Forgiveness, Meaning of Life, Online IP, and More: 8 May 2011: Philosophy in Action

Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 8 May 2011

In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 8 May 2011, I answered questions on reasoning from the Prisoner's Dilemma, hiring people with an internet presence, the morality and limits of revenge, building codes, numbers of men versus women in Objectivism, wealth creation, and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was my co-host.

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My News of the Week: Here's what's on my plate of late. Last week, I testified in defense of free speech at hearing on Colorado's campaign finance laws. I'm still working on my updates to Explore Atlas Shrugged. This week, I'm going to be working on my two lectures on pride for ATLOSCon. And here's the video of my short talk on Cookie Cutter Medicine.

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Duration: 59:22

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Segments: 8 May 2011

Question 1: Reasoning from the Prisoner's Dilemma (5:07)

Question: What do you think of the "Prisoner's Dilemma"? Something about the Prisoner's Dilemma as a basis for economic and ethical claims never settled with me, but I'm not sure why. What is your opinion of it from a philosophical point of view?

Answer, In Brief: The Prisoner's Dilemma cannot be used as a basis for ethical or economic reasoning, because it's a narrow case that only confirms some more fundamental principles of justice and cooperation.

Tags: Economics, Ethics

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Question 2: Hiring People with an Internet Presence (14:35)

Question: What do you think about the dangers of hiring someone with an internet presence? Some people in business have concerns about hiring people active on blogs, social media, and other online forums. Often that's because of controversial positions advocated by the potential employee that they don't want to reflect on the company or cause drama internally. Also, they might have concerns that the person would share information about the company (including co-workers) that ought to be be kept private. So what are the principles involved in hiring someone who posts controversial material online? For example, should their potential position in the company matter, such as whether they'll be working in the back office or with the public? Or, should companies simply ignore what people say and do on their off-time, including on the internet?

Answer, In Brief: A person's internet activities can reveal facts relevant to suitability for a job, such as character, personality, interests, and judgment. To that extent, as well as for other matters relevant to the work, a person's online activities are of interest to a current or potential employer.

Tags: Business, Ethics, Internet

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Question 3: The Morality and Limits of Revenge (29:49)

Question: Is revenge ever moral? In a famous song, singer Carrie Underwood describes trashing her boyfriend's truck after she finds out that he cheated on her. Is it ever moral to seek out revenge like this on someone who has lied to you or has done something for which there are no real legal repercussions? What are the limits of moral revenge, if any?

Answer, In Brief: It's never moral to violate a person's rights, including property rights. In addition, it's self-destructive to focus on getting one's revenge. Instead, exercise your right to free association – and cut the person out of your life so that you can pursue goals and projects that matter to you.

Tags: Ethics, Justice, Revenge, Rights

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Question 4: Building Codes (38:30)

Question: Are building codes ethical? In light of the building earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a lot of people are crediting the strict building codes and urban planning for reducing the damage. Is it proper to support building codes, which limit property rights, if the goal is to prevent damage and destruction in the event of an inevitable natural disaster, such as an earthquake?

Answer, In Brief: Again, it's never moral to violate a person's rights, including property rights. Building codes are neither effective nor necessary means to protect people and property in natural disasters.

Tags: Business, Capitalism, Law, Regulation, Rights

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Question 5: Numbers of Men Versus Women in Objectivism (49:08)

Question: Why are more men than women attracted to Objectivism? More men than women seem to be attracted to Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. Why is that? And does it matter?

Answer, In Brief: Presumably, more men are attracted to Objectivism than women for the same reason that more men are attracted to philosophy than women. Those reasons may be due to innate differences or cultural influences, yet ultimately, they reflect people's choices. However, the gender gap is not nearly as wide today as it used to be.

Tags: Community, Gender, Objectivist Movement

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Question 6: Wealth Creation (52:40)

Question: Why is wealth not a zero-sum game? If someone makes a profit, doesn't that mean that someone else loses?

Answer, In Brief: Values are not mere material things: they can be created and destroyed – and they are increased by voluntary trade. As such, profits are the creation of value, not merely the extraction of values from other people.

Tags: Business, Economics, Egoism, Ethics, Wealth

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Conclusion (58:24)

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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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