- Horses’ Deaths at Aqueduct Prompt New Rules: I’ve heard that increasing purses with casino money bodes ill for the horses, and this article seems to confirm that.
- This Guy Photobombs Stock Photos And It’s Hilarious: I love these, so very much.
- New Facebook Notifications Alert Users When They Not Currently Looking At Facebook: A little close to home, this…
- This Is What One Man Learned From Wearing Makeup For A Week: Ah, the delights of serious self-parody!
- If Superheroes Were From The Elizabethan Age: Oh, fun!
- How Nonemployed Americans Spend Their Weekdays: Men vs. Women: Fascinating data!
- This Instagram Account Is Literally Your Mother: This is horrifying… and hysterical.
- 12 Funny and Delicious Venn Diagrams: My favorite is small, green, and poor grammar.
- 34 Of The Most Glorious Moments In Fail History: Marc with a c! King Kong! Hide the Sausage!
Jan 302015
Jan 302015
On Thursday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on all sorts of topics from the Rapid Fire Queue. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.
You can automatically download podcasts of Philosophy in Action Radio by subscribing to Philosophy in Action’s Podcast RSS Feed:
- Enhanced M4A Feed: Subscribe via iTunes or another podcast player
- Standard MP3 Feed: Subscribe via iTunes or another podcast player
Whole Podcast: 29 January 2015
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:06:32
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (23.9 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (22.9 MB)
Remember the Tip Jar!
The mission of Philosophy in Action is to spread rational principles for real life… far and wide. That’s why the vast majority of my work is available to anyone, free of charge. I love doing the radio show, but each episode requires an investment of time, effort, and money to produce. So if you enjoy and value that work of mine, please contribute to the tip jar. I suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. In return, contributors can request that I answer questions from the queue pronto, and regular contributors enjoy free access to premium content and other goodies.
Podcast Segments: 29 January 2015
You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction
My News of the Week: I’ve been frantically preparing to depart for Aiken, which happens in the wee hours of Friday morning!
Rapid Fire Questions
Questions:
- What is your view of common-law marriages?
- Are smart animals like the sign-language-using ape, math-speaking African Grey parrot, dolphins, and some crows using concepts?
- What are some good sources of humor that are consistent with and supportive of a rational, Objectivist worldview?
- So, habitual drug use is bad. And so is impairing one’s mind in as much as our minds are our primary means of survival. I don’t do such drugs on principle, and am very happy this way. The question is: do you think it is rational to accept the offer to partake in a safe one-time experience using a relatively safe psychedelic drug that is similar to psilocybin, i.e. mushrooms? The intention would be to have a deep bonding experience with a trusted loved one (who is initiating the request).
- Should emotions be subjected to moral judgment?
- I can’t comprehend how some people care more about animals more than humans. Could it be that they’ve just met lots of jerks?
- Can a person be justly blamed for not doing something he should have done, when the thought of doing it never occurred to him, but he would have done it if the thought had occurred to him?
- Is love really a battlefield, or did Pat Benatar get it wrong?
- Have you read any Kafka? If so, do you think interpreting his work as dark humour makes it seem more acceptable?
- Is limiting the use of water during a drought a proper function of government? What about under normal circumstances?
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 2:44
- Duration: 1:01:53
- Download: MP3 Segment
To comment on these questions or my answers, visit its comment thread.
Conclusion
Be sure to check out the topics scheduled for upcoming episodes! Don’t forget to submit and vote on questions for future episodes too!
- Start Time: 1:04:38
About Philosophy in Action Radio
Philosophy in Action Radio focuses on the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. It broadcasts live on most Sunday mornings and many Thursday evenings over the internet. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.
My latest Forbes piece is now out, “Does Your Right To Life Include The Right To Die?”
I discuss the revived debate over physician-assisted suicide, especially in the wake of Brittany Maynard’s decision to end her life following a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. This issue is being debated in several state legislatures, including New Jersey and California, so we will be hearing much more about this in coming months.
