On Sunday’s Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered questions on individualism versus anti-social atomism, poor communication from the boss, visibility of disabled children, arranged marriages, and more with Greg Perkins. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading. You’ll find it on the episode’s archive page, as well as below.
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Podcast: Individualism, Disabled Children, Arranged Marriages, and More
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Remember, with every episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, we show how rational philosophy can help you find joy in your work, model virtue for your kids, pursue your goals effectively, communicate with respect, and advocate for a free society. We can’t do that without your support, so please remember to tip your philosopher!
You can download or listen to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction (0:00)
My News of the Week: I’ve been preparing the index for my soon-forthcoming book, Responsibility and Luck (a.k.a. my dissertation). I’ve also been preparing my talk on moral amplifiers for ATLOSCon next weekend!
Question 1: Individualism Versus Anti-Social Atomism (2:55)
In this segment, I answered a question on individualism versus anti-social atomism.
Does individualism imply social isolation and atomism? Many critics of Ayn Rand argue that her individualism is hostile to love, concern, and respect for other people. They claim that her “atomistic individualism” doesn’t permit, let alone support, groups or community. Are these criticisms true? What is the right view of human society and sociability?
My Answer, In Brief: Individualism does not mean eschewing society or groups. It means respecting the rights, lives, and minds of individuals in society and groups. It’s the basic moral foundation of healthy social relations.
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Tags:
- Collectivism, Collectivism, Epistemology, Ethics, Individualism, Metaphysics, Objectivism, Politics, Relationships, Rights, Sacrifice, Society
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To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Poor Communication from the Boss (16:37)
In this segment, I answered a question on poor communication from the boss.
How can I make my boss more communicative? My boss hardly ever tells me company news affecting my projects, even when critical. As a result, I’ve wasted days and weeks on useless work, and I’ve gotten into needless conflicts with co-workers. I’m always guessing at what I should be doing, and I just hate that. What can I do to make my boss to be more communicative with me?
My Answer, In Brief: You cannot manage your boss, but you can request more channels of communication, protect yourself from blame for his screw-ups, and if necessary, find a new boss.
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To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 3: Visibility of Disabled Children (23:26)
In this segment, I answered a question on visibility of disabled children.
Should disabled kids be kept out of the public eye? Recently, a waiter at a restaurant refused to serve one party after hearing them make fun of a child with Down’s Syndrome sitting with his family in a nearby booth. Both parties were regulars to the restaurant. Some people have praised the waiter’s actions because he took offense at overhearing the first party say “special needs kids should be kept in special places.” He called them on their rudeness and refused to serve them. Others think he was wrong: his catering to the party with the disabled kid is indicative of a culture that embraces mediocrity and disability. What is the proper assessment of the remark made and the waiter’s response? Should people with disabilities be kept from public view?
My Answer, In Brief: Disabled people have every right to be out in the world, pursuing their values – so long as they respect rights and act decently – just as do normal people. To suggest that disabled people should be locked away, as the people at this table did, is morally monstrous.
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To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 4: Arranged Marriages (40:09)
In this segment, I answered a question on arranged marriages.
Are arranged marriages legally and socially valid? A coworker of mine in his early 20s grew up in India. His parents have arranged his marriage to a young woman who also now lives in the US. He appreciates that his parents selected a wife for him: he doesn’t want to spend the time or take the risk of finding a wife himself. Should such a marriage be considered legally valid? Is it just a marriage of convenience? Is the practice of arranged marriages immoral and/or impractical?
My Answer, In Brief: Arranged marriages are legally and socially valid marriages. However, the institution of arranged marriages is a deeply immoral one: the choice of a spouse is too important to leave to others, and if a person isn’t competent or interested to decide for himself, then he shouldn’t marry.
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Tags: Adult Children, Children, Ethics, Family, Independence, Independence, Marriage, Parenting, Relationships
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions (55:59)
In this segment, I answered questions impromptu. The questions were:
- Given that socialists call profits greed, why don’t they call reported losses generosity?
- How do you pick the questions that you’ll answer each week? Are you worried about running out of topics?
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To comment on these questions or my answers, visit its comment thread.
Conclusion (1:00:59)
Be sure to check out my blog NoodleFood and to submit and vote on questions for upcoming episodes.
About Philosophy in Action Radio
Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.
Remember, with every episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, we show how rational philosophy can help you find joy in your work, model virtue for your kids, pursue your goals effectively, communicate with respect, and advocate for a free society. We can’t do that without your support, so please remember to tip your philosopher!
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