In this episode of What Should You Do?, Brennan takes us through Groundhog Day, where every day repeats itself! Without long-term consequences, is theft still immoral? How about harming others? Listen in to hear what Philosophers think, and Brennan's quick witted responses. Special thanks to the UNC Philosophy department for many great responses!  Resources:  All music featured in this episode is the property of Epidemic Sound  For more on Camus and Absurdism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hJZEq61KeM&vl=en 

Chapel Phil

WSYD: The Infinite Loop

More justices doesn't mean more justice. In this episode of Chapel Phil, Max Hazerjian tours the history of the US Supreme Court to examine when and how it can be expanded. After historical framing, Max argues that many other methods of court reform could be superior political and constitutional alternatives -- listen to find out why!  Citations: All music in this episode is the property of Epidemic Sound.  Berman, Russell. “Republicans Abandon the Filibuster to Save Neil Gorsuch.” The Atlantic, April 6, 2017. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/04/republicans-nuke-the-filibuster-tosave-neil-gorsuch/522156/.  Buchanan, Mary Jo. “The Need for Supreme Court Term Limits.” Center for American Progress (blog), August 3, 2020. https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/courts/reports/2020/08/03/488518/need-supreme-courtterm-limits/.  Burns, James MacGregor. Packing the Court: The Rise of Judicial Power and the Coming Crisis of the Supreme Court. New York City, New York: The Penguin Press, 2009.  Elving, Ron. “What Happened With Merrick Garland in 2016 and Why It Matters Now.” National Public Radio. June 29, 2018. https://www.npr.org/2018/06/29/624467256/what-happened-withmerrick-garland-in-2016-and-why-it-matters-now.  Emery Jr., C. Eugene. “In Context: The ‘Biden Rule’ on Supreme Court Nominations in an Election Year.” PolitiFact. March 17, 2016. https://www.politifact.com/article/2016/mar/17/contextbiden-rule-supreme-court-nominations/.  Hemel, Daniel. “Court-Packing Is a Dreadful Option. Biden Shouldn’t Rule It out.” Washington Post, October 12, 2020. http://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/10/12/court-packing-bidenthreat-supreme/.  Hodge, Maria L. Review of The Feasibility of “Rotating” Supreme Court Justices, by Tim Zubizarreta. JURIST, July 1, 2019. https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2019/07/maria-hodgerotating-justices/.  Sprunt, Barbara. “Biden Campaign Continues to Deflect on Court-Packing.” National Public Radio. October 11, 2020. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/11/922806310/biden-campaign-continues-todeflect-on-court-packing.  Stephenson, Jr., D. Grier, ed. An Essential Safeguard: Essays on the United States Supreme Court and Its Justices. Contributions in Legal Studies 63. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1991. Ballotpedia. “United States Court Reorganization Legislation,” n.d. https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_court_reorganization_legislation#:~:text=The%20Eighth% 20and%20Ninth%20Circuits,new%20states%20to%20the%20Union.&text=This%20Act%20als o%20rearranged%20the,to%20support%20the%20circuit%20court. 

Court Packing

How we move through the world depends upon how our identity interacts with the spaces around us.  This episode features the multi-talented Clay Morris, who is an activist, journalist, and podcaster, among other things. Listen along as Clay guides us through how he navigates spaces that aren't always designed for him.  The discussion covers spaces at UNC, spaces in general, and what the work to make spaces more inclusive looks like.  To hear/read more from Clay, check out the resources below, or look up SegreGAYtion or Coulture'd wherever you get your podcasts!  Resources/Citations:  claybmorris.com https://www.dailytarheel.com/staff/clay-morris http://coulture.org/author/claymorris/ All music in this episode is the property of Epidemic Sound.  

Claiming Spaces

What Should You Do?: Fake News brings back Brennan to talk about how we might interact with someone who promotes fake news. Reviewing input from Philosophers at UNC, Brennan navigates unfollowing, unfriending, and finding empathy for those who can't tell Babylon Bee from Breaking News.  References & Special Thanks: Special thanks to the UNC Philosophy department for their anonymous contributions. All rights to music from this episode belong to Epidemic Sound. 

WSYD: Fake News!

