Colin Allen

Professor of History & Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh and author of “Moral Machines: Teaching Robots Right from Wrong”

Colin Allen on KCRW

In April at the height of the pandemic about half a million people downloaded an app designed to provide digital companionship.

In a pandemic of loneliness, people talk to chatbots

In April at the height of the pandemic about half a million people downloaded an app designed to provide digital companionship.

from Life Examined

More from KCRW

Skeptics are a bit like the grains of sand in an oyster.

from Second Opinion

The Supreme Court is likely to end Roe v. Wade this summer. How could that affect states’ rights and other rulings on privacy, like gay marriage?

from Left, Right & Center

Thousands of Ukrainians are trying to seek entry to the U.S. and are at the Mexican border. This raises questions over who is prioritized for political asylum.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The most powerful lobbying groups rarely have our best interests at heart.

from Second Opinion

Senator Dianne Feinstein’s mental condition has caused a sense of pain among her colleagues, says Tal Kopan, a San Francisco Chronicle correspondent.

from KCRW Features

Abortions were considered common in the 19th century. How did the medical procedure become so politicized today?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

It could take two months until grocery shelves are restocked with infant formula. A pediatrician advises parents on how to feed their little ones in the meantime.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Starting this August, performing an abortion in Oklahoma will be a felony. KCRW checks in with Dr.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Across Los Angeles County, few people are showing up at COVID vaccination drives even though nearly 2 million residents remain unvaccinated.

from KCRW Features