Narrating Identity — Prof. Rogers Smith

Who should decide which scientific questions deserve our attention? And can democratic deliberation help us make moral progress?This episode features Philip Kitcher, professor emeritus of philosophy at Columbia University and author of Science, Truth, and Democracy, The Ethical Project, and The Rich and the Poor.Kitcher argues that scientific research should reflect public needs rather than scientists' priorities alone. He explains how deliberation can resolve moral disagreements through mutual understanding, and why economic inequality undermines collective action on climate change. He also explores how literature and music can convey ethical insights more powerfully than philosophical arguments.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexiconChapters(0:00) Introduction(0:31) From Mathematics to Philosophy(3:22) History and Philosophical Inquiry(8:41) What Is Philosophy For?(12:08) Scientific Methods and Progress(16:06) Who Should Set Scientific Priorities?(21:03) Deliberative Democracy and Scientific Expertise(24:26) Empathy and Moral Deliberation(27:24) Compromise and Moral Progress(31:15) Ethics and Public Policy(34:15) Inequality and Climate Change(39:57) Philosophy Through Literature and Music(43:08) Mahler, Wagner, and James Joyce(45:39) Advice for Young Philosophers(48:24) Closing RemarksKeywords: philosophy of science, Philip Kitcher, well-ordered science, scientific progress, democratization of science, deliberative democracy, moral philosophy, evolutionary ethics, scientific expertise, public policy, economic inequality, climate change, neoliberalism, John Dewey, philosophy of literature, philosophy of music, James Joyce, moral progress

Why do we judge harmful actions differently from helpful ones? How much of our philosophical reasoning is shaped by moral intuition?This episode features Joshua Knobe, professor of philosophy, psychology, and linguistics at Yale University and a pioneer of experimental philosophy, which uses psychological experiments to investigate philosophical questions.Knobe explains how moral judgments shape our understanding of the "true self" and whether we consider actions intentional. He explores why people hold conflicting intuitions about free will, how our sense of normality influences judgments of causation, and why we hesitate to attribute consciousness to AI. He also discusses the growing intersection of philosophy and cognitive science.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexiconChapters(0:00) Introduction(1:00) From Philosophy to Psychology(3:35) The Origins of Experimental Philosophy(5:11) Experiments and Philosophical Inquiry(7:14) Morality and the True Self(15:10) Why Do We Search for Our True Selves?(19:23) Conflicting Philosophical Intuitions(22:19) Free Will and Moral Responsibility(29:28) The Knobe Effect: Intention and Moral Judgment(35:17) What Makes Something Normal?(40:35) Changing Moral Norms(42:51) Normality and Causation(45:51) Consciousness, Embodiment, and AI(49:31) The Future of Experimental Philosophy(56:23) Advice for Young People(59:03) Closing RemarksKeywords: experimental philosophy, Joshua Knobe, cognitive science, moral psychology, moral intuition, true self, free will, determinism, moral responsibility, intentionality, Knobe effect, normality, causation, consciousness, embodiment, artificial intelligence, experimental jurisprudence, philosophy of mind

What makes someone American? Can national identity unite people without excluding others?This episode features Rogers M. Smith, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Civic Ideals and Stories of Peoplehood.Smith argues that political communities depend on "stories of peoplehood" that inspire loyalty but inevitably privilege certain groups. From Thomas Paine to the Lincoln–Douglas debates, he traces America's enduring conflict between egalitarian ideals and exclusionary traditions. He also explains how national myths can inspire reform and why today's disputes over citizenship reflect centuries-old disagreements about American identity.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexiconChapters(0:00) Introduction(2:14) Politics and Scholarship(3:48) Political Science and Political Philosophy(7:59) Empirical and Normative Inquiry(10:21) Liberalism and American Citizenship(16:18) Stories of Peoplehood(20:08) Thomas Paine and Political Exclusion(28:35) Defining Stories of Peoplehood(31:27) The Declaration of Independence(36:36) Can National Myths Inspire Reform?(39:19) Competing Visions of American Identity(43:35) Lincoln, Douglas, and American Equality(46:36) Citizenship Laws and American Belonging(52:19) Closing RemarksKeywords: political philosophy, political science, American identity, citizenship, nationalism, stories of peoplehood, political myths, patriotism, constitutional law, liberalism, republicanism, racial equality, Thomas Paine, Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln, political polarization, democracy

