Are beauty standards ethical? Who decides what is beautiful? Can someone actually make the autonomous decision to undergo plastic surgery? Tune in to this episode to hear Marcella and Samad explore the ethics of cosmetic surgery. Sources: The Ethics of Cosmetic Surgery in Relation to Autonomy. https://www.bioethicsproject.org/the-ethics-of-cosmetic…

Content Warning- this episode discusses gun violence and death. After the loss of Zijie Yan in August of 2023, UNC students are still calling on local and state legislature for gun control policies. Aditi and Aidan reflect on what that day felt like for them, how UNC has responded to students who feel their needs were unmet, and the link between a …

Tune in to this episode to hear Marcella's thoughts as she dives into the psychology and science behind twin births. Multiple births are on the rise along with major advancements in birth control like IVF, so let's examine the twin experience through the lens of nature versus nurture. All music used in this episode was obtained through Epidemic Sou…

Did you use ChatGPT this semester...? How do these language models even work? Is there a way we can ethically use ChatGPT in higher education? What does acceptable use look like from an ethical standpoint? Are robots going to take over the world??? Tune in to hear Jakob and Samad's thoughts on what the future of AI in the classroom should look like…

Tune in to this episode to hear Aidan, Marcella and Samad discuss free speech in today's democracy. How do we balance pillars of democracy like free speech in a digital world? How does democracy work for the people? How do we manage the marketplace of ideas today? Why are people banned on Twitter? Most importantly, should Aidan just become dictator…

Tune in to this episode to hear Aidan and Samad discuss the ins and outs of how the NCAA Tournament works, how parity plays into championships, seeding, ranking teams, and some unique commentary by Aidan. Is this the start of another series in the ChapelPhil universe? Maybe... All music used in this episode was obtained through Epidemic Sound. All …

MoraliTV presents its pilot episode where host Sofia Casini discusses the ethics of cheating and revenge to get to the bottom of the Ross versus Rachel cheating debate. Audio credits: Sofia Casini Music by Slip.stream - "Daytime" - https://slip.stream/tracks/c16ae817-36d4-4bde-9da6-5062aaa852d0 https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/ https://freesou…

In this episode, Aidan, Marcella and Samad discuss the rich history of the vegan diet and how a worldwide dietary phenomenon has been falsely dubbed as something for only "rich, white folks." Tune in to this episode to hear our thoughts on ways we can decolonize veganism and allow for other vegan voices to be heard. All music used in this episode w…

In this episode, Aditi, Ashley and Jakob argue if gossip is inherently good or inherently bad. Do intentions matter more than the outcome of a situation? When is it acceptable? Is gossip just a part of the innate human need to exchange information and communicate? And what is the history behind the stereotype of someone who is "a gossip?" Tune in t…

In this episode, two new podcasters, Aidan and Marcella, join Samad to discuss the age-old question of whether or not it is ethical to have children. From anti-natalism to Thomas Hobbes, tune in to hear our thoughts on the implications of having children. All music used in this episode was obtained through Epidemic Sound. Thank you to the Parr Cent…

Welcome to the first episode of 2023 this year, we have some new voices on the podcast! In this episode, Aditi, Ashley, Jakob, and Sofia discuss medical and philosophical conceptions of disability and how accommodations should be made, specifically, on our campus. Where does that responsibility of making accommodations lie? How do we facilitate pro…

In this episode, Annette, Andy, Max, and Samad take on the heavy conversation of how the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Board of Trustees runs. Where do we draw the line between education and politics? Tune into this episode to hear our thoughts. All music used in this episode was obtained through Epidemic Sound. Thank you to the Par…

In this episode, Brennan, Elise and Ashley talk about attendance policies and if/how they should be factored into grading. What does ethical, holistic grading look like? What really counts as participation, is it just speaking to get your points in or offering some unbelievable piece of information no one has ever thought of before? What about stud…

Who can really be held accountable for the faults of an A.I. weapon? Is it a good idea to be incorporating dangerous weapons such as drones, lethal autonomous weapons, and other forms of A.I. into war? In this episode, Andy, Annette, Samad, and Max are back to talk about some of the benefits and drastic consequences of including A.I. technology in …

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions on mental health, suicide, generational trauma, and racial violence. What does ethical mental health care look like among the UNC student body? How do long waitlists to see a therapist, pricey appointments, and a lack of involvement from the university harm UNC students? In this episode, Ashley, Br…

Limited testing, no vaccine mandate, no quarantine housing, echo chambers, and a soon-to-be lifted mask mandate. What does this mean for UNC? Tune in to our second episode of the Spring semester to hear Max and Annette duke it out over Individualist and Collectivist approaches to handling a virus like COVID-19. In this episode, Samad and Andy chall…

