Protecting Privacy, Gay Marriage, Chinese Goods, and More
Q&A Radio: 31 March 2013
I answered questions on replying to intrusive inquiries, changing minds on gay marriage, dealing with overzealous ideologues, buying from Chinese companies, and more on 31 March 2013. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was my co-host. Listen to or download this episode of Philosophy in Action Radio below.
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Segments: 31 March 2013
Question 1: Replying to Intrusive Inquiries
Question: How should a person respond when pressured to reveal private information? Some people think themselves entitled to know about the private lives of their co-workers, acquaintances, family, or friends. They won't take a hint, and they might even demand the information in front of other people or in a public forum. How should a person who wishes to protect his privacy respond to such invasive inquiries? Is lying justifiable?
Answer, In Brief: A person can protect his privacy by identifying his limits in advance, as well as cultivating his social skills and better habits. Dishonesty is not necessary to protect privacy, but instead exacerbates the problem of "snoopers."
Tags: Communication, Conflict, Ethics, Habits, Honesty, Privacy, Rationality, Relationships
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Question 2: Changing Minds on Gay Marriage
Question: How might social conservatives be convinced to support gay marriage? Rob Portman, a Republican Senator from Ohio, recently decided to openly support gay marriage after his son came out to him and his wife. What can be done to help other conservatives see gay marriage in a new light – as a matter of liberty and individual identity?
Answer, In Brief: The way the change more minds on gay marriage is by exposing people to the facts about gays and gay marriage, then integrating that experience with core American values. Most conservatives will come around in the next decade or two.
Tags: Activism, Culture, GLBT, Marriage, Politics
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Question 3: Dealing with Overzealous Ideologues
Question: How can a person deal with overzealous ideologues? Suppose that an overzealous follower of a particular belief system constantly monitors and polices the behavior of other followers. When he sees what he believes to be a failure by someone to live up to their ideals, he attacks that person publicly, trying to shame him into proper behavior. What is the proper response if I am attacked by this overzealous follower in public? What if the attacks are private? Should I respond if my friends and acquaintances are attacked?
Answer, In Brief: The problem of overzealous ideologues is part of a broader conflict between openness and quality control in advocacy movements. Understand that – and then exclude such people from your life as much as possible.
Tags: Activism, Communication, Friendship, Integrity, Justice, Objectivist Movement, Paleo, Rationality, Relationships
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Question 4: Buying from Chinese Companies
Question: Is it moral to buy products from Chinese companies? Recently I discovered several online companies based in China that sell clothing of reasonable quality for very low prices. I've made a few purchases, and I am happy with the items received. But I wonder: is it moral to purchase goods made in a communist country? Granted China has changed a lot in the past two decades, but the communists still rule in a totalitarian fashion. Am I supporting that kind of regime by sending my money there, or am I supporting the entrepreneurial class which might exist in China?
Answer, In Brief: In today's global economy, it's not possible to avoid Chinese-made goods – and it's perfectly moral to buy them because China is not a communist dictatorship or other enemy.
Tags: Business, China, Ethics, Foreign Policy, Politics
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Rapid Fire Questions (1:03:35)
- What do you think about conservatives being upset at Google's "doodle" for today (Easter Sunday)?
- Why do so many people accuse Ayn Rand of being an Nietzsche wannabe?
- How does one distinguish evil from mere madness?
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Conclusion (1:10:26)
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About Philosophy in Action
I'm Dr. Diana Brickell (formerly Diana Hsieh). I'm a philosopher, and I've long specialized in the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I completed my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. I retired from work as a public intellectual in 2015.
From September 2009 to September 2015, I produced a radio show and podcast, Philosophy in Action Radio. In the primary show, my co-host Greg Perkins and I answered questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life. We broadcast live over the internet on Sunday mornings.
You can listen to these 362 podcasts by subscribing to the Podcast RSS Feed. You can also peruse the podcast archive, where episodes and questions are sorted by date and by topic.
My first book, Responsibility & Luck: A Defense of Praise and Blame, can be purchased in paperback and Kindle. The book defends the justice of moral praise and blame of persons using an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility, thereby refuting Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck." My second book (and online course), Explore Atlas Shrugged, is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to study Ayn Rand's epic novel in depth.
You can also read my blog NoodleFood and subscribe to its Blog RSS Feed.
I can be reached via e-mail to [email protected].
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