Viterbi Conversations in Ethics Podcast

In this episode, join USC computer science undergraduate Starr Hinton and host Brennen Rudd as they explore a serious problem plaguing the video games industry. Crunch culture is a pattern of frequent and intense overwork that is generally accepted in a workplace. Most programmers are forced to work a sleepless night here and there, but once developers are camping out in their offices, something needs to change. To make matters worse, employees are rarely paid for this overtime. Starr and Brennen explore the causes, effects, and potential solutions.

In this episode of the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics, expert guest Professor Nenad Medvidovic discusses the ethical dimensions of software engineering. The conversation covers the evolution of ethical decision-making with AI and machine learning advancements, emphasizing user privacy and informed consent. It explores how software architecture impacts ethical implications and strategies for addressing AI biases. Topics also include open source software, intellectual property, environmental sustainability, and the ethical challenges of autonomous systems. The importance of a professional code of ethics, ethical software testing, and navigating global cultural differences are highlighted. This discussion offers insights into balancing technological progress with ethical responsibility in software engineering.

In this episode of Viterbi Conversations in Ethics, hosted by Aryan Shah, a data science graduate, the focus is on the ethics of plastic consumption and battery production. Jessica Huang discusses the benefits and versatility of plastics, their detrimental environmental and health effects, and the imperative for collaboration among scientists, engineers, consumers, businesses, and governments to address overuse. The conversation emphasizes engineers' ethical responsibility in tackling plastic pollution, debates government versus consumer accountability, and explores challenges faced by individuals in adopting sustainable practices. Scott Sobolewski explores the ethical dilemmas in battery production, including environmental impacts and the mining of rare-earth metals like cobalt and lithium. The discussion also covers alternative technologies such as sodium-ion batteries and the role of engineers and public awareness in promoting ethical practices. Together, the episode aims to highlight the complexities of ethical consumption, propose solutions, and underscore the pivotal role of engineers in fostering a sustainable future.

In this episode of Viterbi Conversations in Ethics, hosts Brennen Rudd, a computational biology graduate student, and Aryan Shah, a data science graduate, explore the ethical dimensions of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Featuring Fred Pan, an engineering student and author of the paper "The Dark Side of the Bright EV Future," the discussion delves into the complex ethical considerations surrounding EVs. The conversation addresses issues such as the human rights and environmental impacts of mining critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, the role of engineers in ethical product development, and policy changes needed for a more ethical supply chain. The episode aims to uncover the nuanced realities of the EV industry, propose ethical solutions, and discuss the future challenges and innovations that could drive a more sustainable and ethical future for electric vehicles.

In this episode of Viterbi Conversations in Ethics, host Aryan Shah, a data science graduate, explores the ethical dimensions of healthcare. Featuring Julia Gloria and Vasil Gucev, the discussion delves into their respective topics within healthcare ethics. The conversation addresses the evolution of ethical decision-making with technological advancements, the critical importance of patient autonomy and informed consent, and the reshaping of ethical considerations by technology. Julia Gloria discusses her paper "Conception and Rejection: How Uterus Transplants are a Force for Good," covering ethical frameworks, misconceptions, and the balance between donor rights and recipient needs. Vasil Gucev explores the ethical terrain of Neuralink, discussing humanity, virtue, and utilitarian considerations in neural prosthetics. The episode aims to uncover the nuanced realities of healthcare ethics, propose ethical solutions, and discuss future challenges and innovations that could drive a more ethical and sustainable future in healthcare.

In this episode, neuroscience student Katie Martin and VCE Podcast host Brennen Rudd discuss CRISPR-Cas9, a novel gene editing technology. CRISPR-Cas9 has become the predominant method of adding, removing, or modifying DNA. Additionally, this technique is cheaper, faster, and much more reliable than previous technologies, toppling the barriers to progress in genetic engineering. For this new world of possibilities, mere science fiction two decades ago, the question is no longer if we can, but if we should.

Hosts Maya and Josh discuss the ethics of lithium battery mining and electric vehicle use with a panel of engineering essayists.

In this episode, the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics team explores the ethics behind clean energy. 

In this episode, the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics team explores the ethics behind predictive policing. 

In this episode, the Viterbi Conversations in Ethics team explores the ethics behind cryptocurrency.