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Future Perfect Archive

Archives for January 2020

Podcasts
The moral philosophy of The Good PlaceThe moral philosophy of The Good Place
Podcast
Podcasts

The geniuses behind TV’s most philosophically inclined sitcom join The Ezra Klein Show podcast to discuss what it means to be a good person.

By Ezra Klein
Climate
This climate problem is bigger than cars and much harder to solveThis climate problem is bigger than cars and much harder to solve
Climate

Low-carbon options for heavy industry like steel and cement are scarce and expensive.

By David Roberts
How The Good Place taught moral philosophy to its characters — and its creators
Future Perfect

Michael Schur helps explain the moral journey of writing TV’s most ambitious sitcom.

By Dylan Matthews
Politics
Is it safe to travel during the coronavirus outbreak? An infectious disease specialist explains.Is it safe to travel during the coronavirus outbreak? An infectious disease specialist explains.
Politics

Buy a mask? Cancel your trip?

By Julia Belluz
Technology
Is your college using facial recognition on you? Check this scorecard.Is your college using facial recognition on you? Check this scorecard.
Technology

Here’s a quick way to tell if your university may be using the controversial technology.

By Sigal Samuel
Future Perfect
Can you guess which Americans are most into plant-based meat?Can you guess which Americans are most into plant-based meat?
Future Perfect

A new Gallup poll suggests interest in meat alternatives is broader than you might think

By Kelsey Piper
Future Perfect
“This could be a massive disaster”: What happens if the coronavirus hits China’s internment camps?“This could be a massive disaster”: What happens if the coronavirus hits China’s internment camps?
Future Perfect

The Wuhan virus could escalate the suffering of Muslims in the camps, where conditions have created a perfect breeding ground for infectious disease.

By Sigal Samuel
Future Perfect
Denny’s is now offering Beyond Burgers nationwideDenny’s is now offering Beyond Burgers nationwide
Future Perfect

Can plant-based meat keep making the jump from trial to national rollout?

By Kelsey Piper
Future Perfect
The Joe Rogan controversy revealed something important about the American leftThe Joe Rogan controversy revealed something important about the American left
Future Perfect

On Joe Rogan, Bernie Sanders, and the hidden moral philosophy of American politics.

By Dylan Matthews
Science
Did China downplay the coronavirus outbreak early on?Did China downplay the coronavirus outbreak early on?
Science

A new study shows the virus took off weeks earlier than Chinese officials have suggested.

By Julia Belluz
Future Perfect
Is it okay to sacrifice one person to save many? How you answer depends on where you’re from.Is it okay to sacrifice one person to save many? How you answer depends on where you’re from.
Future Perfect

A new study uses the famous trolley problem to show how our culture shapes our moral beliefs.

By Sigal Samuel
Science
The coronavirus outbreak is not yet a global health emergency, WHO saysThe coronavirus outbreak is not yet a global health emergency, WHO says
Science

With more than 600 cases in at least seven countries, the agency said it’s “too early” to sound the international alarm.

By Julia Belluz
Future Perfect
The Doomsday Clock is now at “100 seconds to midnight.” Here’s what that means.The Doomsday Clock is now at “100 seconds to midnight.” Here’s what that means.
Future Perfect

Climate change, nuclear war, accelerating technology, and incompetent leadership threaten us.

By Kelsey Piper
Future Perfect
Kansas’s ag-gag law has been ruled unconstitutionalKansas’s ag-gag law has been ruled unconstitutional
Future Perfect

The 1990 law banned documenting animal abuse on factory farms.

By Kelsey Piper
Chris Hughes wants another chance
Features

The multimillionaire Facebook co-founder is the latest moneyed titan to turn philanthropist, and has even called for Facebook’s dismantling. Can he really make a difference?

By Dylan Matthews