I recognize that this is a controversial topic and that good physicians can disagree on this issue. Nonetheless, I believe this should be a legal option for patients, provided that there are appropriate safeguard to protect both the patient and the physician.
In my piece I cover three main subpoints:
1) Your life is your own.
2) The state has a legitimate (even vital) role to play in assisted suicide.
3) Physicians must not be required to participate
For more details, please read the full text of “Does Your Right To Life Include The Right To Die?”
(Much of this material is drawn from the recent Philosophy In Action podcast by Diana and co-host Greg Perkins in their 1/18/2015 segment, “The Right To Die“.)
(Photo: Brittany Maynard by Allie Hoffman; Creative Commons Attribution – Share Alike)
On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on the regulation of ultrahazardous activities, declining gift solicitations, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.
You can automatically download podcasts of Philosophy in Action Radio by subscribing to Philosophy in Action’s Podcast RSS Feed:
- Enhanced M4A Feed: Subscribe via iTunes or another podcast player
- Standard MP3 Feed: Subscribe via iTunes or another podcast player
Whole Podcast: 25 January 2015
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:09:43
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (25.0 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (24.0 MB)
Remember the Tip Jar!
The mission of Philosophy in Action is to spread rational principles for real life… far and wide. That’s why the vast majority of my work is available to anyone, free of charge. I love doing the radio show, but each episode requires an investment of time, effort, and money to produce. So if you enjoy and value that work of mine, please contribute to the tip jar. I suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. In return, contributors can request that I answer questions from the queue pronto, and regular contributors enjoy free access to premium content and other goodies.
Podcast Segments: 25 January 2015
You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction
My News of the Week: I’ve been copyediting Explore Atlas Shrugged one last time and preparing for the trip to Aiken!
Question 1: The Regulation of Ultrahazardous Activities
Question: Would the government of a free society issue bans or otherwise regulate activities dangerous to bystanders? At the turn of the 20th century it was common to use cyanide gas to fumigate buildings. Although it was well-known that cyanide gas was extremely poisonous and alternatives were available, its use continued and resulted in a number of accidental deaths due to the gas traveling through cracks in walls and even in plumbing. With the development of better toxicology practices, these deaths were more frequently recognized for what they were and at the end of summer in 1825 the NYC government banned its use. In this and other situations, it was recognized that the substance in question was extremely poisonous and could only be handled with the most extreme care – care that was rarely demonstrated. The question is this: Should the government step in and ban the substance from general use or should it simply stand by and wait for people to die and prosecute the users for manslaughter? Or is there another option?My Answer, In Brief: Ultrahazardous activities should be subjected to a standard of strict liability in tort law, rather than the negligence standard used in other cases. If a negligence standard were used, that would allow businesses who engage in ultrahazardous activities to privatize profits and socialize costs.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 2:28
- Duration: 47:07
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Business, Epistemology, Government, Law, Philosophy, Regulation, Rights, Risk, Science, Technology, Torts, Ultrahazardous Activities
Links:
- Wikipedia: Ultrahazardous Activity
- A Libertarian Justification for DUI Laws
- Bootleggers and Baptists–The Education of a Regulatory Economist by Bruce Yandle
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Declining Gift Solicitations
Question: How can I refuse solicitations for gifts for co-workers? I work in a department of about thirty people. In the past few months, we have been asked to contribute money to buy gifts for co-workers – for engagements, baby showers, bereavement flowers, and Christmas gifts for the department chair, administrative assistants, housekeeping staff, and lab manager. Generally these requests are made by e-mail, and I can see from the “reply all” messages that everyone else contributes. Often these donations add up to a large amount ($10-20 each time). I do not wish to take part, but am worried that since I am a newer employee my lack of participation will be interpreted negatively. What can I do?My Answer, In Brief: Businesses should not permit their employees to be socially pressured to give money for gifts and celebrations: they should institute policies that protect employees from the cost and distraction of a parade of small parties and gifts. If a business won’t do that, an employee can still decide whether and how much to participate in these office social rituals, and hopefully others will be understanding of their reasons.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 49:35
- Duration: 16:33
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Benevolence, Business, Communication, Ethics, Gifts, Relationships
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions
Questions:
- Should prisoners have the right to vote?
