Who wants a virtual life?

FromShort & Curly

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Who wants a virtual life?

FromShort & Curly

ratings:

Length:

23 minutes

Released:

Dec 21, 2016

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

Let’s say you can hook your brain up to a machine which feels 100 per cent real and offers you the kind of life you’ve always wanted. The catch is, this perfect world isn’t real.

Released:

Dec 21, 2016

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

A fast-paced fun-filled ethics podcast for kids and their parents that asks those curly questions. From banning lollies to trusting robots, and from colonising other planets to eating pets, Short & Curly covers it all.

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Should you eat your pet?: Unless you’re a vegetarian, there are some animals you probably eat regularly. But how would you cope if your next dinner was some stir-fried dog? Why is it okay to eat a baby cow (veal) or sheep (lamb) and not a cute little puppy? Are our ideas about eating animals a bit of a mess? And does this matter? by Short & Curly
19 min listen
Who wants a virtual life?: Let’s say you can hook your brain up to a machine which feels 100 per cent real and offers you the kind of life you’ve always wanted. The catch is, this perfect world isn’t real. by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Life, death and a runaway train: An out-of-control train is heading straight for a group of people who don’t know they are about to be hit. You, as the driver, have some life and death decisions to make. What will you do? Hop on for a journey into one of the world’s most famous thought experiments. by Short & Curly
22 min listen
Is your classroom fair?: That’s not fair! How often have you heard that said at school? by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Would you donate your kidney to a stranger?: They cut a small hole in your abdomen, blow some carbon dioxide into your tummy so it puffs up like a balloon, then carefully take out a perfectly healthy part of your body. Yikes. by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Who gets saved first in a fire?: For professional fire and rescue workers, it’s not all sirens, cool trucks and running red lights. They often have to make really hard and terrible decisions in moments of heat, smoke and danger. Their job is to be there to help on the worst day of your life. So, if you were a firefighter, who would you save first? by Short & Curly
20 min listen
Children under the microscope — the ethics of science: In the 1950s, a group of young boys took part in a now famous experiment to find out how easy it would be to turn two groups of children into enemies. The boys didn’t know they were in a scientific study, and many later regretted the things they did to each other. Is the knowledge we might get from such an experiment worth the pain it might cause to get it? by Short & Curly
19 min listen
Can you trust a robot?: As robots become more sophisticated and human-like, how can we be sure what they tell us is real? by Short & Curly
20 min listen
Is it ever okay to fight back against a bully?: Is the victim blameless if they become aggressor? by Short & Curly
18 min listen
Should celebrities keep it real?: Images of movie stars and pop singers are everywhere we look – album covers, concert posters, t-shirts, Instagram feeds and other social media. Photos and videos are a big part of how famous people present themselves. But, how honest and accurate are they? Do they look anything like they do in real life… and should they? When do small changes to an image turn it into a lie? And does it even matter? by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Is it ever okay to lie?: Kind lies. White lies. Little lies. We take a trip to the fun park to look at all sorts of lies we tell for all sorts of reasons. Like what if your parent asks you to pretend to be younger than you are to get a cheaper entry fee? What’s the right thing to do? Amidst the rides and games, junk food and excitement, we explore a few stories about lying, a subject which has divided some of the greatest thinkers in history. by Short & Curly
20 min listen
Is it okay to use technology to help you sing better?: Molly Daniels thinks she has what it takes to be a superstar pop singer. The only trouble is, she’s out of tune and can’t hit the notes properly! Eek. But wait, there’s a program many musicians use which "fixes" their voice. Is it wrong to use technology to make you sound better than you are? by Short & Curly
24 min listen
Is stealing music or jokes really stealing?: Is borrowing somebody else's smarts ok? by Short & Curly
16 min listen
Is Dumbledore as great as he seems?: He is wise and old and learned and kind, but the Principal of Hogwarts is not perfect. He deceives, he holds back really important information about issues of life and death, and is willing to sacrifice Harry Potter for the good of the many, leading him (as Professor Snape says) “like a pig to slaughter”. So, is Dumbledore an ethical person? How flawed are we allowed to be and still be counted as “good”? by Short & Curly
