On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on hedonism, taking drugs, judging mixed people, romance with an irrational person, Santa Claus and kids, when to speak out, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 2 January 2011

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 1:00:38
• Download: Enhanced M4A File (22.0 MB)
• Download: Standard MP3 File (20.8 MB)

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Podcast Segments: 2 January 2011

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: Hedonism

Question: What’s wrong with hedonism? What’s the difference between “rational selfishness” and hedonism? What’s wrong with attempting to maximize pleasure over the course of a whole life?

My Answer, In Brief: Hedonism is purely subjective: it says that a person ought to pursue whatever he finds pleasurable. Rational egoism is objective: it says that a person ought to pursue what actually promotes his life as a rational human being.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 3:29
• Duration: 10:51
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Egoism, Ethics, Hedonism, Pleasure, Self-Interest

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

Question 2: Taking Drugs

Question: Which mind-altering or mood-altering substances are rational to take? (alcohol, caffeine, marijuana, etc.) And what principles do you apply in deciding?

My Answer, In Brief: If you are seeking pleasure in the impairment of your body and mind, then it’s time to examine your life and your premises.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 14:20
• Duration: 12:15
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Addiction, Alcohol/Drugs, Ethics, Health, Rationality

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

Question 3: Judging Mixed People

Question: How do you judge people of mixed premises? Many people are of “mixed” premises. How does one develop close and personal friendships or pursue long-term, serious, romantic relationships when many people are not consistently rational or moral? How does one judge such people objectively as to their worthiness for friendship or as a potential romantic interest?

My Answer, In Brief: When judging mixed people, seek a clear understanding of what’s black and white in them, then determine whether and what kind of relationship with them will serve your values – if any.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 26:36
• Duration: 8:01
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Conflict, Dating, Ethics, Friendship, Judgment, Justice, Philosophy, Relationships, Relationships, Sanction

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

Question 4: Romance with an Irrational Person

Question: Suppose you were a rational man in a relationship with a less rational woman, how would you handle your girlfriend’s ever-expanding irrational behavior?

My Answer, In Brief: Irrationality in a lover is a killer of romance.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 34:38
• Duration: 3:55
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Dating, Rationality, Relationships, Romance

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

Question 5: Santa Claus and Kids

Question: Is it moral to introduce the idea of Santa Claus to children – and why or why not? Some Objectivists say that introducing Santa or staying silent on the issue to let the child figure it out for himself constitutes deception and lying. Others say it’s a playful and fun game with Santa as a hero standing for justice in a way kiddies can understand.

My Answer, In Brief: The pleasure and value of Santa Claus lies in the meaning and richness of the stories about him, not in the delusion that he’s real.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 38:33
• Duration: 9:43
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Children, Holidays, Honesty, Parenting

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

Question 6: When to Speak Out

Question: Under what circumstances does it become incumbent to challenge another’s beliefs, especially in a religious context?

My Answer, In Brief: Focus on taking responsibility for your own beliefs and actions. Don’t assume responsibility for what others think and do.

Listen or Download:

• Start Time: 48:17
• Duration: 9:45
• Download: MP3 Segment
• Tags: Communication, Integrity, Responsibility, Sanction

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: 58:02

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.