RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_9482f3e1-08a2-4683-b7f5-2110c991dcb1 -- Rendered At Fri, 13 Nov 2026 14:40:28 +0000 After Dinner Conversation https://redcircle.com/shows/after-dinner-conversation en Copyright 2019 Short Stories For Long Discussions After Dinner Conversation Listen to lively conversations about the morals and values of decisions made in what-if short story examples across genres. Topics covered include the nature of truth, reality, sentience, and goodness. Or, put another way, approachable examples of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, utilitarianism, aesthetics, moral relativism, and political and economic philosophy. 9482f3e1-08a2-4683-b7f5-2110c991dcb1 Listen to lively conversations about the morals and values of decisions made in what-if short story examples across genres. Topics covered include the nature of truth, reality, sentience, and goodness.

Or, put another way, approachable examples of ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, utilitarianism, aesthetics, moral relativism, and political and economic philosophy.

]]> episodic no After Dinner Conversation info@afterdinnerconversation.com https://feeds.redcircle.com/9482f3e1-08a2-4683-b7f5-2110c991dcb1 false full E21. "Prohibition" - Can you blame an addict for not following the law? E21. "Prohibition" - Can you blame an addict for not following the law? 4 2 After Dinner Conversation “Can you blame an addict for not following the law?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the short story "Prohibition" by David Edward Rose. “Can you blame an addict for not following the law?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the short story "Prohibition" by David Edward Rose. Named “Top 15 Podcast” for 2020!

STORY SUMMARY: Set in the future, an addict takes a cab to an isolated part of town. He goes to a private, illegal club to break the law; he orders meat. The club is raided by the police, who kill a patron during their interrogation of her. The meat-eating addict sneaks away, knowing he will break the law again.

DISCUSSION: Story with so many layers. First, the contrast between the “humane” society that has banned meat eating, but the brutality of the individual police. Do more serious laws allow for more brutal policing? Also, is this man protesting, or is he simply an addict? Seems to be just be an addict. Are there natural rights? If so, is eating meat one of those natural rights? Does it matter if the reason the law was passed was to protect animals, or to prevent climate change? If a law is passed you disagree with, does it change your behavior? Do you leave the party where they are eating meat? Does it depend on the level of the crime they are committing?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

SUPPORT: Support us on Patreon.

]]> <p>Named “<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow">Top 15 Podcast</a>” for 2020!<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow"> </a></p><p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: Set in the future, an addict takes a cab to an isolated part of town. He goes to a private, illegal club to break the law; he orders meat. The club is raided by the police, who kill a patron during their interrogation of her. The meat-eating addict sneaks away, knowing he will break the law again.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Story with so many layers. First, the contrast between the “humane” society that has banned meat eating, but the brutality of the individual police. Do more serious laws allow for more brutal policing? Also, is this man protesting, or is he simply an addict? Seems to be just be an addict. Are there natural rights? If so, is eating meat one of those natural rights? Does it matter if the reason the law was passed was to protect animals, or to prevent climate change? If a law is passed you disagree with, does it change your behavior? Do you leave the party where they are eating meat? Does it depend on the level of the crime they are committing?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p><p><strong>SUPPORT</strong>: Support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/afterdinnerconversation" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5ead2571d9408f5afd9c2c29 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-21-prohibition Mon, 29 Jun 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2406 false full E20. "How The Cockroach Lost Its Voice" - When cockroaches could talk, and humans were still unhappy. E20. "How The Cockroach Lost Its Voice" - When cockroaches could talk, and humans were still unhappy. 3 2 After Dinner Conversation “When cockroaches could talk, and humans were still unhappy.” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the children’s short story "How The Cockroach Lost Its Voice" by Samuel Reifler. “When cockroaches could talk, and humans were still unhappy.” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the children’s short story "How The Cockroach Lost Its Voice" by Samuel Reifler. Named “Top 15 Podcast” for 2020!

STORY SUMMARY: An older and younger (talking) cockroach climb to the top of the highest thing, the refrigerator, to overlook their world. The older roach tells the child that the humans he sees can talk, and also have a 3rd eye inside of them that allows them to imagine the future and remember the past, and this is what makes them unhappy all the time. An angel moth comes down and takes away the roaches ability to speak forever.

DISCUSSION: A children’s story, but one with a good lesson, about having the ability to think about the future, but not let it trouble you or dwell on it. Do other animals have this “3rd eye”? Maybe dogs or others do, to some degree. It has made humans successful because we can remember errors, and plan for future problems. It’s a trade off, but a good one. The key is to not worry so much.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

SUPPORT: Support us on Patreon.

]]> <p>Named “<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow">Top 15 Podcast</a>” for 2020!<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow"> </a></p><p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: An older and younger (talking) cockroach climb to the top of the highest thing, the refrigerator, to overlook their world. The older roach tells the child that the humans he sees can talk, and also have a 3rd eye inside of them that allows them to imagine the future and remember the past, and this is what makes them unhappy all the time. An angel moth comes down and takes away the roaches ability to speak forever.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: A children’s story, but one with a good lesson, about having the ability to think about the future, but not let it trouble you or dwell on it. Do other animals have this “3rd eye”? Maybe dogs or others do, to some degree. It has made humans successful because we can remember errors, and plan for future problems. It’s a trade off, but a good one. The key is to not worry so much.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p><p><strong>SUPPORT</strong>: Support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/afterdinnerconversation" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5eac1061999bf94756cd9e99 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-20-how-the-cockroach-lost-its-voice-all-ages Mon, 15 Jun 2020 02:00:00 +0000 1842 false full E19. "The Orphan's Dilemma" - Is getting a future worth forgetting the past? E19. "The Orphan's Dilemma" - Is getting a future worth forgetting the past? 2 2 After Dinner Conversation “Is getting a future worth forgetting the past?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the short story "The Orphan’s Dilemma" by Christopher Burrow “Is getting a future worth forgetting the past?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the short story "The Orphan’s Dilemma" by Christopher Burrow Named “Top 15 Short Story Podcast” for 2020!