22 min listen
Should we ban lollies?: Lollies are a colourful and magical and very sweet part of many children’s lives. But can you say no when faced with a bowl of jelly beans or sour worms or other types of candy? With so much concern nowadays about the amount of sugar in our diets, this show looks at self control and what we should do if people don’t have any. by Short & Curly
18 min listen
Can competitive sport be truly fair?: Do coaches, equipment and healthy food make for a level playing field? by Short & Curly
18 min listen
When is it okay to dob on someone?: Kids dob to parents and teachers for all kinds of reasons. It often feels bad when someone tells on you. by Short & Curly
27 min listen
Was Robin Hood right? Should you rob the rich to help the poor?: Robin Hood and his band of merry men of Sherwood forest reckoned rich people had it too good. So, they roamed around the countryside robbing the rich to give to the poor. Do you agree? by Short & Curly
23 min listen
BONUS — Pets, pests and farm animals, why do we value them differently?: We visit a farm to find out why we treat some animals differently depending on what job they have. by Short & Curly
27 min listen
Why can’t children vote?: Kids have to live by the rules of the society they are born into but don’t get a say on what those rules are. Unfair, right? by Short & Curly
21 min listen
Is Pokemon Go playing you?: Walked into any traffic lights lately as you stare manically at a screen? Maybe you’re one of the millions of people playing Pokemon Go, the augmented reality game which sends its players out into the streets to catch weird little imaginary creatures. Is it an annoying disruption of public spaces? And, because it’s cleverly designed so you never want to stop playing, we ask: Are you playing the game or is the game playing you? by Short & Curly
21 min listen
Are some people just unlucky?: Many cultures believe it’s good luck if a bird poos on your head, like what happened to Carl (eww!). Others say it’s bad luck if you break a mirror. by Short & Curly
24 min listen
Should chimps have the same rights as kids?: Perhaps the line between humans and other animals is more blurred that you’d think. by Short & Curly
18 min listen
Who should decide when you can get your ears pierced?: Some kids really want to get their ears pierced but their parents won’t let them. So, who should get to decide when and how you’re allowed to decorate your body with a piercing or even a tattoo? We get out the piercing gun and the tattoo ink and find out how much control we should have over our own bodies. by Short & Curly
22 min listen
Should we censor stuff on the internet?: When Molly and Carl are not making Short & Curly they are in charge of the world's biggest video sharing platform, called, TubeVids. That's right, it's their job to watch gaming videos, and movie parodies all day long! But it's not all fun and cat videos, people also post lots of mean stuff, as well as videos that are straight out untrue. What should they do about it? Let all the videos stay online or censor what we get to see? by Short & Curly
24 min listen
Should grown-ups lie to you?: Molly has never been afraid of getting a needle because she knows the Needle Ninja will reward her bravery with a basket of Japanese lollies, cakes and toys. Carl has never heard of this person and thinks Molly has been tricked by her mum and dad. But is there any harm in believing in the Needle Ninja? And is it OK for parents to tell their kids stories if it makes them feel better? by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Birthday presents — should we stop giving them?: How much stuff do you have? How many toys, books, games and clothes have you got that you don't use or wear? Is it time to re-think why we give and receive birthday presents? Let's drop in to Molly's birthday party and find out. Brains Trust: Buranda State School — Luca, Huon, Freya, Serefie, Noya and Ava. Actors: Neve and Tessa. by Short & Curly
21 min listen
Should pugs exist?: Carl thinks they have the cutest squashiest faces and biggest googley eyes of the entire canine world. He definitely wants to buy one. by Short & Curly
24 min listen
Should we ban families?: Why do some kids get all the luck? It doesn’t seem fair that some children are born into families with lots of love and support while others don't get any, or don’t have a family at all. The philosopher Plato had a pretty wild idea for how to fix this unfairness — get rid of families! He said if we did that, people would care more about all children, not just their own. What do you think? Would the world be a better and fairer place if we brought up children in a different way? by Short & Curly
25 min listen
What is discrimination and is it always bad?: One of the best places to be on a hot summer's day is cooling off in a swimming pool. But until the 1960s Aboriginal people were not allowed to swim in the local pool in Moree, in country New South Wales. They were excluded because of a reason that had nothing to do with the ability to swim. They were excluded only because they were Aboriginal. So what is discrimination and what makes it bad? by Short & Curly
20 min listen

