[13:24] Disgust in Art and Pornography

[22:17] Disgust, Fear, and Contamination

[23:13] Overcoming Disgust and Social Progress

[29:49] Caste and Disgust in India and America

[31:45] Tagore's Critique of Caste and Disgust

[35:02] Progress and Challenges in LGBTQ+ Rights

[43:07] The Role of Disgust in Political and Social Issues

[52:45] Age Discrimination and Societal Attitudes

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/

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