Can We Talk About Scary Ideas?: A Conversation with Singer, Minerva, and McMahan (Episode #245)

A thermonuclear weapon. The publication of instructions on how to make an H-bomb by 'The Progressive' magazine is cited as an example of content considered too dangerous for open dissemination.

A pioneering computer scientist and mathematician known for his work on theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. Sam Harris references him as an example of exceptional mathematical ability.

An author whose work on race and intelligence has been highly controversial, leading to significant backlash. His 'defenestration' is cited as an example of the risks of discussing such topics.

The Indigenous peoples of Australia. Mentioned as an example of a population group for which mean differences in measurable traits might be found.

Professor of moral philosophy at Oxford University, working on issues of harm and benefit, including war, self-defense, abortion, infanticide, and population ethics. He is a co-founder of the Journal of Controversial Ideas.

Former president of Harvard University, who faced significant criticism for speculating about the causes of gender disparities in science, including differential variance in mathematical ability.

Professor of bioethics at Princeton, author of 'Animal Liberation,' and focuses on practical ethics, global poverty, and effective altruism. He is a repeat guest on the podcast.

A philosopher known for his influential work on political liberalism and theories of justice, particularly the 'veil of ignorance' concept, which informs the idea of creating a just society.

Research fellow at the University of Milan, focusing on applied ethics, medical bioethics, discrimination, and academic freedom. She was a key instigator of the Journal of Controversial Ideas.

Relating to Italy or its people. Mentioned as an example of a population group for which mean differences in measurable traits might be found compared to other groups.

Racism that is embedded within the institutions and structures of society. This is contrasted with individual biases when discussing disparities in areas like university admissions.

The practice of killing a newborn child. Discussed as a controversial topic that the Journal of Controversial Ideas might explore, and which has led to negative reactions for academics who publish on it.

Peter Singer's famous argument illustrating the moral obligation to help others in need, even at personal cost, using the example of saving a drowning child from a shallow pond.

A type of clinical trial where volunteers are intentionally exposed to a pathogen to test the efficacy of a vaccine or treatment. Peter Singer has researched ethical questions regarding these trials.

Individuals who are romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same sex. Their right to marry and adopt children is discussed as a progress made through open discourse on controversial topics.

A branch of ethics concerned with the moral issues surrounding the existence and number of people, such as the ethics of having children and the value of future lives. Jeff McMahan is writing a book on this topic.

The surgical procedure to move an organ from one body to the denotient's body. Debates around the sale of organs for transplantation are mentioned as being similar to discussions about vaccine privileges.

The representation and participation of women in scientific fields. This is discussed in the context of differential interest and aptitude potentially explaining representation disparities, rather than solely bigotry.

The unequal representation of men and women in various scientific fields. Larry Summers' controversial hypothesis about variance in mathematical ability is discussed in relation to this.

Discussions and inquiries related to gender identity, including issues of gender transition and the social and ethical implications thereof. This is listed as a topic that has been submitted for the journal.

A philosophy and social movement that uses evidence and reason to determine the most effective ways to improve the world. Peter Singer has been an inspiration to many within this movement.

A form of public shaming and withdrawal of support from public figures or companies that are perceived to have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner. The journal is partly a response to concerns about cancel culture impacting academic discourse.

The practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. Peter Singer mentions being silenced in Germany for speaking about euthanasia for severely disabled newborn infants.

The idea of allowing individuals to sell their place in line for vaccine distribution, potentially generating funds that could be used to address societal inequalities.

The process and ethics of distributing vaccines, particularly relevant during pandemics. Ethical questions include prioritization and potentially market-based approaches.

Refers to a Jewish diaspora group originating from Central and Eastern Europe. Sam Harris uses his Ashkenazi background as an example when discussing group identity and inherited traits vs. individual ability.

The allocation and distribution of healthcare resources within a society. The discussion of vaccine privileges is likened to broader debates on how medical resources should be distributed.

Relating to Norway or its people. Mentioned as an example of a population group for which mean differences in measurable traits might be found compared to other groups.

A country where Catholicism is the predominant religion and has significant cultural influence. Italy is cited as an example where discussions on topics like gay marriage were once met with strong resistance.

Unusual or abnormal physical characteristics. Sam Harris mentions a museum collection of such items, including cyclopses in formaldehyde, as a possible analogy for a collection of controversial ideas.

The role of genetic factors in determining an individual's intelligence. This topic is mentioned as being controversial and difficult to discuss openly in some academic circles.

The discussion around potential differences in intelligence quotients between various racial and ethnic populations, a topic considered highly taboo in academic and public discourse.

The legal recognition of marriage between two people of the same sex. Discussed as an example of a once-controversial topic that has become more widely accepted through open discussion.

A field of study that deals with ethical questions that arise in medicine and healthcare. Francesca Minerva published an article about the moral status of newborns in a medical ethics journal.

A country where Peter Singer reportedly faced opposition and was silenced for speaking about euthanasia for severely disabled newborn infants.

A political and social movement emphasizing conservative Christian principles. They are mentioned as a source of opposition to academic discussions on topics like euthanasia.

An academic institution where Peter Singer is a professor of bioethics.

A magazine that, years ago, published an account of how to make an H-bomb, which Peter Singer cites as an example of potentially dangerous information that might not warrant publication.

Academic departments focused on physics. The underrepresentation of women here is also discussed as a potential example of differential interest.

A new academic journal founded by Peter Singer, Francesca Minerva, and Jeff McMahan, designed to provide a platform for publishing controversial ideas, with options for anonymous or pseudonymous publication to protect authors.

An academic institution where Francesca Minerva works as a research fellow.

A social movement advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Some segments of this movement have aligned with opposition to certain bioethical discussions.

Academic departments focused on engineering disciplines. The underrepresentation of women in these fields is discussed as a potential example of differential interest rather than solely bigotry.

An academic institution where Jeff McMahan is a professor of moral philosophy.

Online platforms that facilitate social networking and information sharing. The widespread use of social media in 2012 amplified the backlash to Minerva's article on infanticide.

The global network of computers that allows for communication and information access. Its prevalence contributed to the rapid spread of online abuse following the publication of a controversial article.

Policies and practices designed to address past and present discrimination by providing opportunities to members of historically underrepresented groups. It's discussed in relation to university admissions and representation.

A book by Peter Singer, considered foundational to the animal rights movement, first published in 1975 and being updated for a revised edition.