Election Results, Break-Ups, Problem Father, and More: 11 November 2012: Philosophy in Action

Radio Q&A: Sunday, 11 November 2012

In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 11 November 2012, I answered questions on the 2012 election results, explaining a break-up, keeping contact with questionable family, and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was my co-host.

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My News of the Week: On Saturday, I spoke at a Liberty on the Rocks Workshop on the virtues required for free society, particularly honesty, productiveness, and justice.

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Duration: 1:08:45

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Segments: 11 November 2012

Question 1: The 2012 Election Results (2:01)

Question: What should we think of the results of the 2012 election? Many free-market advocates are despairing over the election results, particularly the re-election of President Obama. They claim that America has sunk to a new low in re-electing an openly socialistic and egalitarian hater of America. Do you think that such despair is warranted? Also, how can intellectuals, activists, and others effectively promote individual rights over the next four years?

Answer, In Brief: Advocates of free markets need to stop despairing and start thinking about how to make progress over the next four years.

Tags: Alcohol/Drugs, America, Apocalypticism, Democratic Party, Elections, Gay Marriage, Immigration, Politics, Progress, Republican Party, Rights

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Question 2: Explaining a Break-Up (45:23)

Question: Do I owe my boyfriend an explanation for my breaking up with him? I dated my recently-ex-boyfriend for a few months. Over the past few weeks, I realized that some personality and value differences preclude any long-term prospects. When I broke up with him, I didn't give him any reasons why, and that really upset him. Do I owe him an explanation? Would that help or hurt our chances of a cordial relationship in the future? If I should talk to him about my reasons, what should I say?

Answer, In Brief: If your former boyfriend is a decent person, then it's wrong not to honor his request for an explanation for the break-up: given your past intimacy, it's cruel to leave him in the dark.

Tags: Benevolence, Communication, Ethics, Honesty, Relationships, Romance

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Question 3: Keeping Contact with Questionable Family (55:16)

Question: Should I keep in contact with my morally questionable and mystical father? Recently, I initiated contact with my father. I've not seen or spoken to him for most of my life. He left behind a lot of damage, and I was very hurt by that. I made amends with him, thinking that he was in recovery. However, I recently discovered his eastern mystic philosophy. Also, although he is fully recovered, he still has moral problems. Now I'm second guessing my decision. Would it be immoral for me to break off the contact with him after I've made peace with him? Should I preserve the relationship to keep my character intact? Or should I cut ties with him, on the principle that I should only maintain relationships of value to me?

Answer, In Brief: The critical question to ask is whether you can establish a relationship with your father that enriches your life and happiness. That requires having realistic standards, as well as some honest conversation with him.

Tags: Adult Children, Alcohol/Drugs, Communication, Ethics, Family, Honesty, Moral Wrongs, Relationships

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Rapid Fire Questions (1:02:03)

In this segment, I answered random questions chosen by Greg Perkins impromptu. The questions were:

Why do you think men tend to gravitate more towards rationalism than women?
Regarding the third question, should the questioner tell the father "I decided I need to practice non-attachment, so good bye"?
Is there a rational concept of honor or is honor an empty sack worth the sack?

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Conclusion (1:07:03)

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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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