
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Michael and Caleb dive into classic philosophical thought experiments to uncover Stoic solutions to impossible choices. From the infamous Trolley Problem to the Happiness Machine, they examine how Stoicism's focus on virtue, context, and roles provides a unique framework for moral decision-making.
Unlike utilitarian or rule-based ethics, the Stoic approach emphasizes character over consequences, yet remains practical when facing life's hardest choices. This thought-provoking conversation challenges modern assumptions about ethical reasoning while revealing surprising Stoic positions on torture, self-sacrifice, and artificial pleasure.
(01:57) Trolley Problem
(14:35) Do Stoics Endorse Torture?
(20:31) Happiness Machine
(24:24) Utility Monster
(27:14) Euthyphro Dilemma
(35:53) Sinking Ship
(40:59) Prisoner's Dilemma
(46:11) Omelas Child
(53:59) Takeaways
***
Download the Stoa app (it's a free download): https://stoameditation.com/pod
If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.
Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
By Caleb5
4343 ratings
Michael and Caleb dive into classic philosophical thought experiments to uncover Stoic solutions to impossible choices. From the infamous Trolley Problem to the Happiness Machine, they examine how Stoicism's focus on virtue, context, and roles provides a unique framework for moral decision-making.
Unlike utilitarian or rule-based ethics, the Stoic approach emphasizes character over consequences, yet remains practical when facing life's hardest choices. This thought-provoking conversation challenges modern assumptions about ethical reasoning while revealing surprising Stoic positions on torture, self-sacrifice, and artificial pleasure.
(01:57) Trolley Problem
(14:35) Do Stoics Endorse Torture?
(20:31) Happiness Machine
(24:24) Utility Monster
(27:14) Euthyphro Dilemma
(35:53) Sinking Ship
(40:59) Prisoner's Dilemma
(46:11) Omelas Child
(53:59) Takeaways
***
Download the Stoa app (it's a free download): https://stoameditation.com/pod
If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.
Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/

16,180 Listeners

1,610 Listeners

12,732 Listeners

403 Listeners

2,261 Listeners

7,952 Listeners

4,955 Listeners

1,661 Listeners

58,521 Listeners

29,304 Listeners

20,334 Listeners

641 Listeners

101 Listeners

38 Listeners

8 Listeners