Episode · Modern Wisdom · 2020-08-27

Books mentioned on How Do We Define What Is Good & Bad? - Cosmic Skeptic - #214

8 books · With Alex O'Connor · Listen · Watch on YouTube

Alex O'Connor is a philosopher & YouTuber. Get ready for a mental workout today as Alex poses some of the most famous and most difficult questions in ethics.

Chris Williamson recommended The Precipice by Toby Ord, and discussed The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus. Alex O’Connor recommended Justice by Patrick Savidan and others, Practical ethics by Peter Singer, Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill, Mill on Utilitarianism by Roger Crisp, and Ethics in the Real World by Peter Singer, and discussed Meditations by Aurelius Marcus.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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  1. The Precipice

    Toby Ord · at 45:49

    The Precipice by Toby Ord is a comprehensive examination of existential risks and the future of humanity, assessing the various perils that could threaten the survival of civilization.

    Recommended
    “one of my favorite books recently read the precipice by toby ord who i texted you about and said is he one of your lecturers at uni the press piece about existential rescues from the same future of humanity institute nick bostrom guy that i've read for tons and tons of time sits down with my favorite podcaster joe rogan”
    Where to get it
  2. The Myth of Sisyphus

    Albert Camus · at 1:16:54

    The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus is a prominent philosophical essay examining the absurdist condition, human suffering, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

    Discussed
    “albert camus in the myth of sisyphus says that for the man who does not cheat what he determines to be true must determine his actions and that sentence almost single-handedly made me go vegan”
    Where to get it
  3. Justice

    Patrick Savidan; Michael Sandel · at 1:25:14

    Justice by Michael Sandel and Patrick Savidan is a widely acclaimed exploration of moral philosophy that examines contemporary dilemmas through the lens of political theory and ethical frameworks.

    Recommended
    “i would recommend if you're just looking to get into ethics michael sandell's justice is a good place to start”
    Where to get it
  4. Practical ethics

    Peter Singer · at 1:25:19

    Practical ethics by Peter Singer is a prominent philosophy book that addresses applied ethical issues, including the definition of equality, the moral status of animals, and complex dilemmas surrounding life and death.

    Recommended
    “you can also read peter singer's practical ethics where he he goes over and kind of discusses what does equality mean when is it okay to kill you know like all of these kind of these kind of questions it's a really good introduction”
    Where to get it
  5. Utilitarianism

    John Stuart Mill · at 1:25:36

    Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill is a foundational philosophical text that articulates the ethical framework emphasizing the greatest happiness principle and the moral significance of actions.

    Recommended
    “if you're interested in the discussions on utilitarianism that we've been having then roger crisp's book mill on utilitarianism is the analysis that's worth reading and i think if you want to read utilitarianism by john stuart mill it's worth reading it alongside crisps analysis or reading crisps analysis first just to make sure you kind of understand everything that”
    Where to get it
  6. Mill on Utilitarianism

    Roger Crisp · at 1:25:36

    Mill on Utilitarianism by Roger Crisp is a detailed philosophical analysis and commentary on John Stuart Mill's classic ethical writings.

    Recommended
    “if you're interested in the discussions on utilitarianism that we've been having then roger crisp's book mill on utilitarianism is the analysis that's worth reading and i think if you want to read utilitarianism by john stuart mill it's worth reading it alongside crisps analysis or reading crisps analysis first just to make sure you kind of understand everything that”
    Where to get it
  7. Meditations

    Aurelius Marcus · at 1:25:50

    Meditations is a profound collection of personal journals and philosophical notes written by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, offering timeless insights on Stoic philosophy, self-discipline, and enduring hardship.

    Discussed
    “and understand that marcus aurelius's meditations where you need to have like someone or someone along for the ride who can actually explain what's going on”
    Where to get it
  8. Ethics in the Real World

    Peter Singer · at 1:26:23

    Ethics in the Real World by Peter Singer is a collection of accessible essays exploring pressing moral issues, poverty, animal welfare, and applied ethics.

    Recommended
    “ethics in the real world is also a good collection of essays by peter singer as well”
    Where to get it