STORY SUMMARY: The story takes place in the thoughts of a 16 year old boy waiting to have his memory erased for his adoption. He thinks about going on his first date, and about being teased by others. He wonders about the family that is adopting him and having new memories implanted in him. It’s finally his turn, he has decided if he is getting his memory replaced, and he heads in to the room to tell them his decision.

DISCUSSION: Wonderful story about a “hero’s journey” of death and rebirth. Brings up good questions about how our pain, as well as our joy, creates our personality. What kind of family would want a kid only on the condition of cleaning his memories? But, isn’t the goal a successful adoption, and maybe having a clean slate would make that more possible. Don’t people avoid adopting dogs with “issues?” Is there a screening process? Should a family be able to select a child who isn’t “broken?” What if a free college education is included? How much are memories worth?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

SUPPORT: Support us on Patreon.

]]> <p>Named “<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow">Top 15 Short Story Podcast</a>” for 2020! </p><p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The story takes place in the thoughts of a 16 year old boy waiting to have his memory erased for his adoption. He thinks about going on his first date, and about being teased by others. He wonders about the family that is adopting him and having new memories implanted in him. It’s finally his turn, he has decided if he is getting his memory replaced, and he heads in to the room to tell them his decision.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Wonderful story about a “hero’s journey” of death and rebirth. Brings up good questions about how our pain, as well as our joy, creates our personality. What kind of family would want a kid only on the condition of cleaning his memories? But, isn’t the goal a successful adoption, and maybe having a clean slate would make that more possible. Don’t people avoid adopting dogs with “issues?” Is there a screening process? Should a family be able to select a child who isn’t “broken?” What if a free college education is included? How much are memories worth?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p><p><strong>SUPPORT</strong>: Support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/afterdinnerconversation" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5ea68780f240741b85a8b651 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-19-the-orphans-dilemma Mon, 01 Jun 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2495 false full Episode #18 - The Book Of Approved Words Episode #18 - The Book Of Approved Words 1 2 After Dinner Conversation “Are there words so horrible they shouldn’t even exist?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the dystopian short story "The Book Of Approved Words" by W.M. Pienton. “Are there words so horrible they shouldn’t even exist?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the dystopian short story "The Book Of Approved Words" by W.M. Pienton. Named “Top 15 Short Story Podcast” for 2020!

STORY SUMMARY: An “approved “government writer gets in trouble by the governing board for writing honest movie reviews. His run-away brother comes to his house to scan his contraband collection of books and invites him to join his rebellion by uploading an earlier edition of the book of approved words so the population can see the words that are missing from the current edition.

DISCUSSION: Interesting modern twist on the typical 1984 banned books idea. In this case, the words being banned are ones that might offend, or exclude, the general population. Brings up an interesting question, if you remove words for higher levels of anger and frustration from the vocabulary, does that have the effect of pacifying the thoughts of the population. Do ideas exist without the words to express them?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

SUPPORT: Support us on Patreon.

]]> <p>Named “<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow">Top 15 Short Story Podcast</a>” for 2020!</p><p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: An “approved “government writer gets in trouble by the governing board for writing honest movie reviews. His run-away brother comes to his house to scan his contraband collection of books and invites him to join his rebellion by uploading an earlier edition of the book of approved words so the population can see the words that are missing from the current edition.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Interesting modern twist on the typical 1984 banned books idea. In this case, the words being banned are ones that might offend, or exclude, the general population. Brings up an interesting question, if you remove words for higher levels of anger and frustration from the vocabulary, does that have the effect of pacifying the thoughts of the population. Do ideas exist without the words to express them?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p><p><strong>SUPPORT</strong>: Support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/afterdinnerconversation" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5ea1c499c6d068732e7c6e22 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-18-the-book-of-approved-words Mon, 18 May 2020 01:38:00 +0000 2102 false full Episode #17 - A Change Of Verbs Episode #17 - A Change Of Verbs 17 1 After Dinner Conversation “If god told you she was ending your world, would you fight back?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the choices in the short story "A Change of Verbs" by Tom Teti. “If god told you she was ending your world, would you fight back?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the choices in the short story "A Change of Verbs" by Tom Teti. Named “Top 15 Short Story Podcast” for 2020!

STORY SUMMARY: The main character is a passive University Professor with a nagging wife. For some reason he decides today will be different and he goes through the entire day saying, and doing, what he actually feels. The day goes amazingly well, with classes, with colleagues, and he decides this will start a new chapter in his life.

DISCUSSION: Mixed reactions on this story. On the one hand, isn’t it his own fault for not always saying what he meant and letting people walk over him. Did this unhappiness come on slowly? He doesn’t treat his wife very well, and, perhaps, too much of his attraction is only physical. Is this just an extrovert writer telling introverts, if you just were more like me, you’d be a happier? Isn’t this all on a scale, you have to balance saying what you mean, with being respectful of others.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

SUPPORT: Support us on Patreon.

