On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on personality theory and ethics, euthanizing a pet, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.
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Whole Podcast: 5 April 2015
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:05:02
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (23.4 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (22.3 MB)
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Podcast Segments: 5 April 2015
You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction
My News of the Week: I posted my 2012 lecture “Should You Try to Be Morally Perfect?” as a premium podcast, and I expect a new proof of the book version of Explore Atlas Shrugged to arrive tomorrow.
Question 1: Personality Theory and Ethics
Question: How does personality theory affect ethics? In your December 21st, 2014 discussion of the relationship between philosophy and science, you stated that your grasp of personality theory has given you a fresh perspective on ethics and changed your understanding of the requirements of the virtues. How does personality theory inform the field of ethics, in general? How should personality theory inform our moral judgments? How does one avoid slipping into subjectivism when accounting for personality differences? (Presumably, it doesn’t matter whether Hitler was a High-D or not before we judge him as evil.) How can we distinguish between making reasonable accommodations for personality differences and appeasing destructive behavior and people? Are virtues other than justice affected by an understanding of personality theory?
My Answer, In Brief: Personality theory does not change the substance of ethics, but it sheds light on the practice of the virtues, and particularly aids in exercising the virtues of justice and pride.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 4:46
- Duration: 22:15
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Character, Ethics, Justice, Personality, Personal Values, Values, Virtue
Links:
- NoodleFood: Introduction to DiSC
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Euthanizing a Pet
Question: When should a person euthanize a pet? Over the years, I’ve had to decide whether to medically treat my cats or euthanize them when they’re seriously ill, and it tends to be a hard choice to make. Concern for the cat’s quality of life is a factor, but so is the monetary cost of veterinary procedures and medication, the time required, and the emotional pain of parting from an animal that has been part of my life for many years. In my own decisions, I’ve come down to, “Am I keeping this cat alive because his life has value to him, or because I don’t want to face losing him?” Yet in online discussions, I see comments from other people who strike me as prolonging a pet’s life even when the pet is miserable, which seems horrifying to me. What is your approach to these decisions? What do you think is the best way to approach them? Is this a question of ethical principle or purely one of optional values?
My Answer, In Brief: Pets are serious responsibilities, and people should consider the well-being of the animal, as well as the well-being of the humans involved, when deciding whether to put down an animal or not.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 27:01
- Duration: 28:26
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Aggression, Animals, Euthanasia, Pets, Responsibility, Risk, Suffering, Ultrahazardous, Ultrahazardous Activities, Values
Links:
- Philosophy in Action: The Regulation of Ultrahazardous Activities
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Listen or Download:
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions
Questions:
- Heuristics are very important in day to day life. What is the place of heuristics in a principled ethical philosophy?
- Is “perversion” a valid concept? What does it really mean, morally, to call someone “perverted”?
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 55:28
- Duration: 8:08
- 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: 1:03:36
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.
