On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered questions on changing personality traits, debating Christian versus Objectivist ethics, conning jerks and blowhards, and more with Greg Perkins. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading. You’ll find it on the episode’s archive page, as well as below.
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Podcast: Reclaiming Personality, Debating Ethics, Conning Jerks
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:19:30
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (28.5 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (27.3 MB)
Remember, with every episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, we show how rational philosophy can help you find joy in your work, model virtue for your kids, pursue your goals effectively, communicate with respect, and advocate for a free society. We can’t do that without your support, so please remember to tip your philosopher!
You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction (0:00)
My News of the Week: This week, I raised just over $2,000 in pledges for Ari Armstrong’s and my new paper in defense of abortion rights. Also, I’ve finished up the final edits for the print version of Explore Atlas Shrugged.
Question 1: Changing Personality Traits (4:25)
In this segment, I answered a question on changing personality traits.
Can I reclaim lost personality traits? When I was a kid (probably until the age of about 12 or 13), my personality had a strong ‘I’ element (as in the DISC model I). I was fun, energetic and confident. I was willing to express myself openly (and loudly) and do silly things for the sake of laughs. When I went to high school, I was bullied heavily. I became much more quiet and withdrawn. The C element of my personality took over, and the I element all but disappeared. Now as an adult, I would like to be able to “reclaim” my lost personality. I am generally a shy and withdrawn person, and I long for the energy and enthusiasm that I once had. Is it possible to reclaim my lost personality? If so, how?
My Answer, In Brief: The limits of personality change are unclear – and likely vary between individuals. You can make efforts to cultivate your personality in a particular direction, however, and you might as well try!
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 27:26
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Children, Emotions, Personality, Psychology
Links:
- NoodleFood: Introduction to DiSC
- Philosophy in Action: Podcasts on Personality
- Sentence Completion Exercises: Part 1 and Part 2
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Debating Christian Versus Objectivist Ethics (31:52)
In this segment, I answered a question on debating Christian versus Objectivist ethics.
Why is the Objectivist ethics superior to Christian ethics? I was recently invited to participate in a live student debate at a local church on the topic, “Who Was the Better Moral Philosopher: Ayn Rand or Jesus?”. The audience will be mostly Christian or neutral: there will only be a handful of people familiar with Objectivism present. What points would you make if you were to speak to an audience of interested laypeople on this topic? What subjects might be best to avoid? What aspects of Jesus’ ethics might be good to highlight as flaws? What resources – other than the primary sources – might you suggest on this topic?
My Answer, In Brief: Be an ambassador for rationality in this debate. Don’t try to disprove Christian ethics or disparage Christianity. Instead, aim to educate people about what the Objectivist ethics is and show its very practical virtues.
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 32:12
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Altruism, Christianity, Communication, Conflict, Egoism, Epistemology, Ethics, Meta-Ethics, Metaphysics, Objectivism, Sacrifice, Self-Sacrifice, Trader Principle
Links:
- The Virtue of Selfishness by Ayn Rand
- Loving Life by Craig Biddle
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 3: Conning Jerks and Blowhards (1:04:04)
In this segment, I answered a question on conning jerks and blowhards.
Is it wrong to con jerks and blowhards? I know that dishonesty is wrong, but conning jerks and blowhards out of their money (as seen here) seems like justice at its best. So is it wrong?
My Answer, In Brief: Conning jerks and blowhards makes for delightful fiction, but it’s bad practice in real life. You risk blowback – or worse, corrupting your own character.
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 14:02
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Emotions, Ethics, Fraud, Justice, Moral Character, Moral Habits, Revenge, Rights
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Conclusion (1:18:07)
Be sure to check out the topics scheduled for upcoming episodes! Don’t forget to submit and vote on questions for future episodes too!
About Philosophy in Action Radio
Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.
Remember, with every episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, we show how rational philosophy can help you find joy in your work, model virtue for your kids, pursue your goals effectively, communicate with respect, and advocate for a free society. We can’t do that without your support, so please remember to tip your philosopher!