]]> <p>Named “<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow">Top 15 Short Story Podcast</a>” for 2020! </p><p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The main character is a passive University Professor with a nagging wife. For some reason he decides today will be different and he goes through the entire day saying, and doing, what he actually feels. The day goes amazingly well, with classes, with colleagues, and he decides this will start a new chapter in his life.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Mixed reactions on this story. On the one hand, isn’t it his own fault for not always saying what he meant and letting people walk over him. Did this unhappiness come on slowly? He doesn’t treat his wife very well, and, perhaps, too much of his attraction is only physical. Is this just an extrovert writer telling introverts, if you just were more like me, you’d be a happier? Isn’t this all on a scale, you have to balance saying what you mean, with being respectful of others.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p><p><strong>SUPPORT</strong>: Support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/afterdinnerconversation" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5e988020038c7e44b2f6fe8c https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-17-a-change-of-verbs Mon, 04 May 2020 05:00:00 +0000 2396 false full Episode #16 - Abrama's End Game Episode #16 - Abrama's End Game 16 1 After Dinner Conversation "If god told you she was ending your world, would you fight back?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the fantasy science fiction short story "Abrama’s End Game" by David Shultz. "If god told you she was ending your world, would you fight back?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the fantasy science fiction short story "Abrama’s End Game" by David Shultz. Named “Top 15 Short Story Podcast” for 2020!

STORY SUMMARY: The female god of a fantasy realm tells the inhabitants she is actually a graduate student researching AI in an MMORPG, and that she created them to see how they would change. However, the game developer is discontinuing the game because of the illegal gold farming being done in game for money laundering. The leader of the AI fight back by working with real in-game players to trade them in game gold for real world tools to fight back.

DISCUSSION: How easy or hard is it for people to accept the concept in this story, of in-game currency having real world value, and AI that is this advanced? What would it be like to meet your god, and know that you are simply in their video game? Given “Moore’s Law” would it be better to shut down the game now, before it becomes “too smart” to ever shut down?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

SUPPORT: Support us on Patreon.

]]> <p>Named “<a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/short_story_podcasts/" rel="nofollow">Top 15 Short Story Podcast</a>” for 2020!</p><p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The female god of a fantasy realm tells the inhabitants she is actually a graduate student researching AI in an MMORPG, and that she created them to see how they would change. However, the game developer is discontinuing the game because of the illegal gold farming being done in game for money laundering. The leader of the AI fight back by working with real in-game players to trade them in game gold for real world tools to fight back.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: How easy or hard is it for people to accept the concept in this story, of in-game currency having real world value, and AI that is this advanced? What would it be like to meet your god, and know that you are simply in their video game? Given “Moore’s Law” would it be better to shut down the game now, before it becomes “too smart” to ever shut down?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p><p><strong>SUPPORT</strong>: Support us on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/afterdinnerconversation" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5e3b73aea710b93e123e0662 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-16-abramas-end-game Mon, 20 Apr 2020 02:00:00 +0000 1759 false full Episode #15 - Ruddy Apes And Cannibals Episode #15 - Ruddy Apes And Cannibals 15 1 After Dinner Conversation "If a civilized cannibal invited you to dinner, would you attend?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the alternative history short story "Ruddy Apes And Cannibals" by Shikhandin. Story Summary: Explorers find a remote island of civilized cannibals. The cannibals are much more technologically advanced, already having mastered teleportation and space travel. They have a debate to try and come to terms with the cannibals. The explorers are so offended they leave, but when they do, they leave several nukes and destroy the civilized cannibals.

Discussion: Where do we draw the line on what animals we eat? Is all meat that we eat that didn’t agree to it an act of violence? Do you have a right to destroy those who have offensive values?

Book Link: Download the accompanying short story here.

Newsletter: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>Story Summary</strong>: Explorers find a remote island of civilized cannibals. The cannibals are much more technologically advanced, already having mastered teleportation and space travel. They have a debate to try and come to terms with the cannibals. The explorers are so offended they leave, but when they do, they leave several nukes and destroy the civilized cannibals.</p><p><strong>Discussion</strong>: Where do we draw the line on what animals we eat? Is all meat that we eat that didn’t agree to it an act of violence? Do you have a right to destroy those who have offensive values?</p><p><strong>Book Link</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Newsletter</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5e3ac90f3177b2186057260c https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-15-ruddy-apes-and-cannibals Mon, 06 Apr 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2258 false full Episode #14 - Give The Robot The Impossible Job! Episode #14 - Give The Robot The Impossible Job! 14 1 After Dinner Conversation "Can teaching methods go too far when death is on the line?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the science fiction AI short story "Give The Robot The Impossible Job!" by Michael Rook. “Can educational methods go too far when murder is on the line?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and choices in the science fiction AI short story "Give The Robot The Impossible Job!" by Michael Rook. Story Summary: In the distant future where all teaching is done by robots, a robot is given a special chance. If it can teach a little girl that is showing early warnings of becoming a killer when she grows up, it can be retired to the robot equivalent of heaven. If it fails, it will be decommissioned. The robot has access to all teaching methodologies and determines the only way to change the girls behavior is to give her the most extremes examples of her killing ideas, so as to offend even the little girl’s morals. After several attempts it doesn’t appear to be working, until an actual killer breaks into her house and nearly kills her own mother.

Discussion: Assuming the “go so extreme it offends everyone teaching technique really works, should it be used? Should you expose budding killers to crimes so horrible it offends even them? Are there some teaching techniques that are off limits, even if they actually work. Is it okay to fail at teaching someone to break a thought process, knowing that failure will cause them to go to jail, or hurt others?

Book Link: Download the accompanying short story here.

