The infamous JoJo thought experiment

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Michael Vazquez and Sarah Stroud |

TED-Ed

• January 2026

Jo the First is a ruthless dictator who rules with an iron fist. To most onlookers, his rule appears cruel and unjust. But for his beloved son JoJo, this life is all he’s ever known and he grows up to inherit his father’s role and style of rule. Given JoJo’s unusual upbringing, does he bear full moral responsibility for his actions? Michael Vazquez and Sarah Stroud dig into this ethical dilemma. [Directed by Skirmanta Jakaitė, Art Shot, narrated by Adrian Dannatt, music by Stephen LaRosa, Wonder Boy Audio].