On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered questions on jobs of necessity rather than passion, contentious Objectivist debates, a cheating friend, helping a friend with depression, reminders of death, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 7 November 2010

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 50:26
• Download: Enhanced M4A File (18.3 MB)
• Download: Standard MP3 File (17.3 MB)

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Podcast Segments: 7 November 2010

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

Introduction

My News of the Week: These webcasts are still very experimental. Please lower your expectations accordingly!

Question 1: Jobs of Necessity Rather Than Passion

Question: We are sometimes forced to choose a professional endeavor out of financial necessity rather than professional passion, leading to difficulty in motivation and decreased creative output. How might one improve effectiveness under those circumstances?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 2:17
• Duration: 12:08
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Business, Career, Finances, Productiveness, Work

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

Question 2: Contentious Objectivist Debates

Question: Objectivists seem to be disagreeing a lot recently about some hot button issues. Do you have any principles to suggest on how to best handle such disagreements?

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 14:25
• Duration: 18:02
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Communication, Conflict, Etiquette, Justice, Objectivist Movement, Relationships

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

Question 3: A Cheating Friend

Question: A friend (we were once close, but have grown apart in recent years) confides that she is cheating on her husband and has no plans to tell him. I have no idea what to do – I neither wanted this secret nor want to help keep it from the husband. I’m angry.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 32:28
• Duration: 6:03
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Ethics, Friendship, Honesty, Infidelity, Marriage, Relationships, Sanction

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

Question 4: Helping a Friend with Depression

Question: If you have a dear friend with depression that is honestly struggling, what can you do to help? I’ve listened. I’ve recommended a book Mind Over Mood. I’ve sent a picture each day of a memory and what is says about her i.e. focus on the positive.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 38:31
• Duration: 3:15
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Benevolence, Friendship, Psychology

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

Question 5: Reminders of Death

Question: Why do some habitually project their death as a means of silencing criticisms or getting people to do what they want? E.g. a senior that intimidates his children to answer the phone by stating his next call might be while he’s actively dying.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 41:47
• Duration: 4:08
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Communication, Death, Ethics, Manipulation, Psychology, Relationships

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: 45:55

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.