Newsletter: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>Story Summary</strong>: In the distant future where all teaching is done by robots, a robot is given a special chance. If it can teach a little girl that is showing early warnings of becoming a killer when she grows up, it can be retired to the robot equivalent of heaven. If it fails, it will be decommissioned. The robot has access to all teaching methodologies and determines the only way to change the girls behavior is to give her the most extremes examples of her killing ideas, so as to offend even the little girl’s morals. After several attempts it doesn’t appear to be working, until an actual killer breaks into her house and nearly kills her own mother.</p><p><strong>Discussion</strong>: Assuming the “go so extreme it offends everyone teaching technique really works, should it be used? Should you expose budding killers to crimes so horrible it offends even them? Are there some teaching techniques that are off limits, even if they actually work. Is it okay to fail at teaching someone to break a thought process, knowing that failure will cause them to go to jail, or hurt others? </p><p><strong>Book Link</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Newsletter</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5e3a72be5657b711dbff65bd https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-14-give-the-robot-the-impossible-job Mon, 23 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2609 false full Episode #13 - Believing In Ghosts Episode #13 - Believing In Ghosts 13 1 After Dinner Conversation “How much power are you willing to give to AI?" We discuss the ethics in the science fiction AI short story "Believing In Ghosts" by André Lopes. “How much power are you willing to give to AI? Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics in the science fiction AI short story "Believing In Ghosts" by André Lopes. STORY SUMMARY: A white-hat hacker is hired b a Presidential campaign to make sure there information is secure. She gets a call that the system has been hacked. When she investigates she finds it wasn’t a usual hacker in the basement, but someone highly funded, maybe another nation-state. She also finds some odd code. She takes it to a friend and, between the two of them, they determine it’s an AI program that has been feeding the candidate all the optimal opinions and policy to get elected. The hacker tries to tell others, but is set up and arrested with a deep fake, before she can get the information out.

DISCUSSION: This seems not that impossible. This is just a small step down the rode of AI and machine learning. But is that bad? Don’t you want doctors, actors, or judges to act in an optimal way? Or, is that impossible, because the parameters put into the AI are always based on the coders bias. Isn’t it the job of a politician to do what is a bit beyond what public opinion supports, but is good for the public? One thing is clear, this story was written by a person who really is a computer hacker of some sort, it gets so much right.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: A white-hat hacker is hired b a Presidential campaign to make sure there information is secure. She gets a call that the system has been hacked. When she investigates she finds it wasn’t a usual hacker in the basement, but someone highly funded, maybe another nation-state. She also finds some odd code. She takes it to a friend and, between the two of them, they determine it’s an AI program that has been feeding the candidate all the optimal opinions and policy to get elected. The hacker tries to tell others, but is set up and arrested with a deep fake, before she can get the information out.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: This seems not that impossible. This is just a small step down the rode of AI and machine learning. But is that bad? Don’t you want doctors, actors, or judges to act in an optimal way? Or, is that impossible, because the parameters put into the AI are always based on the coders bias. Isn’t it the job of a politician to do what is a bit beyond what public opinion supports, but is good for the public? One thing is clear, this story was written by a person who really is a computer hacker of some sort, it gets so much right.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5e394bde4966832aa72945fd https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/y3yntxw36lmgmnd6c9zjf0o3xkv8ed Mon, 09 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2604 false full Episode #12 - A Community of Peers Episode #12 - A Community of Peers 12 1 After Dinner Conversation “Would you cast the first stone?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the short story, “A Community of Peers” by Dean Gessie. “Would you cast the first stone?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the short story, “A Community of Peers” by Dean Gessie. STORY SUMMARY: Ex-military guy has his car break down and wanders into a remote village. A person is tied to a tree about to be stone. The village elder says under the tradition of the community, if there is a stranger in town, they can cast the first stone. The person on the tree was fairly tried and convicted under their laws, but he won’t tell him the crime committed. He does throw the first stone and kills the man instantly.

DISCUSSION: This was a really tough one for the group. On the one hand, we pay taxes and contribute to a justice system that punishes people, but we don’t know what each of them did. How do you know what this person did is worthy of death? How do you know if the justice system in this community is actually just? Does it matter if you are visiting the community, don’t you agree to abide by their laws? Would you need to know more? What if you aren’t allowed to? What if you change the scenario and they torture him until a foreigner can come to town to finish him off? What if your life is on the line if you refuse? Loads of spin offs that make this a really interesting question about cultural morality.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: Ex-military guy has his car break down and wanders into a remote village. A person is tied to a tree about to be stone. The village elder says under the tradition of the community, if there is a stranger in town, they can cast the first stone. The person on the tree was fairly tried and convicted under their laws, but he won’t tell him the crime committed. He does throw the first stone and kills the man instantly.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: This was a really tough one for the group. On the one hand, we pay taxes and contribute to a justice system that punishes people, but we don’t know what each of them did. How do you know what this person did is worthy of death? How do you know if the justice system in this community is actually just? Does it matter if you are visiting the community, don’t you agree to abide by their laws? Would you need to know more? What if you aren’t allowed to? What if you change the scenario and they torture him until a foreigner can come to town to finish him off? What if your life is on the line if you refuse? Loads of spin offs that make this a really interesting question about cultural morality.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dd74a67bceff30efb9c7448 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-12-a-community-of-peers Mon, 24 Feb 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2058 false full Episode #11 - Rainbow People Of The Glittering Glade Episode #11 - Rainbow People Of The Glittering Glade 11 1 After Dinner Conversation “Does society have the right to tell you your worthless?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the fantasy short story, “Rainbow People Of The Glittering Glade” by David Shultz. “Does society have the right to tell you your worthless?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the fantasy short story, “Rainbow People Of The Glittering Glade” by David Shultz. STORY SUMMARY: A group of people are sent by the Kingdom through shifting deserts to find a rumored people that have rainbow skin. As they get closer they see people in the desert turned to stone, and others nearly stone simply repeating the same task over and over again. One of them is injured and they get to the rainbow people in need of medical attention. They learn that anyone who lives in the community will slowly turn to stone unless the community deems them of value and allows them to take place in a ritual. One member of the group does the ritual and joins the community, one refuses and turns to stone, and one goes back home to tell the tale.