Who gets to belong to a political community? What makes a border legitimate? And if nations are human conceptions, could we build them differently?This episode features Joseph Carens, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto and one of the most influential voices in the contemporary ethics of migration. He is the author of The Ethics of Immigration and of the landmark essay "Aliens and Citizens: The Case for Open Borders," which helped establish immigration as a central question in political philosophy.In this episode, Carens argues that nations are historical constructions rather than natural facts, and that anyone living as an ongoing member of a community deserves recognition as one. He makes the case that restrictions on movement function today much as they did under feudalism—sorting life chances by accident of birth—and explains why free movement is better understood as an indicator of a just world than a solution for an unjust one. He also discusses assimilation, citizenship tests, equal incomes in a market economy, and the open question of what AI will do to all of it.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexiconChapters(0:00) Introduction(2:47) From Theology to Political Philosophy(11:44) What Political Philosophy Asks(15:36) The Academic, the Activist, and the Politician(23:19) Why Justice Became the Central Question(31:27) Nations as Historical Constructions(43:21) Who Ought to Be a Citizen?(59:29) Feudalism, Borders, and the Right to Move(1:10:02) Assimilation and the Limits of Belonging(1:19:38) Markets, Equality, and What AI Might Change(1:27:24) Advice for Young People(1:29:14) Closing RemarksKeywords: political philosophy, immigration, open borders, citizenship, birthright citizenship, nationalism, patriotism, global justice, migration ethics, pluralism, multiculturalism, assimilation, egalitarianism, political theory, John Rawls

What makes a society just? Why do vast global inequalities persist? And are wealthy countries merely failing to help the poor—or actively contributing to their poverty?This episode features Thomas Pogge, the Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs and Director of the Global Justice Program at Yale University. His work focuses on global justice, poverty, inequality, human rights, and the institutions that shape the global economy.In this episode, Pogge explores how philosophical ideas about justice translate into the institutions that shape everyday life. Moving from Rawls and Kant to poverty, political power, and climate change, he argues that injustice is often built into the rules themselves—not simply the result of individual choices. The episode ultimately asks what we owe others when the systems we benefit from may also be helping produce their disadvantage.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexicon(0:00) Preview(0:21) Introduction(1:07) Thomas Pogge’s Journey to Political Philosophy(6:45) Kant, Rawls, and What Justice Requires(20:58) Democracy, Political Power, and Economic Inequality(25:27) Patents, Medicine, and Rethinking Innovation(33:47) Global Justice, Resources, and the Global South(46:05) Tax Havens, Multinational Corporations, and Borders(54:47) Climate Change and Our Responsibilities(1:03:05) What Philosophy Is Really For(1:07:10) Closing RemarksKeywords: global justice, Thomas Pogge, political philosophy, John Rawls, Immanuel Kant, inequality, poverty, global economy, democracy, money in politics, pharmaceutical patents, healthcare, Global South, multinational corporations, tax havens, resource extraction, climate change, human rights, economic justice, philosophy

What exactly does it mean to think? Where are memories stored? And can studying the brain really tell us how the mind works?This episode features Caitlin Mace, a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh whose research focuses on the philosophy of neuroscience. She previously earned her master’s degree in philosophy from California State University, Long Beach.In this episode, Mace explores the relationship between philosophy and neuroscience, asking what scientists can—and cannot—learn by breaking the brain into its component parts. She discusses reductionism, mental representation, optogenetics, and the challenge of determining where memories are physically stored. She also examines false memories, the surprising ways our recollections change over time, and whether memory might extend beyond the brain itself.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexiconChapters(0:00) Introduction(0:58) Caitlin Mace’s Journey from Psychology to Philosophy(2:39) Where Philosophy and Science Meet(4:22) What Is the Philosophy of Neuroscience?(6:39) Can Philosophy Change How Neuroscience Is Done?(8:29) How Do We Divide the Brain Into Functional Parts?(10:36) What Does It Mean for the Brain to “Represent” Something?(13:45) Using Optogenetics to Study the Brain(16:43) Reductionism: Can the Mind Be Reduced to the Brain?(19:59) Could Memory Exist Outside the Brain?(23:27) False Memories and the Reliability of Recollection(27:59) Tracking Personal False Memories Through Movies(32:53) What Neuroscience Says About Misremembering(35:13) The Content Indeterminacy Problem(40:37) Where Is Information Actually Stored in the Brain?(44:21) Applying the Indeterminacy Problem to AI(45:51) Does AI Really Represent or Think?(49:49) AI Ethics, Companionship, and Education(52:29) Advice for Young People Interested in Philosophy(55:08) Closing RemarksKeywords: philosophy of neuroscience, neuroscience, philosophy of mind, memory, false memory, consciousness, reductionism, mental representation, optogenetics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, AI consciousness, philosophy of AI, brain, cognition

How can democracy give citizens a more meaningful voice? Can thoughtful conversation reduce political polarization? And could AI help democratic participation scale?This episode features Dr. Alice Siu, Associate Director of the Deliberative Democracy Lab and Senior Research Scholar at Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.In this episode, Dr. Siu discusses the meaning and aspirations of democracy, the global decline of public trust, and the importance of deliberation as an alternative to adversarial debate. She explains how deliberative polling brings representative groups of citizens together to examine evidence, weigh competing values, question experts, and reconsider their views.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite scholars from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexiconChapters(0:00) Introduction(0:45) Dr. Alice Siu’s Path to Deliberative Democracy(3:27) Public Deliberation in Local Government in China(5:27) What Is Democracy?(8:36) The Current State of American Democracy(11:03) Representation, the Electoral College, and Democratic Reform(14:50) Is Democracy in Crisis Around the World?(19:36) Declining Trust in Governments and Institutions(21:12) Deliberation Versus Debate(22:19) Does Deliberation Need a Final Outcome?(23:33) How Deliberative Polling Works(25:42) Can Deliberation Reduce Political Polarization?(29:25) Applying Deliberation Beyond Politics(30:59) How Deliberation Works Across Cultures(33:19) Using AI to Scale Democratic Participation(37:00) The Future and Limits of Civic Technology(38:25) Advice for Young People in Democracy(41:43) Closing RemarksKeywords: democracy, deliberation, public opinion, AI in democracy, political reform, global democracy, civic engagement, Stanford, deliberative polling, philosophy

