🧠 The Thought Experiment Lab [public]

​Note: while there are many guests listed in the RSVP, most of these are carried over from previous events in this series. We don't expect much more than 30 to attend.

"Imagination without reason is mere fancy, but reason without imagination is sterile. That is partly why scientists and philosophers alike have always used imaginary scenarios to help sharpen their ideas and push them to their limits." - The Pig that Wants to be Eaten, by Julian Baggini

For this meeting (Apr 16), we'll be discussing ethical distinctions brought to light by the trolley problem:

• ​Please read this primer on how to engage with thought experiments: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1obO4Nb0J5RGNcC-lsy_lvJdPNcmhq0CXgp2WDytXBpo/edit?usp=sharing

• ​It is highly recommended but not required to go deeper by reading this article beforehand: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/doing-allowing/

​Some examples of things we've discussed at past meetings:

• ​Could a vegetarian eat a pig with a clear conscience, if that pig wanted to be eaten?

• ​Does a person survive using a teleporter that destroys the body and recreates it with perfect fidelity?

• ​Does the existence of evil in the world pose a problem for belief in a benevolent God?

​We'll be meeting in the 550 Room (down the stairs on the North side). Contact me by text if you're having trouble finding the location.

​On the Wednesdays when we're not running this event, we'll often be having similar discussions here: https://lu.ma/shortstories