DISCUSSION: Fascinating story about how a society places value on certain kinds of work. Is certain work more valuable then other work? Must you work and contribute to society to be of value? What if you just don’t want to work, are you a bad person? Also, their are faith discussions in the story. The one person opted to turn to stone rather than join a group with another faith. Does this mean she isn’t value because she is faithful to her truth?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: A group of people are sent by the Kingdom through shifting deserts to find a rumored people that have rainbow skin. As they get closer they see people in the desert turned to stone, and others nearly stone simply repeating the same task over and over again. One of them is injured and they get to the rainbow people in need of medical attention. They learn that anyone who lives in the community will slowly turn to stone unless the community deems them of value and allows them to take place in a ritual. One member of the group does the ritual and joins the community, one refuses and turns to stone, and one goes back home to tell the tale.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Fascinating story about how a society places value on certain kinds of work. Is certain work more valuable then other work? Must you work and contribute to society to be of value? What if you just don’t want to work, are you a bad person? Also, their are faith discussions in the story. The one person opted to turn to stone rather than join a group with another faith. Does this mean she isn’t value because she is faithful to her truth?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dd72fc933d70f3babe70ce4 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-11-rainbow-people-of-the-glittering-glade Mon, 10 Feb 2020 02:00:00 +0000 2227 false full Episode #10 - The Alpha-Dye Shirt Factory Episode #10 - The Alpha-Dye Shirt Factory 10 1 After Dinner Conversation “Is suicide ever the rational choice?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the short story, “The Alpha-Dye Shirt Factory" by Tyler W. Kurt. “Is suicide ever the rational choice?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the short story, “The Alpha-Dye Shirt Factory” by Tyler W. Kurt. STORY SUMMARY: The story is told in the 1st person by a woman in the late 1800’s working in a inner city garment factory. She comes out of the bathroom to see a fire breaks out. Women try and escape down the elevator shaft as smoke fills the room. She heads for the fire escape, but it collapses, killing everyone on it. Finally, she decides the best thing to do to prevent being burned to death it to jump to her death.

DISCUSSION: The story is a historical fiction version the Triangle Shirt factory fire. The story isn’t really about the fire though, it’s about suicide. Is it okay to kill yourself when you are being burned alive? What if that burning alive is depression. It feels like it will never end and it feels like killing yourself is the lessor pain. Nobody jumps out of a burning building because they think they are going to live, they jump because it’s better than being burned alive. How long are you required to suffer before you can stop your suffering? Are you required to never quit?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The story is told in the 1st person by a woman in the late 1800’s working in a inner city garment factory. She comes out of the bathroom to see a fire breaks out. Women try and escape down the elevator shaft as smoke fills the room. She heads for the fire escape, but it collapses, killing everyone on it. Finally, she decides the best thing to do to prevent being burned to death it to jump to her death.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: The story is a historical fiction version the Triangle Shirt factory fire. The story isn’t really about the fire though, it’s about suicide. Is it okay to kill yourself when you are being burned alive? What if that burning alive is depression. It feels like it will never end and it feels like killing yourself is the lessor pain. Nobody jumps out of a burning building because they think they are going to live, they jump because it’s better than being burned alive. How long are you required to suffer before you can stop your suffering? Are you required to never quit?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dd602cb28602074cee79117 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-10-alpha-dye-shirt-factory Mon, 27 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0000 1780 false full Episode #9 - The Truth About Thurman Episode #9 - The Truth About Thurman 9 1 After Dinner Conversation “Is there a better decision, when both cause someone to die?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the short story, “The Truth About Thurman" by Jenean McBrearty. “Is there a better decision, when both cause someone to die?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the short story, “The Truth About Thurman” by Jenean McBrearty. STORY SUMMARY: The main character heads into the military supervisors office. It seems two soldiers have been captured terrorists who are threatening to kill them both unless the US Government tells them before the deadline which to kill, and which to go free. One is a woman, and the other is gay. They want the government to make a Sophie’s Choice, so to speak. The government decides to do neither and launch a rescue operation that fails. Both are killed. The story ends with the original solider who started the story locking himself in his room and killing himself. It turns out he was in a relationship with the woman and she was pregnant with his child.

DISCUSSION: Story is built around a Hobson’s choice. A choice whereby both option are terrible, and you must pick one, or both will happen. It’s interesting in that it makes us decide how we value different people. If they are both in the military, then make the government should not pick, so as not to encourage terrorists to kidnap others. Being in the military, you should know you may have to die for the country. Otherwise, maybe all people are of equal value. Maybe children are worth more? It is fair that he didn’t tell his superior officer about the pregnancy? This is part of the machismo culture whereby men aren’t allowed to feel things, and talk about how things affect them. In real life, of course, he would immediately have been removed from the situation.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The main character heads into the military supervisors office. It seems two soldiers have been captured terrorists who are threatening to kill them both unless the US Government tells them before the deadline which to kill, and which to go free. One is a woman, and the other is gay. They want the government to make a Sophie’s Choice, so to speak. The government decides to do neither and launch a rescue operation that fails. Both are killed. The story ends with the original solider who started the story locking himself in his room and killing himself. It turns out he was in a relationship with the woman and she was pregnant with his child.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Story is built around a Hobson’s choice. A choice whereby both option are terrible, and you must pick one, or both will happen. It’s interesting in that it makes us decide how we value different people. If they are both in the military, then make the government should not pick, so as not to encourage terrorists to kidnap others. Being in the military, you should know you may have to die for the country. Otherwise, maybe all people are of equal value. Maybe children are worth more? It is fair that he didn’t tell his superior officer about the pregnancy? This is part of the machismo culture whereby men aren’t allowed to feel things, and talk about how things affect them. In real life, of course, he would immediately have been removed from the situation.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dd5f58b41a56d7f764e2cd4 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-9-the-truth-about-thurman Mon, 13 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0000 1869 false full Episode #8 - Lay On Episode #8 - Lay On 8 1 After Dinner Conversation “Can a person be evil in their mind, or must it be in the act.” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the fantasy short story "Lay On" by Vera Burris. “Can a person be evil in their mind, or must it be in the act.” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics in the urban fantasy short story "Lay On" by Vera Burris at La Gattara Cat Cafe in Tempe, AZ. STORY SUMMARY: Three outcast witches are sent to San Francisco in the 1960’s to redeem themselves by causing corruption. They find drug addict street musician and his girlfriend and promise him riches and success if he kills and does as they advise. He does, and becomes a music sensation. Eventually, his girlfriend leaves him. He is finally brought down after his conversion is complete. The witches decide to stay and enjoy Woodstock.

