3 chapters across the catalog
Research conducted in the Netherlands explored the effects of oxytocin on social behavior and decision-making. While often called the "love drug," the study revealed that oxytocin increases cooperation with in-group members while simultaneously heightening xenophobia and aggression toward out-groups. Participants were less likely to sacrifice individuals with familiar names in "trolley problem" simulations when under the influence of the hormone.
Traffic Light Placement and the Trolley Track Invention
A discussion on the difficulty of seeing poorly placed traffic lights in different U.S. cities leads to a humorous invention idea. One host proposes a car with a hole in the floor and a lever to grip San Francisco's trolley cables for a free ride. The segment concludes with a bet on the future viability of self-driving cars.
Self-Driving Cars, Ethical Programming and Moral Dilemmas
The ethical challenges of programming self-driving cars are explored through a hypothetical scenario involving a choice between hitting school children or a head-on collision. The hosts debate how an automated system should prioritize the life of the driver versus pedestrians. This "question of conscience" highlights the legal and moral complexities facing companies like Google as they develop autonomous vehicle technology.