In our first episode of the 2021-2022 school year, Andy, Samad, and Max discuss the ethics behind keeping academia locked behind paywalls. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a number of financial issues for the university, but why are our JSTOR subscriptions are the first to go ? Tools that are vital to the education of students, support of staff wi…

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! R…

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: Al…

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 …

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 Philosop…

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://…

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 emotion…

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 …

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! …

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 featu…

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. Citat…

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 Cla…

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 obl…

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 wh…

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 explor…

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 prog…

Today on the podcast we're talking about the devil of government structures: Fascism. Joined by German History Prof., Konrad Jarausch, Hamish leads a discussion on the difficulties of defining fascism and identifying its historical causes. In the second half of the episode, we talk about the possibility of fascism returning. Towards the end, Dr. Ja…

With the increased help of the Parr Center, Chapel Phil is excited to announce two new types of episodes: The first series is titled Arete, (Air-ih-tay) which is Greek for virtue. These episodes will highlight students on campus that demonstrate a particularly noteworthy trait. Nominations will come from staff or other peers. This series is a new w…

In this episode, Hamish and Max Forster, a guest parr center fellow, recorded a special episode with one of our favorite Assistant Philosophy professors at UNC, Dr. Alex Worsnip. The discussion centered on Dr. Worsnip’s research about how people can maintain irrational mental states. In the second half of the episode, they explored how rationality …

This episode is a deep dive into the inspiration behind a masterful collection of poems. William Brewer has been touched personally and has taken up a mantle to write for all who have been harmed by the opioid epidemic. Specifically regarding West Virginia, Brewer brings a pointed critique of how the United States can erase states with a "culture o…

This is a short outtake from a tangent, which was edited out of our last episode with Geoff Sayre-McCord. Learn who Sina's favorite philosopher is, what he thought about dinner parties, and which sense is the most worthless! This is an exciting, short bit that we are happy to share.

What is the PPE program? Coming on to talk about the second most popular minor at UNC is the director of the program, Morehead-Cain Distinguished Professor Geoff Sayre-McCord. We discuss Geoff's experiences as the executive director, how he has seen students grow, and what some of his best experiences have been with the program. Plus, outtakes to c…

In this episode, Sina and Hamish speak with Dr. Hiroaki Matsuura on the efficacy of human rights. Join our conversation on human rights, health, and public policy! Link to published works

The Monroe Doctrine: a lecture with Dr. Philip Brenner Enacted in 1823 but still relevant under the Trump administration, what is the Monrow Doctrine? Today’s episode features Dr. Philip Brenner, director of the US Foreign Policy Program and professor at American University. Dr. Brenner discusses not only the unique role the Monroe Doctrine has pla…

A Thanksgiving Dinner Survival Guide: The Importance of Conversation with Pearce Godwin On today's episode, we have on Pearce Godwin, a UNC Alumnus and creator/CEO of the National Conversation Project. After receiving acclaim for his impromptu article titled ‘It’s Time to Listen’, he went on to create the 'National Conversation Project', which seek…

Criminal and Retributive Justice: Rethinking Blame with Professor Erin Kelly On this episode we are excited to welcome Professor Erin Kelly of Tufts University. Her work has been instrumental in identifying the wrongs of our current American penal and judicial systems. Our conversation dives into the core issues that ground retributive judgement an…

Brexit: Witnessing Political Fission Great Britain threatens the world order with their decision to leave the EU. Will they actually leave? What are the arguments for and against? Here to break down the ramifications of the brexit phenomenon is former London School of Economics professor and current assistant professor at Carolina, Dr. Alex Marcoci…

Brexit: Witnessing Political Fission Great Britain threatens the world order with their decision to leave the EU. Will they actually leave? What are the arguments for and against? Here to break down the ramifications of the brexit phenomenon is former London School of Economics professor and current assistant professor at Carolina, Dr. Alex Marcoci…

In this episode we talk privacy. Under discussion is the recently released Motherboard report, which shines light on how the DMV has been selling citizens' data to third parties. It truly is a crazy time we live in! Do investigators have your address and license plate number? Join us on this quick journey into DMV profiteering, individual rights, a…

In today's episode, Sina, Noah, and Xzavier question why supremacy has persisted throughout history. We explore historical causes and philosophical justifications. Sources: History of the White Patriots in NC: https://www.ncpedia.org/white-patriots-north-carolina Racism behind the Star Spangled Banner: https://www.theroot.com/star-spangled-bigotry-…

In todays episode, Anna, Noah, Sina, and Xzavier will be discussing power. Is it ever justified to hold power? Can power be used to achieve morally good goals? What can you get away with when you have power? These are some of the questions that we have about the world we live in. We will be using the Russia vs. Ukraine conflict as an example as we …