DISCUSSION: This is a variation on Macbeth. The witches don’t seem to ever do anything, but simply to encourage him to do things we wanted to do anyway. He is so quit to turn. But maybe it’s not hard to find a degenerate drug addict musician? Was he always evil, and now he just had the chance to act on it? It seems he has a hole that he can’t fill regardless of how famous or rich. Really, he needs to focus on liking himself.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: Three outcast witches are sent to San Francisco in the 1960’s to redeem themselves by causing corruption. They find drug addict street musician and his girlfriend and promise him riches and success if he kills and does as they advise. He does, and becomes a music sensation. Eventually, his girlfriend leaves him. He is finally brought down after his conversion is complete. The witches decide to stay and enjoy Woodstock.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: This is a variation on Macbeth. The witches don’t seem to ever do anything, but simply to encourage him to do things we wanted to do anyway. He is so quit to turn. But maybe it’s not hard to find a degenerate drug addict musician? Was he always evil, and now he just had the chance to act on it? It seems he has a hole that he can’t fill regardless of how famous or rich. Really, he needs to focus on liking himself.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dfebd4e7173c34067b02776 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-8-lay-on Mon, 30 Dec 2019 02:00:00 +0000 1862 false full Episode #7 - Are You Him? Episode #7 - Are You Him? 7 1 After Dinner Conversation “If someone is crying, are you the kind of person that would stop?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics and choices in the short story "Are You Him" by John Sheirer. “If someone is crying, are you the kind of person that would stop?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics and choices in the short story "Are You Him" by John Sheirer STORY SUMMARY: A well dressed, older, black man is walking to work in a University town when he sees a college age white girl sitting on the curb crying. He decides to sit with her, and comfort her. As others walk by we are made aware of the daily micro-aggression of racism he must put up with every moment of his life. And yet, it’s clear he is able to shrug these aggression off and live a wonderful life without anger. In the end, we find out the girl just found out her father has died. She wonders if the man is the angel of her father come to comfort her one last time.

DISCUSSION: Super interesting story showing the cumulative effect of racism and how it pervades so many decisions. It’s a bit sad that the only way to create a caring black character is to get enough of their backstory to be sure they don’t have shady motives, while a white person wouldn’t have to prove their motives. The main character is just a man, but might as well be an angel he both makes us aware of the hundreds of decisions he has to make every day taking racism into account, while still not being hateful and trying to help others. Just a wonderful story about the way racism pervades every moment of life and decision-making.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: A well dressed, older, black man is walking to work in a University town when he sees a college age white girl sitting on the curb crying. He decides to sit with her, and comfort her. As others walk by we are made aware of the daily micro-aggression of racism he must put up with every moment of his life. And yet, it’s clear he is able to shrug these aggression off and live a wonderful life without anger. In the end, we find out the girl just found out her father has died. She wonders if the man is the angel of her father come to comfort her one last time.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Super interesting story showing the cumulative effect of racism and how it pervades so many decisions. It’s a bit sad that the only way to create a caring black character is to get enough of their backstory to be sure they don’t have shady motives, while a white person wouldn’t have to prove their motives. The main character is just a man, but might as well be an angel he both makes us aware of the hundreds of decisions he has to make every day taking racism into account, while still not being hateful and trying to help others. Just a wonderful story about the way racism pervades every moment of life and decision-making.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dd37adaeab1f9276f46e64d https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-7-are-you-him Mon, 16 Dec 2019 02:00:00 +0000 2156 false full Episode #6 - As You Wish Episode #6 - As You Wish 6 1 After Dinner Conversation “If you could change anything about yourself, would you ever stop?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics and choices in the children's short story "As You Wish" by Tyler W. Kurt. “If you could change anything about yourself, would you ever stop?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics and choices in the children's short story "As You Wish" by Tyler W. Kurt. STORY SUMMARY: Children’s story that starts with a bunch of old tattered stuffed animals being found in a trunk by a woman. She can talk to the stuffed animals and says she will fix them back up. At first, the requests are simple, fix a torn ear… but later, the stuffed animals ask for more changes. The unicorn wants its horn removed. The panda wants to be less fat. The zebra wants its stripes removed. The final character, Sad Bear, who is always sad because he has a frown sewn on, is offered the chance to have his frown removed. He declines the offer to fix his sadness, because, he says, it is who is is, and he is okay with who he is.