If I intentionally commit one crime, but another worse crime results, can I be held accountable? How about those that aided me?  In this episode, Anna dives into the efficacy and ethics of felony murder, touching on history in the common law and the American tradition.  Citations:  All music is the property of Epidemic Sound.  People V. Aaron: https://law.justia.com/cases/michigan/supreme-court/1980/57376-0.html  Lord Dacres & His Hunting Party: http://birdsongslaw.com/2008/06/25/read-a-history-of-the-felony-murder-rule/#:~:text=The%20common%20law%20felony%20murder,felony%2C%20the%20killing%20is%20murder.&text=it%20does%20not%20matter%20whether,life%20or%20criminally%20negligent%20behavior. On the comment that Felony Murder is an ineffective deterrent: The American Felony Murder Rule: Purpose and Effect. (D. Ganz) Berklee.edu

Felony Murder

In this episode, Noah critiques the decision of the University Administration to send some students back in person on February 8th, a seemingly arbitrary date.  We, UNC students, have finally started adjusting to online learning. So, unless the university can justify why we must start sending students back now, this decision is not worth the emotional, logistical, and physical stress that it will cause.  " In order to start holding our community accountable to ethical obligations, we must first ask "Why?" "  Citations: On mold being an acknowledged issue: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article236367948.html#:~:text=Mold%20is%20an%20issue%20for,dorms%20and%20privately%20managed%20Granville&text=Emili%20Potts%20first%20noticed%20the,her%20leaky%20air%20conditioning%20unit.&text=The%20doctor%20told%20her%20she,linked%20to%20the%20AC%20unit. New York Times database on Coronavirus Data: NC, Orange County  All rights to music featured in this podcast belong to Epidemic Sound. 

Back to In-Person Classes: Why Now?

What Should You Do? is a new episode series on Chapel Phil, led by Brennan Maynard.  Philosophers often say a lot about what other people should do, but what would they do in different tense situations? We put UNC philosophers into zany or serious situations and review their responses. Someone has to do it!  Content Warning: Suicide. (Skip mins. 3-5 if you please) In the inaugural episode, Brennan reviews how philosophers would act 1. in a zombie apocalypse, and 2. if they saw someone stealing some bread.  We hope you enjoy the fast-paced dramatic reading! Citations: https://philosophy.unc.edu/people-page/faculty/ All audio clips in this video are the rights of Epidemic Sound, purchased and paid for by Chapel Phil. 

WSYD: Zombies and Theft

Emily Rakes consults John Stuart Mill for advice on a concerning phenomenon: Anti-vaxxers endangering others in the name of "individualism". Does anti-vaxxing align with Mill's thoughts on individualism? How is the phenomenon typical of the United States' traditional individualism?  These questions and more, explored on this episode of Chapel Phil! As always, special thanks to Sid Sirdeshmukh & congrats on his new position at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Your beat-making skills will be of good use up there.  Citations: Alternative Medicine is a $34 Billion Industry, but Only One-Third of the Treatments have been Tested: Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/alternative-medicine-is-a-34-billion-industry-but-only-one-third-of-the-treatments-have-been-tested-879411/  Big Analytics Data Shows How America's Individualism Complicated Coronavirus Response: Retrieved from https://news.virginia.edu/content/big-data-analytics-shows-how-americas-individualism-complicates-coronavirus-response

Vaccines, Conspiracy, and Individualism

In this episode, Yueying debuts, referencing Nozick and Scruton's pieces on the concept of love.  Forming a union and a meaningful relationship requires many changes to one's life. How does the concept depend on the formation of another entity -- a collective concept of "WE"? Special Thanks once again to Sid Sirdeshmukh for providing the beats featured on this episode.  Sources Cited:  Nozick, R., 1989, “Love’s Bond”, in The Examined Life: Philosophical Meditations, New York: Simon & Schuster, 68–86. Scruton, R., 1986, Sexual Desire: A Moral Philosophy of the Erotic, New York: Free Press. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/love/#:~:text=Nozick%20(1989)%20offers%20a%20union,desire%20that%20your%20beloved%20reciprocates. 

Philosophy of Love: The Importance of "WE"

When musicians act immorally, should we still listen to their music?  In this episode, Elise discusses 1. the extent to which listening is an endorsement of an artist's actions, 2. whether we can separate art from an artist, and 3. how celebrity complicates the circumstances of public judgment.  Highlight quote:  TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault.  Citations: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/10/arts/sexual-harassment-art-hollywood.html  https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/timeline-of-chris-browns-history-of-violence-towards-women-103402/  https://www.insider.com/demi-lovato-finsta-pictures-anti-selena-gomez-accusations-2020-4 *we did not include links to Boogie Allen's cat or Beyonce's mattress pricing*  As always, opinions expressed on Chapel Phil in no way represent the stance of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the UNC Philosophy Department, the Parr Center for Ethics, or Chapel Phil as a whole. 