More Episodes from Short & Curly

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BITE — Money on the Street: If you find a $20 note on the street, can you keep it? Does it make it okay if it's just $5? Money is complicated, especially because everyone has a different relationship with it. So, when it comes to money, things can get curly really quickly. A big thank you to Isla for this tip-top question! by Short & Curly
6 min listen
BITE — Mistaken Beliefs: Beliefs can shape the way someone speaks, acts, and even dreams. Everyone believes different things, but sometimes those things aren’t true. If your friend’s belief isn’t quite right, should you tell them? Does it really matter if it’s true or not? Thank you to India for this curious question! by Short & Curly
6 min listen
BITE — Loopholes: Do you have a favourite game? Maybe it's 'tip' or 'snap'? There are rules everywhere: from playing a game, watching TV, and even how to ask a question in class. But where there are rules, there are often loopholes. Are loopholes always bad? What if you're not hurting anyone? Thank you to Eloise for this loopy question by Short & Curly
4 min listen
BITE — Scared of Change: Getting comfortable can feel warm, nice, and sometimes even soothing. So, when we're happily floating along in life, a sudden tide change can really rock the boat. How do you deal with change? Should you be scared? Thank you to Kira for today's amazing question! by Short & Curly
6 min listen
BITE — Independence: The word ‘independent’ often sits with other words – like independent learning, independent thinking, independent adult, and lots more. So, what is independence and at what age should we get it? Thank you to Leela for this thoughtful question! by Short & Curly
5 min listen
Should children swear?: Lots of adults think children should never swear. Many Short & Curly listeners tell us they secretly swear behind their parent’s backs. So what’s wrong with swearing anyway? Aren't they just harmless words? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, Lily by Short & Curly
25 min listen
When does curiosity become rudeness?: Short & Curly listener Luca often gets stared at when he is in his wheelchair. His parents think the people who look too long are just being curious but Luca thinks it's just plain rude. So when does curiosity become rudeness? And how can we be curious about someone's difference without hurting their feelings? Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah by Short & Curly
23 min listen
The ethics of "getting even": Have you ever wanted to give someone a taste of their own medicine? They might have hurt you or been mean to you or taken something that's yours. But is it okay to do the same thing back to them? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie by Short & Curly
21 min listen
Humans – good or bad?: War, environmental destruction, inequality. We humans can do some pretty bad stuff. Lots of listeners have asked us if humans are more good than they are bad. Maybe it's time for you to be the judge. Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Mariah, Megan, Dylan, Aeldrich, Lily Extra: Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Should you kill insects?: There are about 10 quintillion insects in the world. Yes, that's a real number. And it's a lot! They're very small and very different from us humans. We might not stop to think about it before we poison a cockroach, squish an ant with our shoe, or kill a mosquito, but is it ethical to kill an insect? Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Clay, Angus, Ava by Short & Curly
23 min listen
BITE – Friends with Teacher: Friends are like flowers. There are lots of different ones out there, but you pick a couple to be your favourites. But what about your teacher? Can you be friends with them? And if they're a friend, can they still be a good teacher? Thank you to Orli for this great question! Pssst, we love your favourite episode too! 'Are parents hypocrites?' was a goodie. by Short & Curly
4 min listen
BITE – Bullying the Bully: Bullying is being mean to someone over and over again. It can happen at home, school, online, on the bus… and it's not always physical. When you're bullied, you can feel hurt, angry, and sad, all at once. So, if a bully hurts you, can you hurt them back? Can you call it justice? Thank you to Athena for this great question! by Short & Curly
4 min listen
BITE – Truth Telling: What if your friend asks if their shirt looks cool and you don't think it does? Or your dad asks if you like his gift, but you actually don't? The truth can be so hard to say – especially to the people we love the most. Should we tell the truth even when it hurts someone? Thank you to Charlotte and Nima for this curly question! by Short & Curly
4 min listen
BITE – Cartoon Violence: If you love watching cartoons where the good guys battle the bad, it probably has fighting, explosions, and maybe guns too. Is it okay to watch violence if it's in a cartoon? Can we laugh and find it funny? Thank you to Linus for this exciting question! by Short & Curly