How does AI transform medicine? What risks and benefits does AI replacing human judgment pose? How can technological progress preserve agency?This episode features Dr. Leslye Dias Duran, a research fellow at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford and a philosopher specializing in bioethics and normative ethics.In this episode, Dr. Dias Duran discusses the ethical implications of integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare. She explores how AI may reshape medical judgment, patient–physician relationships, professional expertise, and the distribution of risks and benefits. She also examines the possibility of AI-induced de-skilling in medicine, the importance of involving affected communities in technological design, and her current research on children’s agency in the age of AI.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite philosophers from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary social issues—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexicon(00:00) Introduction to Philosophy and Academia(03:14) Philosophy’s Role in Social Issues(05:54) Understanding Philosophy’s Goals(09:06) Medical Ethics and AI(11:46) The Intersection of AI and Healthcare(15:07) Ethical Implications of AI in Medicine(18:06) Navigating Ethical Risks in AI(20:59) The Evolution of Medical Ethics with AI(23:55) De-skilling in Medicine Due to AI(27:03) Patient–Physician Relationships and Trust(29:55) Future Directions in AI Ethics(36:04) Ethical and Technical Questions in AI Implementation(42:43) Evaluating AI Tools, Risks, and Benefits(50:00) De-skilling and the Future of Medical Expertise(01:01:53) Optimism About Medicine and AI(01:05:28) Children’s Agency in the Age of AIKeywords: AI ethics, medical ethics, bioethics, artificial intelligence, healthcare, de-skilling, medical judgment, patient autonomy, physician trust, AI regulation, children’s agency, philosophy

What does it mean for algorithms to be fair or transparent? How does bias arise? How should public policy organize the regulation of AI?Our sixth episode features Dr. Justin Shin, a postdoctoral Embedded Ethics fellow at Stanford University in partnership with the Institute for Human-Centered AI, as well as the McCoy Family Center for Ethics and Society at Stanford University.In this episode, Dr. Shin discusses his work on agent causal fairness, highlighting the interdisciplinary nuance and complexity of deciding what is fair. He shares insights from his academic work and thoughts on public policy regarding regulating AI.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite philosophers from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary injustices—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dialexicon(00:00) Introduction to the Dialexicon Podcast and Guest(01:09) Understanding Agent Causal Fairness(05:00) Criteria for Fairness in Decision Making(08:59) Overview of Dr. Shin’s Dissertation(18:49) Exploring Discrimination and Its Legal Implications(29:52) The Paradox of Punishment and Robots(30:36) Exploring Punishment Beyond Suffering(37:10) War Crimes and the Role of Robots(43:22) AI Development and Public Policy(50:15) The Role of Government in AI Regulation(53:17) Philosophy Education and Its ImportanceKeywords: AI ethics, algorithmic fairness, discrimination, punishment theory, public policy, philosophy education, transparency, AI regulation

How can philosophy address both high-level and concrete questions? What is the nature of human capacities and personhood? How is modern medicine dehumanizing? What is the role of philosophy in educating the next generation of medical professionals?Our fifth episode features Professor Aleksy Tarasenko-Struc, an assistant professor of philosophy at Seton Hall University, with a secondary appointment in the School of Health and Medical Sciences. He also directs SHU's Medical Humanities Program.In this episode, Professor Tarasenko-Struc and Rohan explore the philosophical foundations of dehumanization, its implications in medical ethics, and advice for young people interested in bioethics and philosophy. Professor Teresenko Struck shares his journey, insights on human nature, and the importance of ethics in medical practice.Dialexicon is a free podcast dedicated to promoting philosophical education and deep reflection. We invite philosophers from around the globe to discuss philosophy in the context of contemporary injustices—all at an easy-to-understand and digestible level.Website: https://dialexicon.orgSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ab9iObuaUb0VDo4R9lLH4(00:00) Introduction to Philosophy and Personal Journey(05:27) Understanding Dehumanization(12:02) Defining Humanity and Personhood(18:17) Dehumanization in Medicine(24:54) Paternalism in Medical Ethics(28:23) The Ethics of Forced Treatment(31:33) Decisional Capacity and Autonomy(34:08) Understanding Decisional Capacity Criteria(42:17) Experiences in Clinical Ethics Consultation(45:33) Teaching Medical Ethics(49:48) Advice for Young PhilosophersKeywords: philosophy, dehumanization, bioethics, medical ethics, human nature, ethics education, paternalism, decision-making capacity