The infamous JoJo thought experiment - Michael Vazquez and Sarah Stroud

Quick Overview

The video argues that while external factors like upbringing influence a person's moral character, as demonstrated by the thought experiment of the tyrannical King JoJo and his morally distinct twin sister Joja, individuals ultimately retain responsibility for their actions according to philosopher Susan Wolf's "Deep Self Theory," meaning even JoJo is fully responsible for his cruelty despite his adverse environment.

Key Points: The video uses the thought experiment of a tyrannical King JoJo, raised in an environment of cruelty with executioners and propaganda, to question moral responsibility. JoJo's twin sister, Joja, raised in the same environment, develops opposing values (symbolized by a heart instead of a skull) and judges JoJo's tyranny as wrong. Philosophers like Gary Watson and Harry Frankfurt suggest that moral responsibility stems from one's "deep self"—actions reflecting one's deepest values and commitments. Susan Wolf's "Deep Self Theory" posits that individuals are morally responsible for actions that flow from their deep self, even if that self was shaped by external factors. Incompatibility theorists argue that if everything is predetermined by environment or biology, no one is truly morally responsible, suggesting JoJo is less responsible. The conclusion rejects the incompatibility argument: JoJo is deemed fully responsible for his cruelty because his actions still reflect his deep self, regardless of his unfortunate upbringing. The narrative contrasts JoJo (skull symbol, tyranny) with Joja (heart symbol, moral compass) to illustrate the dichotomy between actions stemming from corrupted versus principled values.

Context: This TED-Ed video explores complex philosophical questions surrounding moral responsibility, specifically contrasting the views of incompatibilists (who believe free will is incompatible with determinism) and compatibilists (who argue responsibility can exist even if actions are determined). The central narrative device is the story of King JoJo, a ruthless dictator raised in an oppressive environment, and his morally upright twin sister, Joja, setting up a debate around whether environmental factors excuse terrible actions.