Webcast Q&A: Sunday, 19 December 2010
In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 19 December 2010, I answered questions on thinking too much, talking about sexual preferences, the value of college degrees, criminal death of a fetus, the morality of revenge for harms, capitalism as misunderstood, and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was my co-host.
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Segments: 19 December 2010
Question 1: Thinking Too Much (7:26)
Question: Is it possible to think too much? And where does one draw the line between necessary thinking and overthinking? Objectivists are people who take ideas seriously; they are intellectually inclined (as far as I can discern) and spend a lot of time "inside the mind." With all this emphasis on rationality, thinking, introspection, analysis, judgment, reading, etc., how does one avoid the frustration or sense of "analysis paralysis" and ultimately depression that ensues from all this deep thinking and focus on ideas. For example, I've heard numerous people in forums or in letters to Dr. Peikoff state that they are depressed about the state of current politics, our culture, etc. What principles or general rules does one use to put the breaks on all the deep thinking and just chill out, "live and let live," and stop one from becoming crazy. Meditation? Get drunk? (Kidding). On a personal note, I've found that it is necessary for me to literally suppress my thinking and let myself drift into an out of focus state in order to maintain a sense of serenity necessary to get through the day.
Answer, In Brief: The purpose of thought is to guide action in pursuit of your values. So make sure that you mind working for your life, not obsessing over what beyond control that just make you miserable to contemplate.
Tags: Ethics, Introspection, Psycho-Epistemology, Rationality
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Question 2: Talking about Sexual Preferences (18:40)
Question: When do you talk to a romantic interest (or partner) about your sexual preferences? Is there a right or wrong way to talk with your romantic partner about sexual preferences? Do you wait until you are "in the sack" to find out whether you are sexually compatible? And, how important is sexual compatibility to a romantic relationship?
Answer, In Brief: You should talk about sex with your partner, and be sure to do so in a simple and direct way.
Tags: Communication, Dating, Romance, Sex
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Question 3: The Value of College Degrees (27:56)
Question: Are college degrees worth the price paid for them? Do they offer a good value for the investment of time, effort, and money? Why or why not? And if not, how might a person obtain a solid education in the humanities instead?
Answer, In Brief: The value of standard college education is questionable, but much depends on the field and one's goals. You should consider whether college will serve your professional goals or not, because you can get a better education for much cheaper on your own.
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Question 4: Criminal Death of a Fetus (37:30)
Question: Should a criminal who kills a pregnant woman (and her unborn child) be charged for two murders or one? Does it matter if she's obviously pregnant or not? (Perhaps it should only matter in the sentencing phase of the trial?) I've read your paper on the "personhood" movement and I agree that a person does not have rights until they're born, but it seems different in this situation. Where is my thinking flawed, or is it?
Answer, In Brief: Rights are contextual absolutes, meaning that only apply in certain context, but that they apply fully in that context. Given nature of rights and nature of pregnancy, rights cannot apply to fetus but only to born infant.
Tags: Abortion, Crime, Ethics, Pregnancy, Rights
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Question 5: The Morality of Revenge for Harms (45:07)
Question: Is revenge moral or not? Is it wrong to want to hurt people who have hurt you? It is wrong to make them hurt?
Answer, In Brief: It is self-destructive to nurture hatred and anger toward those who have wronged you. You need to accept that the wrong happened, deal with it as you can, and then move on to pursuing your positive values.
Tags: Ethics, Justice, Revenge
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Question 6: Capitalism as Misunderstood (55:06)
Question: Why is capitalism so misunderstood? I've noticed a huge backlash against capitalism in the media and on the internet for a while. Why? Why are people so resentful towards capitalism when it gave them all the prosperity?
Answer, In Brief: Epistemic confusion is often at root of wrong ethics and politics – and that's definitely the case here.
Tags: Capitalism, Communication, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics
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Conclusion (59:54)
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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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