On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on the nature of character, revenge porn, coming out as an atheist, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.
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Whole Podcast: 1 March 2015
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:07:50
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (24.4 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (23.3 MB)
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Podcast Segments: 1 March 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 riding, including jumping for the first time since my concussion. Also, I’ve uploaded the final versions of the questions to Explore Atlas Shrugged.
Question 1: The Nature of Character
Question: What is the nature of character? What is meant by a person’s “character”? Is that broader than moral character? What is the relationship between character (moral and otherwise) and personality? Are they distinct? Do they overlap?
My Answer, In Brief: Character is the sum total of fundamental principles, dispositions, emotions, and other elements of a person’s psychology that govern his actions. Moral character and personality are aspects of character.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 2:26
- Duration: 21:05
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Character, Emotions, Ethics, Mind, Moral Character, Personality, Values
Links:
- Philosophy in Action: Personality and Sense of Life
- Philosophy in Action: Podcasts on Personality
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Revenge Porn
Question: Should revenge porn be illegal? Apparently, it is increasingly common after a break-up for a person to share sexual pictures or videos of his/her former lover that were taken while in the relationship. Some people think that sharing sexual images intended to be kept private should be illegal, while others argue that such “revenge porn” is protected speech. Which view is right? Should the consent of all parties be required for the posting of sexual imagery?
My Answer, In Brief: Posting revenge porn violates the conditions under which the sex video was made. The law should take cognizance of that, and a person should be able to sue for damages.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 23:32
- Duration: 12:42
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Ethics, Law, Pornography, Privacy, Relationships, Rights, Sex, Technology, Torts
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 3: Coming Out as an Atheist
Question: How can I avoid coming out as an atheist to my boyfriend’s parents? I’m gay and my long-time, live-in boyfriend recently came out to his parents. They are older and pretty religious, but they are doing their best to be accepting of our relationship. However, my boyfriend says that they believe that I am changing him for the worse in that he has not been as communicative and open with them because he didn’t come out to them sooner and has not been sharing the progression of our relationship with them. (The whole concept of being in the closet seems completely alien to them.) But they do know our relationship is serious, so they have invited us to spend the holidays with them in order to get to know me better. My boyfriend says that they will insist that we attend church with them and has asked that I not tell them that I’m an atheist right away. I’ve explained to him that I am not going to lie about anything, but I am not sure how to remain true to my convictions without making things more difficult for my boyfriend and upsetting his parents. What are your suggestions for making the Christmas holidays pleasant while maintaining my integrity?
My Answer, In Brief: You should tend to your own moral integrity by refusing to deceive your boyfriend’s parents, even while aiming for them to get to know you and trust you before they find out about your atheism. You should not pressure your boyfriend, but allow him to navigate his own relationship with his parents as he sees fit, even if that means making mistakes.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 36:15
- Duration: 16:58
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Adult Children, Atheism, Communication, GLBT, Parenting, Privacy, Religion, Secrets, Values
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions
Questions:
- What color is this dress?
- How do you deal with situations where you cannot discuss something despite having a great deal of knowledge on that topic, due to non-disclosure agreements? Should you simply not discuss those topics?
- Is it morally okay to pirate recent episodes of a TV show that is not yet legally available in your country? Does it make a difference if you plan to buy the DVDs when they come out?
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 53:14
- Duration: 11:31
- 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: 1:04:45
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.
