On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on the relationship between philosophy and science, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 21 December 2014

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 1:05:48
• Download: Enhanced M4A File (23.6 MB)
• Download: Standard MP3 File (22.6 MB)

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Podcast Segments: 21 December 2014

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

Introduction

My News of the Week: If you’re looking for a last-minute Christmas gift, consider my book Responsibility & Luck, my course Explore Atlas Shrugged, my podcast on Finding Good Prospects for Romance and Friendship.

Question 1: The Relationship between Philosophy and Science

Question: What is the proper relationship between philosophy and science? People commonly assert that science proves that the traditional claims of philosophy are wrong. For example, they’ll say that quantum mechanics proves that objective reality and causality are just myths and that psychology experiments disprove free will. In contrast, other people claim that philosophy is so fundamental that if any claims of science contradict philosophical principles, then the science must be discarded as false. Hence, for example, they say that homosexuality cannot possibly be genetic, whatever science says, since philosophy tells us that people are born “tabula rasa,” including without any knowledge of “male” versus “female.” So what is the proper view of the relationship between philosophy and the sciences? Does either have a veto power over the other? Is science based on philosophy or vice versa?

My Answer, In Brief: Neither philosophy nor science has priority over the other. Philosophers should strive to be more familiar with the full range of scientific facts, and scientists should strive to be more aware of their philosophic assumptions. Everyone should be focused on the facts, rather than defending theory.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 2:34
• Duration: 52:10
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Biology, Economics, Epistemology, Ethics, Free Will, Metaphysics, Perception, Personality, Philosophy, Physics, Physics, Psychology, Science

Links:

• Wikipedia: Uncertainty Principle
• Neuroscience vs philosophy: Taking aim at free will
• Philosophy in Action: Innate Personality
• “Dursley Duplicity” by Diana Hsieh in Harry Potter and Philosophy

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

Rapid Fire Questions

Questions:

• Are practical jokes wrong?
• If someone insults or attacks my spouse online, e.g. on Facebook, should I cut ties with that person?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 54:44
• Duration: 8:32
• 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: 1:03:17

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.