Musicians and Morality

Happy Holidays! This year, we're all "Ba Humbug"!  In her podcast debut, Brennan asks the question: Is it ethical to lie about Santa Claus to our children? Brennan consults many ethical perspectives in her search to determine an answer. Some perspectives include rule-based ethics, utilitarian calculations, Joe Biehl's "Lies, Damn Lies, and Santa Claus", and "Your Kids Believe in Santa? A Scientist Says to Tell Them to Stop It" from the Washington Post.  Is the existence of Santa reflective of a societal desire for control and order over our children? Perhaps we are a cynical bunch...  Special thanks to Sidharth Sirdeshmukh for masterminding the background beats! Links:  https://philosophynow.org/issues/135/Lies_Damn_Lies_and_Santa_Claus https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/12/18/your-kids-believe-santa-scientist-says-tell-them-stop-it/ Opinions espoused on Chapel Phil do not reflect the standpoints of the Parr Center for Ethics, Chapel Phil, or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Santa's Lies

Noah and Max talk about how the pandemic has strained many peoples' mental health. Questions like: "What can we do to improve mental health while complying with our moral obligations to others" and "What is the balance between social interaction and mental health" strive to uncover some aspects of the complex relationship between the pandemic's obligations and our own obligations to maintain mental wellness.  Episode Guide: 1- Social Beings 2- Discussion of adequate social interactions 3- manipulation of mental health as an excuse not to follow pandemic protocols 4- function of balancing obligations to others with obligations to ourselves  Fact Check link: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fact-checking-trumps-claim-suicide-thousands-economic-shutdown/story?id=69790273 The opinions expressed in Chapel Phil are not reflective of the podcast's overall opinions, the opinions of the UNC Philosophy Department, or the Parr Center for Ethics. 

Mental Health Amidst the Pandemic

Anna and Noah provide insights about some of the best professors and classes that they have taken at UNC.  As general advice, fulfilling your PH credit or continuing on in the philosophy major should be a fun and exciting process. We know that registration is stressful and overcomplicated,  but, hopefully, this episode can provide some insights on who you might want to take, or what courses you should be on the lookout for in the future!  As always, avoid those 8ams. Shoutout to Sidharth  To see all of the courses offered by the department in the coming semester, follow this link! https://philosophy.unc.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-courses/spring-2021/

Philosophy Course Recommendations: SPRING 2021

This episode continues with Hamish hosting Pavel, Mary Elizabeth, and Garry. Now, the focus of the conversation shifts to critiques of religion's interaction with society.  Has religion substituted proper mental healthcare for our elderly? Can the Church provide for the needs of society better than the government?  These questions and more are explored as our guests dive deeper into how they would like to see religion's relationship with our world change.  A greater description of each guest's background can be found in our last episode's description.  Links to Bedlam documentary information: https://itvs.org/films/bedlam , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIW6K3Xx6s0 As always, shout out to Hamish for starting his own podcast, Thoughts, which can be accessed here: https://linktr.ee/Thoughts_PhilosophyUntangled The views expressed on the Chapel Phil Podcast in no way, shape, or form represent the opinions of Chapel Phil, the Parr Center for Ethics, or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Religion Roundtable: Critiques

In this episode, Hamish hosts a diverse group of religious and non-religious guests. The episode centers around exploring how religion guides ethics, whether people should be religious, and a discussion of how religion exists in our current American society. To ground this discussion we have a diverse set of guests: a conservative Christian, a progressive Christian, and an atheist. This episode was recorded earlier in the year, before the pandemic.   Garry Crites is a well known-Durhamite. He is best known as the Executive Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Garry is a graduate of Duke's religious history Ph.D. studies program. He has experience teaching conservative perspectives on Christianity from his time as a Professor at Duke. *Not to be confused with our notorious campus Gary the Pit Preacher*. For more information on Garry, see https://naminc.org/nami-north-carolina-announces-new-executive-director/ Reverend Mary Elizabeth Hanchey is a graduate of UNC Law School, Duke Divinity, and now serves at the United Church of Chapel Hill. She is known for her commitment to combining social justice in her mission to spread the gospel. Mary Elizabeth brings a dearth of experiential knowledge about our southern community, particularly the North Carolina community.  Pavel Nitchovski is a self-proclaimed atheist, best known around UNC for teaching existentialism being the soul of the philosophy department. He is a graduate student in Philosophy and a High School Ethics Bowl Judge legend for asking questions to students about kicking puppies. He is passionate about film. Pavel hosts Philosophy at the Movies, a fun experience for UNC students to come and watch and discuss movies and their themes. We hope that it resumes after coronavirus passes. Pavel has the best humor and anecdotes in the Philosophy Department, according to the Chapel Phil team.  This is the first of two episodes that will come from this extended dialogue. 

Religion Roundtable: Religion and Society

A philosophy, politics, and economics podcast brought to you by the PPE department, Philosophy department, and Parr Center for Ethics at UNC Chapel Hill.

hubhopper

Chapel Phil

hubhopper