Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 22 April 2012
In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 22 April 2012, I answered questions on obligation, responsibility, and duty, stockpiling medication, poking fun at friends' ideas online, encouraging friends to be more purposeful, 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.
My News of the Week: I've been mopping up from NoodleFood's move to Philosophy in Action, and I sent out the first Philosophy in Action Newsletter. This week, I'll be experimenting with Philosophy in Action on BlogTalkRadio! This first radio call-in show will be on Wednesday April 25th at 9 pm ET / 8 pm CT / 7 pm MT / 6 pm PT. Its theme will be "Getting More Done."
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Segments: 22 April 2012
Question 1: Obligation, Responsibility, and Duty (4:03)
Question: What is the difference between obligation, responsibility, and duty? Often, people use these terms interchangeably. What's difference between them, if any?
Answer, In Brief: Obligations and responsibilities can be valid and powerful – if based on person's own choices. Duties are claims of obligation deriving solely from the say-so of some authority, and that's why they are invalid.
Tags: Duty, Ethics, Philosophy, Responsibility
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Question 2: Stockpiling Medication (14:06)
Question: Is it wrong to stockpile medication now in the event of an economic crash in the future? We are concerned that increasing economic troubles will raise the prices of some prescription and over-the-counter medications, and make them hard to find in the future. Is it okay to start a stockpile of some medications (most of which have a long shelf-life)? In the case of prescription medications, is it okay to exaggerate to our doctors or play "musical pharmacies" in order to obtain more medication?
Answer, In Brief: Stockpiling medication in case of an emergency is a very good idea, but don't undermine your relationship with your doctor by lying about your medical condition.
Tags: Ethics, Health, Honesty, Medicine
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Question 3: Poking Fun at Friends' Ideas Online (24:05)
Question: Is poking fun at people's ideas on social media rude, offensive, or otherwise wrong? For example, is it proper to make jokes about Jesus, Obama, or environmentalism on Facebook - knowing that some of your Facebook friends are Christians, Democrats, or environmentalists? Should those people be offended? Should a person limit himself to serious arguments?
Answer, In Brief: Facebook and other online media are like a large cocktail party with everyone talking. Don't rush around seeking out conflict, but rather seek out positive values.
Tags: Communication, Conflict, Ethics, Internet, Relationships
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Question 4: Encouraging Friends to Be More Purposeful (39:21)
Question: How can I encourage my friends to be more purposeful and passionate? I have been certain about my life's purpose – in terms of what career and personal creative works I'd like to pursue – from a young age. I've had friends who are above-average in their academic and career work, and who explore various hobbies, but they do not pursue those activities with eager passion. They say that they "do not know what they want out of life" and have not "found their calling." What is at the root of uncertainty about one's purpose? Is there a moral breach involved? How can I motivate, encourage, and inspire my friends?
Answer, In Brief: Be sure that your advice would be welcome to your friends – and that you don't fall into the trap of assuming that everyone should be like you.
Tags: Career, Communication, Conflict, Ethics, Friendship, Productiveness, Purpose, Relationships
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Rapid Fire Questions (48:08)
- What do you think of Earth Day?
- Is it moral to use a program that blocks website advertisements?
- Please clarify your position on the morality of using the goods and services stolen from Canadian taxpayers.
- Is it irrational to feel worse about a disaster if there are people of your own nationality among the victims (assuming they're all strangers)?
- Do you think that the government will attempt to crack down on free speech on the internet anytime soon - and if so, how?
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Conclusion (1:02:06)
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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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