On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered questions on kindness to others, career versus family, terminal cancer and disability, chronic complainers, irresponsible adult children, maintaining civility online, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 31 October 2010

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 52:36
• Download: Enhanced M4A File (19.1 MB)
• Download: Standard MP3 File (18.1 MB)

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Podcast Segments: 31 October 2010

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

Introduction

My News of the Week: Right now, these webcasts are very experimental, and this episode was my first in this format. Hence, it has lots of rough edges. Please lower your expectations accordingly!

Question 1: Kindness to Others

Question: Is there a principle of Objectivism which justifies and requires kindness to other people (not necessarily going out of one’s way, but treating others ‘like human beings’ and a basic level of respect), or is it just an issue of reciprocity?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 4:35
• Duration: 11:18
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Benevolence, Egoism, Ethics, Self-Interest

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

Question 2: Career Versus Family

Question: I am a 20-something girl with ambitious career goals and a strong desire to have a family. How did you decide to pursue a career rather than having children? Do you have any advice about how to go about making the decision?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 15:53
• Duration: 7:56
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Career, Children, Family, Parenting, Work

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

Question 3: Terminal Cancer and Disability

Question: I have a terminal illness (cancer) that’s getting in the way of my daily life, which includes a full-time job and college. Is it moral to stop working and go on disability?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 23:50
• Duration: 11:47
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Ethics, Government, Health, Welfare, Work

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

Question 4: Chronic Complainers

Question: What are your thoughts on people who complain about their problems but never pursue to solve them, or, worse, actively evade and ignore solutions that confront them? E.g. a student who complains about his budget but continues to spend irrationally.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 35:37
• Duration: 9:44
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Communication, Ethics, Judgment, Justice, Moral Wrongs

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

Question 5: Irresponsible Adult Children

Question: How would you treat an adult child who wishes to move back home after a history of poor self-control and irresponsible choices?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 45:21
• Duration: 1:32
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Adult Children, Ethics, Family, Family, Judgment, Justice, Parenting, Rationality, Responsibility, Self-Control

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

Question 6: Maintaining Civility Online

Question: Could you give or recommend a set of guidelines for blog/online discussion etiquette? How can someone maximize their benefit from online discussions and relationships?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 46:53
• Duration: 5:04
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Conflict, Ethics, Etiquette, Internet, Relationships, Social Media

To comment on this question or my answer, 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: 51:58

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.