Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 28 November 2010
In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 28 November 2010, I answered questions on productivity versus productiveness, abuse of animals, the redemption of Michael Vick, Facebook friending policy, fighting apathy, cultural equality, and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was my co-host.
Remember, Philosophy in Action Radio is available to anyone, free of charge. That's because our goal is to spread rational principles for real life far and wide, as we do every week to thousands of listeners. We love producing every episode, but each requires requires our time, effort, and money – week in and week out. So if you enjoy and value our work, please contribute to our tip jar. We suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. You can send your contribution via Dwolla, PayPal, or US Mail.
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Segments: 28 November 2010
Question 1: Productivity Versus Productiveness (2:58)
Question: What is the difference (if any) between 'productiveness' and 'productivity'? People often seem to use the terms interchangeably, but are they the same?
Answer, In Brief: Productivity concerns a person's achievement of his goals effectively and efficiently, whereas productiveness is the virtue of creating the material values required to sustain one's life. Morality requires productiveness, but not maximal productivity.
Tags: Career, Ethics, Productiveness, Productivity
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Question 2: Abuse of Animals (10:51)
Question: Are people who abuse their pets immoral? Or: Should we think ill of someone for neglecting or abusing their pets? If so, why?
Answer, In Brief: A person's treatment of his pets reveals his character, for better or worse.
Tags: Animals, Ethics, Justice, Pets
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Question 3: The Redemption of Michael Vick (18:10)
Question: How should we judge NFL quarterback Michael Vick? As an animal lover, I was appalled when the NFL allowed Michael Vick to play pro football again after his dog-fighting episodes. But now that he's doing well, part of me wants to cheer for him, telling myself that he's a "reformed man who deserves a second chance". Is that rational of me? How do we know if someone has truly turned over a new leaf morally after prior bad acts?
Answer, In Brief: Michael Vick seems to have made true steps in the direction of moral reform, and his amazing performance this season seems to be a product of that.
Tags: Animals, Character, Ethics, Judgment, Justice, Moral Wrongs, Redemption, Sports
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Question 4: Facebook Friending Policy (29:34)
Question: What's a reasonable friending policy for Facebook? I've been getting more Facebook friend requests from people I don't know lately. Should I accept or refuse them?
Answer, In Brief: Adopt a Facebook friending policy that fits with your purpose in using social media.
Tags: Communication, Internet, Relationships
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Question 5: Fighting Apathy (34:58)
Question: How do I fight apathy? How should one go about controlling their emotional response to things better? I have found that a lot of things in life have made me far more apathetic towards life; how should I go about turning this around?
Answer, In Brief: Overcoming any unwanted emotion requires introspection, thought, and action – over and over again.
Tags: Character, Emotions, Introspection, Psycho-Epistemology
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Question 6: Cultural Equality (41:26)
Question: Are all cultures equal? How can you prohibit or restrict anyone's cultural norms or say they're better or worse than our culture? Is there an objective barometer by which this can be achieved?
Answer, In Brief: The proper standard for all moral judgments – whether of individuals or cultures – is human life and happiness.
Tags: Culture, Ethics, Judgment, Justice, Multiculturalism, Politics, Relativism
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Conclusion (55:18)
Thank you for joining us for this episode of Philosophy in Action Radio! If you enjoyed this episode, please contribute to contribute to our tip jar.
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Remember, Philosophy in Action Radio is available to anyone, free of charge. That's because our goal is to spread rational principles for real life far and wide, as we do every week to thousands of listeners. We love producing every episode, but each requires requires our time, effort, and money – week in and week out. So if you enjoy and value our work, please contribute to our tip jar. We suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. You can send your contribution via Dwolla, PayPal, or US Mail.
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About Philosophy in Action Radio
I'm Dr. Diana Hsieh. I'm a philosopher specializing the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I received my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. My dissertation defended moral responsibility and moral judgment against the doubts raised by Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck."
My radio show, Philosophy in Action Radio, broadcasts live over the internet on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. On Sunday mornings, I answer four meaty questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in a live hour-long show. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. On Wednesday evenings, I interview an expert guest about a topic of practical importance.
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I can be reached via e-mail to [email protected].
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