Radio Q&A: Sunday, 4 November 2012
In the live broadcast of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 4 November 2012, I answered questions on the nature of mysticism, breast implants, choosing to live in a socialist country, cleaning the house for guests, 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.
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Segments: 4 November 2012
Question 1: The Nature of Mysticism (4:30)
Question: What is mysticism? Is mysticism distinct from religion, faith, and belief in the supernatural? Can a person be non-religious but mystical? Can a person be religious but non-mystical?
Answer, In Brief: Theological mysticism is related to, but not the same as, philosophical mysticism. Most religious people are not theological mystics, and many are not philosophic mystics.
Tags: Epistemology, Faith, Mysticism, Psycho-Epistemology, Rationality, Religion
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Question 2: Breast Implants (20:54)
Question: What advice should I give to a friend considering breast implants? A friend of mine is considering breast implants, purely for cosmetic reasons. In other words, she's not having reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy: she just wants larger breasts. Do you think that purely cosmetic breast implant surgery is moral? Is it wise? What advice should I give her, if any?
Answer, In Brief: You should recognize that breast implant surgery is not necessarily moral or immoral. It can be immoral if the woman evades the risks, spends money that she can't afford, acts on a second-handed desire to please someone else, or otherwise sacrifices greater values. But it can be moral for a woman of healthy self-esteem who has been bothered by the size or shape of breasts, provided that she understands the risks of surgery and can afford the surgery.
Tags: Body Image, Ethics, Medicine, Personal Values, Self-Esteem, Vanity
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Question 3: Choosing to Live in a Socialist Country (35:39)
Question: Is it moral to choose to live in a socialist country? A person might move to England to study at a conservatory or move to China for a job. Would it be moral to do that – meaning, to move to a socialist country and make use their government institutions? Would there be some kind of obligation to "pay back" what the person gains from that country's taxpayers, such as by donating to organizations that promote capitalism in that country? Or would it be immoral altogether, such that a person should pursue whatever opportunities he can in America (or where he is)?
Answer, In Brief: You're not obliged to suffer in the country of your birth, nor responsible for other people's use of force against you, nor blamed for moving into yet another mixed economy.
Tags: Ethics, Free Society, Government, Life, Mixed Economy, Personal Values, Politics, Responsibility
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Question 4: Cleaning the House for Guests (45:12)
Question: Is is second-handed to work hard to clean and repair your house before company arrives? I'm constantly fighting a battle to get my house looking reasonable. Then, right before company arrives from out-of-town, I make an extra big push to get it as clean and tidy as possible. I'd like it to always be that way, but I'll work a lot harder when I know that someone else will be in the space. So is it second-handed to want to present a better home than I normally maintain? Or is putting in that effort that a matter of respecting and providing for people that I value?
Answer, In Brief: Putting an extra effort into cleaning and repairing your house for guests need not be second-handed or dishonest. It can and should serve to provide a warm welcome to your guests, as well as taking pride in your home.
Tags: Benevolence, Honesty, Independence, Introspection, Personal Values, Pride, Productivity, Relationships, Relationships
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Rapid Fire Questions (54:14)
- With regard to doctors suggesting a pinprick as an alternative to female genital mutilation, is your view that preventing the actual harm to the child is more important than making stand against the religious dogma?
- Isn't the idea "indigenous property rights" wrong because it assumes collective ownership?
- Is first-sale copyright a violation of the rights of consumers?
- What are some (if any) better alternatives for criminal punishment than prison?
- Isn't it better to act calmly during a discussion and try to keep your opponent calm as well?
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Conclusion (1:03:44)
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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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