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 1:06:08
- Duration: 1:42
- Download: MP3 Segment
To comment on these questions or my answers, visit its comment thread.
Conclusion
Be sure to check out the topics scheduled for upcoming episodes! Don’t forget to submit and vote on questions for future episodes too!
- Start Time: 1:07:51
About Philosophy in Action Radio
Philosophy in Action Radio focuses on the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. It broadcasts live on most Sunday mornings and many Thursday evenings over the internet. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.
Jan 252015
This week on We Stand FIRM, the blog of FIRM (Freedom and Individual Rights in Medicine):
- 22 Jan: Epstein: The Baby Who Lived by Paul Hsieh
- 20 Jan: Quick Links: Canada, Medicaid, Doctors Switching Careers by Paul Hsieh
This week on Politics without God, the blog of the Coalition for Secular Government:
- 20 Jan: The Right to Die: Philosophy in Action Podcast by Diana Hsieh
This week on The Blog of Modern Paleo:
- 24 Jan: Philosophy Weekend: News from Philosophy in Action by Diana Hsieh
- 23 Jan: The Paleo Rodeo #245 by Diana Hsieh
Jan 232015
- My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward: A compelling, scary, heart-wrenching story.
- Top disproportionately common names by profession: I’m a graphic designer!
- Ron Paul: The Notion That Charlie Hebdo Was Attacked Over Free Speech Is ‘fantasy’: Reason says: “Charlie Hebdo editors mocked fundamentalists knowing that they could be attacked for it; they were then sued, firebombed, sued again, fatwa’d, and finally massacred by Muslims who complained specifically about that mockery. Yet it’s somehow a ‘fantasy’ to conclude that ‘they cannot stand our free speech’? That does not pass the giggle test.” Hear, hear.
- “Microaggressions”, “Trigger Warnings”, and the New Meaning of “Trauma”: I like this article because it puts trauma in perspective. Overall, trigger warnings strike me as simultaneously glib and patronizing — and oppressive. So we all need to be sensitive in this way, RIGHT NOW… but look, we can be sensitive by just listing some keywords at the top of an article for the people who are too delicate to even read about this topic. Blech. If someone put a note at the topic of an article saying, “Hey, this is a story about X, and I know that reading about X can be really upsetting to some people who’ve experienced this, so tread carefully here,” I’d be grateful. “Trigger Warning: X” makes me want to punch the author.
- There’s Been A Secret Game In Your Chrome Browser This Whole Time: I always wondered what that dinosaur was for.
- Activists TurnTables on Political Surveillance Hawks: Whoops!
- ‘Boy Who Came Back From Heaven’ recants story; books recalled: Don’t miss the kid’s last name… the jokes write themselves!
- Paris Update or, “Who Should I Believe? You or My Lying Eyes?”: Facts matter.
- 45 Examples of Muslim Outrage About Charlie Hebdo Attack That Fox News Missed: Look, more facts!
- Video: California Man Walks Into Bear While Texting: The reaction is just priceless.
Jan 212015
This news doesn’t surprise me… but I wish I’d predicted it! From Once, Same-Sex Couples Couldn’t Wed; Now, Some Employers Say They Must:
Until recently, same-sex couples could not legally marry. Now, some are finding they must wed if they want to keep their partner’s job-based health insurance and other benefits.
With same-sex marriage now legal in 35 states and the District of Columbia, some employers that formerly covered domestic partners say they will require marriage licenses for workers who want those perks.
“We’re bringing our benefits in line, making them consistent with what we do for everyone else,” said Ray McConville, a spokesman for Verizon, which notified non-union employees in July that domestic partners in states where same-sex marriage is legal must wed if they want to qualify for such benefits.
