Q&A Webcast Episode: 18 December 2011
In this 18 December 2011 episode of Q&A Webcast, Dr. Diana Hsieh answered four questions on rationality in face of overwhelming emotions, the value of reading literature, balancing introspection and productive work, optimism or pessimism about the future, and more in an hour-long broadcast. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was the audio co-host.
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My News of the Week: This week, Ari Armstrong, Paul Hsieh, and I attended and testified at a campaign finance hearing. You can submit written testimony until Friday December 23rd. Also, look for Ari's and my article on abortion in The Objective Standard this week.
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Segments: 18 December 2011
Question 1: Rationality in Face of Overwhelming Emotions (4:24)
In this segment, Dr. Diana Hsieh answered a question on rationality in face of overwhelming emotions.
How can a person regain his rationality in the face of overwhelming emotions? On occasion, I find my rational judgment swamped by strong emotions like anger and anxiety. In such cases, my thinking seems distorted by my emotions. While in the grip of such emotions, what can I do to re-establish my powers of rational thought? Also, how can I prevent myself from saying or doing things that I'll later regret?
My Answer, In Brief: You need not be at the mercy of your emotions: you can take charge of own mind in friendly way. So when your emotions rage out of control, you should (1) notice them, (2) analyze them, (3) work to defuse them, and (4) later, prevent the same from happening again.
Tags: Emotions, Introspection, Psycho-Epistemology, Psychology, Rationality
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Question 2: The Value of Reading Literature (19:20)
In this segment, Dr. Diana Hsieh answered a question on the value of reading literature.
What value do you gain from reading literature? I've never much connected with literature, particularly not the classics. I know that you read them routinely. What value do you find in them? Or, what am I missing?
My Answer, In Brief: Literature isn't a value for everyone, but it can be an amazing window into other lives and other worlds, as well as a source of inspiration.
Tags: Art, Literature
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Question 3: Balancing Introspection and Productive Work (34:13)
In this segment, Dr. Diana Hsieh answered a question on balancing introspection and productive work.
How can I achieve a better balance between introspection and productive work? Particularly I've made some mistake, I'll get wrapped up in the process of introspection until I get the problem sorted out. However, that consumes time – and often my projects suffer and I miss deadlines. How can I find a better balance between these two important activities?
My Answer, In Brief: You should cultivate the discipline required to do less exciting work, but be sure to take the time to introspect. Also, deal with your mistakes in sensible way, with a focus on fixing any problems caused and preventing repetition.
Tags: Introspection, Moral Wrongs, Productiveness, Psycho-Epistemology
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Question 4: Optimism or Pessimism about the Future (40:59)
In this segment, Dr. Diana Hsieh answered a question on optimism or pessimism about the future.
Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the culture? What do you think will happen to the culture in the next 20 to 50 years? Are you optimistic or pessimistic – and why? What do you think the value and certainty of such predictions based on philosophy are?
My Answer, In Brief: I'm pessimistic, because I see the direction in which the world is headed, particularly on economic issues. But not depressed, because I'm doing what I can and enjoying that.
Tags: Activism, Culture, Politics
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Rapid Fire Questions (57:30)
- If our emotions are affected by chemicals and other factors out of our control, does this call into question whether rationality is normal? In other words, do we need to learn how to reason?
- Why care about the drug war, when just about every politician is bad on that issue?
- Why worry about the president's view of abortion given that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land?
- What should one think of a candidate that shifts positions?
- Do you think that private sector experience is a plus in a politician?
- Don't you think another four years of Obama would all but guarantee a collapse of the last vestiges of the American republic?
- Should the US be an ally with Saudi Arabia?
- What are your thoughts on Chris Hitchens' death?
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Conclusion (1:11:46)
Thank you for joining us for this episode! If you enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to contribute to contribute to our tip jar. Also, please don't forget to submit and vote on questions for upcoming broadcasts in in the question queue.
About Philosophy in Action Q&A Webcast
Every Sunday morning, philosopher Dr. Diana Hsieh answers four meaty questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in her live hour-long internet radio show, Philosophy in Action Advice Radio. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. The audience can ask follow-up questions and make comments in the text-based chat.
You can listen to Philosophy in Action broadcasts as podcasts by subscribing to the Philosophy in Action's Podcast RSS Feeds. Be sure to sign up for the Newsletter and connect on social media.
You can also peruse the show archives, listening to whole episodes or just selected segments. The show archives are sorted by date and by topic.
For regular updates, commentary, and humor from Dr. Diana Hsieh, visit her blog NoodleFood, and subscribe to its rss feed.
Dr. Diana Hsieh is a philosopher specializing in practical ethics. She received her Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. Her dissertation argued that Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck" can be resolved by an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility. She began podcasting in 2009, then webcasting in 2010.
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