Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 2 January 2011
In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 2 January 2011, I answered questions on hedonism, taking drugs, judging mixed people, romance with an irrational person, Santa Claus and kids, when to speak out, 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: 2 January 2011
Question 1: Hedonism (3:29)
Question: What's wrong with hedonism? What's the difference between "rational selfishness" and hedonism? What's wrong with attempting to maximize pleasure over the course of a whole life?
Answer, In Brief: Hedonism is purely subjective: it says that a person ought to pursue whatever he finds pleasurable. Rational egoism objective: it says that a person ought to pursue what actually promotes his life as a rational human being.
Tags: Ethics, Hedonism, Pleasure
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Question 2: Taking Drugs (14:20)
Question: Which mind-altering or mood-altering substances are rational to take? (alcohol, caffeine, marijuana, etc.) And what principles do you apply in deciding?
Answer, In Brief: If you are seeking pleasure in the impairment of your body and mind, then it's time to examine your life and your premises.
Tags: Alcohol/Drugs, Ethics, Rationality
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Question 3: Judging Mixed People (26:36)
Question: How do you judge people of mixed premises? Many people are of "mixed" premises. How does one develop close and personal friendships or pursue long-term, serious, romantic relationships when many people are not consistently rational or moral? How does one judge such people objectively as to their worthiness for friendship or as a potential romantic interest?
Answer, In Brief: When judging mixed people, seek a clear understanding of what's black and white in them, then determine whether and what kind of relationship with them will serve your values – if any.
Tags: Conflict, Dating, Ethics, Friendship, Judgment, Justice, Philosophy, Relationships, Relationships, Sanction
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Question 4: Romance with an Irrational Person (34:38)
Question: Suppose you were a rational man in a relationship with a less rational woman, how would you handle your girlfriend's ever-expanding irrational behavior?
Answer, In Brief: Irrationality in a lover is a killer of romance.
Tags: Dating, Rationality, Relationships, Romance
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Question 5: Santa Claus and Kids (38:33)
Question: Is it moral to introduce the idea of Santa Claus to children – and why or why not? Some Objectivists say that introducing Santa or staying silent on the issue to let the child figure it out for himself constitutes deception and lying. Others say it's a playful and fun game with Santa as a hero standing for justice in a way kiddies can understand.
Answer, In Brief: The pleasure and value of Santa Claus lies in the meaning and richness of the stories about him, not in the delusion that he's real.
Tags: Children, Holidays, Honesty, Parenting
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Question 6: When to Speak Out (48:17)
Question: Under what circumstances does it become incumbent to challenge another's beliefs, especially in a religious context?
Answer, In Brief: Focus on taking responsibility for your own beliefs and actions. Don't assume responsibility for what others think and do.
Tags: Communication, Integrity, Responsibility, Sanction
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Conclusion (58:02)
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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