Employers making the changes say that since couples now have the legal right to marry, they no longer need to provide an alternative. Such rule changes could also apply to opposite-sex partners covered under domestic partner arrangements.
The news doesn’t surprise me because it confirms my long-held view that companies offering benefits to unmarried people living together was largely a way to provide benefits to same-sex couples. And that’s part of why I think that conservatives have done more to devalue marriage than anyone else in recent decades. By opposing gay marriage, they encouraged people to view living together as basically the same as marriage. But… it’s not.
If you want to know why I think that, take a listen to this question about the value of marriage from the 17 February 2013 episode of Philosophy in Action Radio. The question asked:
What is the value of marriage? How is it different from living with a romantic partner in a committed relationship? Is marriage only a legal matter? Or does it have some personal or social benefit?
You can listen to or download the relevant segment of the podcast here:
- Duration: 17:47
- Download: MP3 Segment
For more details, check out the question’s archive page. The full episode – where I answered questions on the value of marriage, antibiotic resistance in a free society, concern for attractiveness to others, semi-automatic handguns versus revolvers, and more – is available as a podcast too.
Jan 202015
I’m pleased to open registration for SnowCon 2015 – six days of snow sports, relaxation, discussion, and lectures in the snowy Colorado Rockies for fans of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism!
SnowCon will be held from Tuesday, March 17th to Sunday, March 22th, based entirely in Frisco, Colorado. During the day, we’ll ski, snowboard, snowshoe, soak in the hot tubs, chat, and relax. In the evenings, we’ll dine together, play games, and listen to lectures, participate in discussions, and more.
Early pricing is currently in effect until February 15th, so it costs $60 for the whole conference (or $15 per day) so long as you register by February 15th. To register, just fill out the form on the SnowCon 2015 page and then pay your registration fee.
SnowCon welcomes all friendly people with a serious interest in or honest curiosity about Ayn Rand’s philosophy, regardless of their level of knowledge. Every person at SnowCon is expected to be respectful and considerate of others.
A few notes:
(1) You don’t need to ski or snowboard to enjoy SnowCon! You can go snowshoeing with Paul (which takes five minutes to learn), go tubing, ice skating, shopping, or whatever.
(2) The only condo available was awfully small, and I’ve already filled its beds. Sorry! However, you can find hotels in Frisco here, and you can still join all the fun at the SnowCondo… you just have to sleep elsewhere. (If you share a room with someone, the cost won’t be any more than the SnowCondo.)
(3) You don’t need to attend the whole of SnowCon. Locals are welcome to drive up just for the day, or you can stay for just a few days.
(4) I’m looking for speakers interested in giving presentations! I’m planning on two 30-minute slots per evening. You can give a lecture with Q&A or lead a discussion. If you have a proposal, email me at [email protected].
(5) If you’re coming from sea level, you might wish to get altitude pills (and start taking them a few days before you arrive). If you get altitude sickness, you’ll be miserable, and the only cure will be to get to a lower elevation.
Again, for more details, including the schedule and registration, visit SnowCon 2015.
If you even might attend SnowCon 2015, subscribe to the SnowCon e-mail list for SnowCon-related announcements.
On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on the right to die, marriage without love, creating art, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.
You can automatically download podcasts of Philosophy in Action Radio by subscribing to Philosophy in Action’s Podcast RSS Feed:
- Enhanced M4A Feed: Subscribe via iTunes or another podcast player
- Standard MP3 Feed: Subscribe via iTunes or another podcast player
Whole Podcast: 18 January 2015
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:06:56
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (24.0 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (23.0 MB)
Remember the Tip Jar!
The mission of Philosophy in Action is to spread rational principles for real life… far and wide. That’s why the vast majority of my work is available to anyone, free of charge. I love doing the radio show, but each episode requires an investment of time, effort, and money to produce. So if you enjoy and value that work of mine, please contribute to the tip jar. I suggest $5 per episode or $20 per month, but any amount is appreciated. In return, contributors can request that I answer questions from the queue pronto, and regular contributors enjoy free access to premium content and other goodies.