4 min listen
BITE – Family Sacrifices: Sacrifice is a big word, and it's often said in a big situation. How much should a family sacrifice for one person's happiness? What if you're the only one sacrificing? Thank you to Eli for this curly question – hope you listen to this one on a car ride too! by Short & Curly
4 min listen
Is it okay to yell at a robot?: Have you ever found yourself being rude to a smart speaker because it doesn’t understand you? As robots get better and smarter and more human-like, how should we treat them? Does it matter if we act badly towards something that isn’t even human? Brain Trust - Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Riley, Mahlia, Milo, Clay, Angus, Ava by Short & Curly
23 min listen
Is envy always a bad thing?: If you've seen the movie The Lion King, you'll know that envy and jealousy play a big part in the story. Scar's envy of his brother King Mufasa takes him down a very dark and murderous path. But is envy always a bag thing? Is it wrong to really, really want something someone else has? Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah by Short & Curly
21 min listen
Should you be punished for something you did a long time ago?: Molly has a confession to make. In her youth, she was a famous cat burglar, who stole precious jewellery and never got caught! But now as an elderly woman, justice has caught up with her. But if her crimes were a long time ago and she's changed a lot since then, should she still be punished? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie by Short & Curly
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The backyard chicken dilemma: Short & Curly listener Tabitha thought it would be great to get some backyard chickens. Delicious, fresh eggs every morning and cute birds to name and look after. But in reality, it wasn't so easy. Like, what happens when the chickens get older and stop laying eggs? Is it okay to kill them and replace them with younger chicks who will lay eggs? Brains Trust – Anula Primary School, Darwin: Maggie, Feranmi, Leo, Oli, Esha, Marjorie by Short & Curly
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Should we ban homework: It's one of the most requested topics ever – homework! Nobody loves doing it, but is it something we should do or not? Molly and Carl find out whether teachers should be allowed to give you work to do outside of school time. Brain Trust — Casuarina Street Primary School, Katherine: Bruno, Leilani, Eloise Lawson, Lexi, Kodah by Short & Curly
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Whose job is it to clean up space junk: There's so much junk flying around in outer space – broken bits of old rockets and thousands of dead satellites. There are even golf balls left on the moon! But who has the responsibility for cleaning up all this rubbish? Brains Trust: Newtown Public School: Oliver, Freya, Maggie, Arun, Heath, Malley by Short & Curly
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Do you have to forgive someone who says sorry: If someone does or says something bad to you, but then apologises for it, should you forgive them no matter what? Even if you don't really feel it in your heart? Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Neve, Ashwyn, Alice, Ava, Sammy by Short & Curly
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Do toys and games shape who we'll become: People often give certain kinds of toys and games to girls when they are young and other kinds of toys and games to boys. But do the toys and games you are given as a child shape what sort of person you will become in life? And does it matter? Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School: Oliver, Lanna, Toby, Riley, Elly by Short & Curly
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Is it okay to read someone else's diary: Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who was killed by the Nazi's a long time ago. Before she died she wrote a diary which ended up become a book. It has now been read by millions of people and is often given to school kids to read in English class. But should we really be reading her diary at all? Interview: Stephanie Irvine Brains Trust: Newtown Public School: Kate, Wolfgang, Gabriel, Jesse, Betty, Honey. by Short & Curly
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ANNOUNCEMENT — From Short & Curly headquarters: Molly has an update about when new episodes are coming out. by Short & Curly
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BITE — You look funny: People get judged for how they dress, the way they do their hair and what kind of body they have. But what would life be like if we just ignored all our differences completely? Today's BITE: Would the world be a better place if everyone looked the same? by Short & Curly
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Who wants a virtual life?

Who wants a virtual life?

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Short & Curly