On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on replying to intrusive inquiries, changing minds on gay marriage, dealing with overzealous ideologues, buying from Chinese companies, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 31 March 2013

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 1:12:02
• Download: Enhanced M4A File (25.9 MB)
• Download: Standard MP3 File (24.8 MB)

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Podcast Segments: 31 March 2013

You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.

Introduction

My News of the Week: I’ve been enjoying life and working on updates to Philosophy in Action, including updating the Newsletter Also. I’ve been worrying about Joshua Lipana. You can help this brave defender of liberty by contributing to his medical fund.

Question 1: Replying to Intrusive Inquiries

Question: How should a person respond when pressured to reveal private information? Some people think themselves entitled to know about the private lives of their co-workers, acquaintances, family, or friends. They won’t take a hint, and they might even demand the information in front of other people or in a public forum. How should a person who wishes to protect his privacy respond to such invasive inquiries? Is lying justifiable?

My Answer, In Brief: A person can protect his privacy by identifying his limits in advance, as well as cultivating his social skills and better habits. Dishonesty is not necessary to protect privacy, but instead exacerbates the problem of “snoopers.”

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 3:12
• Duration: 14:59
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Communication, Conflict, Ethics, Habits, Honesty, Privacy, Rationality, Relationships

Links:

• Miss Manners: The Right Thing To Say by Judith Martin
• NoodleFood: The False Dichotomy Between Honesty and Privacy

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

Question 2: Changing Minds on Gay Marriage

Question: How might social conservatives be convinced to support gay marriage? Rob Portman, a Republican Senator from Ohio, recently decided to openly support gay marriage after his son came out to him and his wife. What can be done to help other conservatives see gay marriage in a new light – as a matter of liberty and individual identity?

My Answer, In Brief: The way the change more minds on gay marriage is by exposing people to the facts about gays and gay marriage, then integrating that experience with core American values. Most conservatives will come around in the next decade or two.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 18:11
• Duration: 16:46
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Activism, Culture, GLBT, Marriage, Politics

Links:

• Gay couples also deserve chance to get married by Rob Portman
• The Atlantic: The Key to Same-Sex Marriage’s Fast Acceptance: The Courage to Come Out
• TIME: How Gay Marriage Won
• Washington Monthly: Under the Gaydar
• “I am Married … to a Woman” by Ron Pisaturo
• Philosophy in Action: State Involvement in Marriage and Speaking Out Against Bigotry

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

Question 3: Dealing with Overzealous Ideologues

Question: How can a person deal with overzealous ideologues? Suppose that an overzealous follower of a particular belief system constantly monitors and polices the behavior of other followers. When he sees what he believes to be a failure by someone to live up to their ideals, he attacks that person publicly, trying to shame him into proper behavior. What is the proper response if I am attacked by this overzealous follower in public? What if the attacks are private? Should I respond if my friends and acquaintances are attacked?

My Answer, In Brief: The problem of overzealous ideologues is part of a broader conflict between openness and quality control in advocacy movements. Understand that – and then exclude such people from your life as much as possible.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 34:58
• Duration: 23:02
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Activism, Communication, Friendship, Integrity, Justice, Objectivist Movement, Paleo, Rationality, Relationships

Links:

• NoodleFood: WTFuffles
• Ed Cline’s comments on “I am Married … to a Woman”

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

Question 4: Buying from Chinese Companies

Question: Is it moral to buy products from Chinese companies? Recently I discovered several online companies based in China that sell clothing of reasonable quality for very low prices. I’ve made a few purchases, and I am happy with the items received. But I wonder: is it moral to purchase goods made in a communist country? Granted China has changed a lot in the past two decades, but the communists still rule in a totalitarian fashion. Am I supporting that kind of regime by sending my money there, or am I supporting the entrepreneurial class which might exist in China?

My Answer, In Brief: In today’s global economy, it’s not possible to avoid Chinese-made goods – and it’s perfectly moral to buy them because China is not a communist dictatorship or other enemy.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 58:05
• Duration: 5:30
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Business, China, Ethics, Foreign Policy, Politics

Links:

• Philosophy in Action: Robert Garmong on Should We Fear or Embrace China?
• NoodleFood: Correction on Chinese Gulags

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

Rapid Fire Questions

Questions:

• What do you think about conservatives being upset at Google’s “doodle” for today (Easter Sunday)?
• Why do so many people accuse Ayn Rand of being an Nietzsche wannabe?
• How does one distinguish evil from mere madness?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 1:03:35
• Duration: 6:50
• 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: 1:10:26

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.