On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on altruism and sacrifice, celebrating Festivus, what to do about Wikileaks, eating pets, topics for first dates, black and white thinking, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 26 December 2010

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 58:48
• Download: Enhanced M4A File (21.4 MB)
• Download: Standard MP3 File (20.2 MB)

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Podcast Segments: 26 December 2010

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

Introduction

My News of the Week: Let’s get started!

Question 1: Altruism and Sacrifice

Question: Why does altruism measure virtue by the depth of a person’s self-sacrifice, rather than the amount of good actually done for others? Altruism demands every person promote the welfare of others as his ultimate value. Despite that, however, altruistic virtue is not measured by the actual good done for others, but rather by the depth of the person’s self-sacrifice. Why is that?

My Answer, In Brief: Altruism is not inconsistent to measure virtue by depth of a person’s self-sacrifice. It must do that – or acknowledge that mankind’s greatest benefactors are not people doling out charity, but rather people who produce and trade for their own selfish gain.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 5:03
• Duration: 10:09
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Altruism, Christianity, Christianity, Ethics, Sacrifice, Self-Sacrifice

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

Question 2: Celebrating Festivus

Question: Would you recommend your fellow Objectivists to celebrate Festivus? If so, how should we celebrate it?

My Answer, In Brief: It’s just as wrong to be contrarian as to be conformist. Instead, use rituals and holidays to reflect your values.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 15:12
• Duration: 8:52
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Culture, Holidays, Weddings

Links:

• Festivus from Seinfeld, The Wedding of Greg and Tammy Perkins

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

Question 3: What To Do about Wikileaks

Question: What should the US government do about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange? In particular, can and should the US government go after him, given that he is not an American citizen and he apparently committed his bad acts outside of US territory?

My Answer, In Brief: Wikileaks is a major problem, but it’s wrong for the US to claim power to prosecute anyone anywhere.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 24:04
• Duration: 7:41
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Crime, Foreign Policy, Law, Rights

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

Question 4: Eating Pets

Question: Would you kill your pets for food? Why and why not?

My Answer, In Brief: Our deep feelings for our pets are wonderful, but those feelings shouldn’t get in the way of being sensible, selfish pet owners.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 31:46
• Duration: 6:42
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Animal Rights, Animals, Ethics, Pets, Rights

Links:

• Temple Grandin

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

Question 5: Topics for First Dates

Question: What are some good topics to discuss on a first or second date? Also, what topics should be avoided?

My Answer, In Brief: Focus on the positive, and ask questions that reveal your own and your date’s personality and values.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 38:28
• Duration: 3:55
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Communication, Dating, Romance

Links:

• Diana Hsieh’s podcast on Finding Good Romantic Prospects

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

Question 6: Black and White Thinking

Question: Isn’t it wrong to be a “black and white” thinker? To a lot of people that is not a good trait. Life isn’t black and white. Black and white thinking limits you. It closes doors instead of opening them and it also closes minds. In the case of gray, you can give and take. Why is black and white thinking a necessary part of Objectivism? Shouldn’t common contradicting viewpoints be welcome in a healthy discussion?

My Answer, In Brief: We should seek the clarity of a black and white world, but that doesn’t mean that we should pretend to know more than we do, ignore complicating factors, or treat people like morons.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 42:24
• Duration: 14:50
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Absolutes, Epistemology, Metaphysics

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: 57:14

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.