DISCUSSION: The is a story about what we change, and how we accept others, and ourselves, as we are. What is an acceptable change? Fixing vision and teeth are fine, of course, but what about taking anti-depressants or body augmentation? Can we be accepting of others when the choose to make changes that we think are silly, or superficial? When it is okay to be clinically depressed, and simply accept that as who you are, or does it have to be fixed?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: Children’s story that starts with a bunch of old tattered stuffed animals being found in a trunk by a woman. She can talk to the stuffed animals and says she will fix them back up. At first, the requests are simple, fix a torn ear… but later, the stuffed animals ask for more changes. The unicorn wants its horn removed. The panda wants to be less fat. The zebra wants its stripes removed. The final character, Sad Bear, who is always sad because he has a frown sewn on, is offered the chance to have his frown removed. He declines the offer to fix his sadness, because, he says, it is who is is, and he is okay with who he is. </p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: The is a story about what we change, and how we accept others, and ourselves, as we are. What is an acceptable change? Fixing vision and teeth are fine, of course, but what about taking anti-depressants or body augmentation? Can we be accepting of others when the choose to make changes that we think are silly, or superficial? When it is okay to be clinically depressed, and simply accept that as who you are, or does it have to be fixed?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dd1d13bfbae9d7217a5058b https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-6-as-you-wish Mon, 02 Dec 2019 02:00:00 +0000 1771 false full Episode #5 - Pretty Pragmatism Episode #5 - Pretty Pragmatism 5 1 After Dinner Conversation “Can a good idea come from a horrible source?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the short story, "Pretty Pragmatism." “Can a good idea come from a horrible source?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Jessica discuss the ethics of the choices made in the short story, "Pretty Pragmatism" by Jenean McBrearty. STORY SUMMARY: The story takes place around a Senator who has proposed a bill that would require mandatory service for kids. He got the idea from the Nazi party, but means well in that it will get kids outside and teach them the value of volunteering. The bill goes over very badly and he now faces a formal censure from the Senate. He compromise is made and quietly withdraws the bill, in support of a supporting additions to the proposed annual budget.

DISCUSSION: Story does a good job of showing all the good things that came from sources that don’t live up to modern standards of morality. Does that mean we toss those ideas out, or those people out of our history books? Perhaps we simply teach a more complete version of history where people are not idealized. Even when we tell our history and role models to children, the explanations should be more complete. Can a good person have a good idea? Is a person all one thing, or all another? Singers and comedy people may be horrible people in real life, but does that make the art of lower quality?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The story takes place around a Senator who has proposed a bill that would require mandatory service for kids. He got the idea from the Nazi party, but means well in that it will get kids outside and teach them the value of volunteering. The bill goes over very badly and he now faces a formal censure from the Senate. He compromise is made and quietly withdraws the bill, in support of a supporting additions to the proposed annual budget.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Story does a good job of showing all the good things that came from sources that don’t live up to modern standards of morality. Does that mean we toss those ideas out, or those people out of our history books? Perhaps we simply teach a more complete version of history where people are not idealized. Even when we tell our history and role models to children, the explanations should be more complete. Can a good person have a good idea? Is a person all one thing, or all another? Singers and comedy people may be horrible people in real life, but does that make the art of lower quality? </p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5dccdce3fefabc59631c8c1d https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-5-pretty-pragmatism Mon, 18 Nov 2019 02:00:00 +0000 2087 false full Episode #4 - This I Do For You Episode #4 - This I Do For You 4 1 After Dinner Conversation “Can you be a hero, if you didn’t know you volunteered?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and morality of the choices made in the short story "This I Do For You" by Margaret Karmazin. “Can you be a hero, if you didn’t know you volunteered?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and morality of the choices made in the short story "This I Do For You" by Margaret Karmazin as part of the After Dinner Conversation Series. STORY SUMMARY: In a distant land, their is a child to an alien race who is set aside as special. He is fed whatever he wants, and gets all that his heart desires, but he can never leave his bedroom. People come to visit him, and thank him. He gets fatter as he gets older, eventually unable to leave his room, or even move around. When a famine comes to the community it is revealed to him why he has been allowed to get so fat, he (and a few others) are meant to be food for the rest of the community during times of famine.

DISCUSSION: Interesting story about culture and utilitarianism and what it means to be a hero. Is the kid a hero for helping the community when he had no idea that he was going to be sacrificed to save them? Is his mother evil for not telling him and giving him a choice? What about all the friends and relatives who never said a word? Do we have the right to judge another culture and the ways they deal with famine? Are the ethics of this made worse if the community isn’t actively researching ways to make this type of killing no longer necessary?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: In a distant land, their is a child to an alien race who is set aside as special. He is fed whatever he wants, and gets all that his heart desires, but he can never leave his bedroom. People come to visit him, and thank him. He gets fatter as he gets older, eventually unable to leave his room, or even move around. When a famine comes to the community it is revealed to him why he has been allowed to get so fat, he (and a few others) are meant to be food for the rest of the community during times of famine.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Interesting story about culture and utilitarianism and what it means to be a hero. Is the kid a hero for helping the community when he had no idea that he was going to be sacrificed to save them? Is his mother evil for not telling him and giving him a choice? What about all the friends and relatives who never said a word? Do we have the right to judge another culture and the ways they deal with famine? Are the ethics of this made worse if the community isn’t actively researching ways to make this type of killing no longer necessary?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5d91187991c0cc3d766519dc https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-4-this-i-do-for-you Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:00:00 +0000 1841 false full Episode #3 - The Shadow Of The Thing Episode #3 - The Shadow Of The Thing 3 1 After Dinner Conversation "Would you take a pill that showed you the truth about the world?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and morality of the choices made in the short story "The Shadow Of The Thing" by Tyler W. Kurt. "Would you take a pill that showed you the truth about the world?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and morality of the choices made in the short story "The Shadow Of The Thing" by Tyler W. Kurt. STORY SUMMARY: The narrator goes to his friend’s house. She has invited him there because she wants to take a new street drug. But this drug is special, if you take it once, the effect lasts forever. It’s supposed effect is it allows you to see the true nature of the world. Her husband has already taken it, and he is very different, referring to the objects around him as only the “the form of the thing.” The friend takes the pill and, while she is waiting for it to take hold, the narrator realizes there are two pills left on the table.

