Does our understanding of neuroscience threaten the concept of moral responsibility? What is morality, empathy and how do progresses in brain research impact society? We discuss with Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Chauncey Stillman Professor of Practical Ethics in the Department of Philosophy at Duke University.
From left to right: David Barack, Walter Sinnott-Armstrong, Jean-François Gariépy, John Kubie and Leanne Boucher. Note that this episode was filmed before our Kickstarter, therefore you should not expect the same technical quality as our most recent episodes!
"0:14" Introduction
"1:54" What is morality?
"6:00" Our decisions are made by biological mechanisms in the brain. Does that threaten the concept of moral responsibility?
"13:44" Can moral responsibility be viewed as a continuum?
"16:33" Animals and morality.
"20:41" Can animals display empathy?
"22:50" Does there have to be specific areas of the brain dedicated to moral behaviors?
"28:46" We talk about Moral skepticisms.
"32:18" Cultural variations in practices and norms.
"38:04" What can science tell us about morality.
"51:07" We discuss about the trolley problem and how it is used in neuroscience research.
Thanks for listening!
