Conflicts Between Family Members
Radio Q&A: Sunday, 9 September 2012, Question 2
I answered a question on conflicts between family members on Philosophy in Action Radio on 9 September 2012. You can listen to or download the podcast segment below – or check out the whole episode.
How can I stay out of conflicts between family members? When two people you love have competing claims about the facts in a conflict between them, how do not imply that one or the other is lying? My daughter said she told my wife something important. My wife said my daughter didn't say anything about it. How can you react without destroying one or the other's trust? I wasn't there: I can believe or dis-believe either one. But I am forced by each to choose. When I refuse to choose sides, I'm still subjected to being accused of taking the other's side and calling each one a liar. What can I do to make peace, at least with me?
My Answer, In Brief: It's wrong to choose sides in a dispute when you don't know the facts, particularly when the most likely scenario is miscommunication. You should refuse to particpate in any attempts to make you a pawn in this battle between your wife and daughter – even if they protest.
Tags: Communication, Conflict, Ethics, Family, Justice, Manipulation, Parenting, Rationality
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- Duration: 8:36
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Links
- Philosophy in Action: Mutual Unprovable Accusations of Wrongdoing
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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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