Podcast Segments: 18 January 2015
You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction
My News of the Week: I’ve been busy with the show, as well as preparing for Aiken.
Question 1: The Right to Die
Question: Should a person who does not wish to live be forcibly prevented from committing suicide? John doesn’t like living. He finds no joy in life, and only lives because it would upset other people if he ended his life. He has tried counseling and medication, but he simply has no desire to continue to live. He makes no real contribution to society, nor does he wish to be a part of society. If John wants to die, he can, but the state will attempt to stop him at every turn, even to the point of incarceration. Is there a point when the law (and other people) should simply respect his wishes and allow him to end his life – or perhaps even assist him in doing so?My Answer, In Brief: A person’s right to his own life includes the right to commit suicide. The law’s sole job is to ensure that a person’s choice to die reflects his considered judgment, freely made, as well as to differentiate between helpers and murderers.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 2:12
- Duration: 22:48
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Assisted Suicide, Crime, Death, Government, Law, Rights, Suicide
Links:
- Philosophy in Action: Selling Yourself into Slavery
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Marriage without Love
Question: Should people who merely like and respect each other ever marry? Imagine that a person doesn’t think that he’ll ever find true and deep love – perhaps for good reason. In that case, is it wrong to marry someone you enjoy, value, like, and respect – even if you don’t love that person? What factors might make a decision reasonable, if any? Should the other person know about the lack of depth in your feelings?My Answer, In Brief: A relationship that begins with mutual affection and respect but not love can grow into a romance, if both people put in a serious effort. If not, it’ll likely be a disaster of two unsatisfied people growing apart.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 25:00
- Duration: 16:02
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Dating, Friendship, Honesty, Lifestyle, Love, Marriage, Personality, Relationships, Romance, Sex, Values
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 3: Creating Art
Question: Is creating art necessary for a moral life? Since material values are a human need, independence requires that human beings engage in productive activity. Can the same logic be applied to art? Since art is a human need, does independence require human beings to be artistically creative? Would someone who enjoys art without producing any be an “aesthetic moocher”?My Answer, In Brief: The experience of art is necessary to human life, but the creation of art is not. This argument is deduction gone awry.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 41:03
- Duration: 8:22
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Aesthetics, Art, Business, Economics, Hobbies, Logic, Rationalism, Trader Principle, Values
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions
Questions:
- Where have the Audible book recommendations gone?
- What, if anything, should be done to help the people of North Korea, such as distributing literature or helping citizens leave?
- Do you know of any resources or websites that list businesses or career opportunities for human beings that follow the Objectivist Philosophy?
- Should doctors who purport to be able to “cure homosexuality” be prosecuted for fraud?
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 49:26
- Duration: 15:14
- Download: MP3 Segment
To comment on these questions or my answers, visit its comment thread.
Conclusion
Be sure to check out the topics scheduled for upcoming episodes! Don’t forget to submit and vote on questions for future episodes too!
- Start Time: 1:04:41
About Philosophy in Action Radio
Philosophy in Action Radio focuses on the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. It broadcasts live on most Sunday mornings and many Thursday evenings over the internet. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.
Jan 182015
This week on We Stand FIRM, the blog of FIRM (Freedom and Individual Rights in Medicine):
- 17 Jan: Food Labelling Update by Paul Hsieh
- 14 Jan: NYT on “Right To Try” by Paul Hsieh
- 12 Jan: Klein: EMRs Can Hurt MDs During Lawsuits by Paul Hsieh
This week on The Blog of The Objective Standard:
- 13 Jan: Charlie Hebdo’s Moral Endurance by Craig Biddle
This week on The Blog of Modern Paleo:
- 17 Jan: Philosophy Weekend: News from Philosophy in Action by Diana Hsieh
- 16 Jan: The Paleo Rodeo #244 by Diana Hsieh
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