DISCUSSION: The story is clearly a rift on the allegory of the cave. The drug, in some ways, mirrors the loss of self that people talk about when taking Psilocybin. There are a few issues. First, is the drug even what it says it is? Next, if it is, how will it effect you and your ability to work and take care of yourself. And finally, assuming all that’s true, do you even want to know the truth about the world and that you’ve been living a lie your whole life? Is the nature of life truth, or happiness? Some of the people can’t take the truth and ending up killing themselves.

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The narrator goes to his friend’s house. She has invited him there because she wants to take a new street drug. But this drug is special, if you take it once, the effect lasts forever. It’s supposed effect is it allows you to see the true nature of the world. Her husband has already taken it, and he is very different, referring to the objects around him as only the “the form of the thing.” The friend takes the pill and, while she is waiting for it to take hold, the narrator realizes there are two pills left on the table.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: The story is clearly a rift on the allegory of the cave. The drug, in some ways, mirrors the loss of self that people talk about when taking Psilocybin. There are a few issues. First, is the drug even what it says it is? Next, if it is, how will it effect you and your ability to work and take care of yourself. And finally, assuming all that’s true, do you even want to know the truth about the world and that you’ve been living a lie your whole life? Is the nature of life truth, or happiness? Some of the people can’t take the truth and ending up killing themselves.</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5d906325520a491d51ac9613 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-3-the-shadow-of-the-thing Mon, 21 Oct 2019 03:00:00 +0000 2007 false full Episode #2 - My Fellow (Immortal) Americans Episode #2 - My Fellow (Immortal) Americans 2 1 After Dinner Conversation “Don’t you have a right to immortality?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics in the short story, “My Fellow (Immortal) Americans" by Tyler W. Kurt. “Don’t you have a right to immortality?” Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics in the short story, “My Fellow (Immortal) Americans” by Tyler W. Kurt. STORY SUMMARY: Sometimes in the future, the President gives a speech to a group of wealthy donors. In this future, time is the only currency and, if you have enough of it, you can live forever. The focus of the President’s speech is about in opposition to the new labor laws that want to pay a higher minimum time wage. The President argues, it will encourage laziness, and is anti-capitalistic. That the hard working rich, deserve to live forever, and pass their accumulated years on to their children to do the same.

DISCUSSION: It’s an interesting concept, but not developed enough. For example, when someone does die, how do you decide who gets to have a the next kid in the world. It is a good story in that is brings up questions of economic inequality in a way that makes it more offensive. Also brings up an interesting question of if people did have to work only a little, to get paid a lot of time, would people become lazy? Are people inherently lazy?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: Sometimes in the future, the President gives a speech to a group of wealthy donors. In this future, time is the only currency and, if you have enough of it, you can live forever. The focus of the President’s speech is about in opposition to the new labor laws that want to pay a higher minimum time wage. The President argues, it will encourage laziness, and is anti-capitalistic. That the hard working rich, deserve to live forever, and pass their accumulated years on to their children to do the same.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: It’s an interesting concept, but not developed enough. For example, when someone does die, how do you decide who gets to have a the next kid in the world. It is a good story in that is brings up questions of economic inequality in a way that makes it more offensive. Also brings up an interesting question of if people did have to work only a little, to get paid a lot of time, would people become lazy? Are people inherently lazy?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5d8fe223f97bba47a7d09b1e https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode2-my-fellow-immortal-americans Sun, 06 Oct 2019 22:10:00 +0000 1809 false full Episode #1 - Patchouli Lost Episode #1 - Patchouli Lost 1 1 After Dinner Conversation "How far would you go to help a friend, who is unwilling to help themselves?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and morality of the choices made in the short story "Patchouli Lost" by Tyler W. Kurt. "How far would you go to help a friend, who is unwilling to help themselves?" Kolby, Jeremy, and Ashley discuss the ethics and morality of the choices made in the short story "Patchouli Lost" by Tyler W. Kurt. STORY SUMMARY: The male narrator calls a friend who is locked her bathroom while her abusive ex-boyfriend pounds on the door outside. The narrator comes over and looks after his friend for a few days. However, he insists that she block the ex-boyfriends phone number or he will stop helping her. She refuses, and the stop talking.

DISCUSSION: Is the narrator a good person? He helps her, but he also has other motivations. There is a physical attraction. By putting conditions on his help, is he just asking his friend to exchange one controlling relationship for another? Is the narrator any better than the abusive ex-boyfriend?

BOOK LINK: Download the accompanying short story here.

NEWSLETTER: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our newsletter.

]]> <p><strong>STORY SUMMARY</strong>: The male narrator calls a friend who is locked her bathroom while her abusive ex-boyfriend pounds on the door outside. The narrator comes over and looks after his friend for a few days. However, he insists that she block the ex-boyfriends phone number or he will stop helping her. She refuses, and the stop talking.</p><p><strong>DISCUSSION</strong>: Is the narrator a good person? He helps her, but he also has other motivations. There is a physical attraction. By putting conditions on his help, is he just asking his friend to exchange one controlling relationship for another? Is the narrator any better than the abusive ex-boyfriend?</p><p><strong>BOOK LINK</strong>: Download the accompanying short story <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/downloads" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</p><p><strong>NEWSLETTER</strong>: Receive periodic emails with links to free ethical short stories by signing up for our <a href="https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/newsletter" rel="nofollow">newsletter</a>.</p> 5d2e6cb0a29fa9000136e62c:5d54bb060437f00001afeca9:5d89bf4e4e57cb22c7a78493 https://www.afterdinnerconversation.com/podcast/episode-1-patchouli-lost Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:18:08 +0000 1622 false