On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on identifying dangerous people, evolution and Objectivism, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.
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Whole Podcast: 4 August 2013
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:12:21
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (26.0 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (24.8 MB)
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Podcast Segments: 4 August 2013
You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.
Introduction
My News of the Week: I’ve been working on adding my old podcasts to Philosophy in Action’s archive. Once that’s done, I’ll be able to post more recent lectures too. Also, I’ve finally resumed work on my forthcoming book, Responsibility & Luck: A Defense of Praise and Blame!
Question 1: Identifying Dangerous People
Question: How can I better identify dangerous or immoral people in my life? I don’t like to be morally judgmental about personality and other optional differences. In fact, I like being friends with a variety of kinds of people: that expands my own horizon. Yet I’ve been prey to some really awful people in my life. Looking back, I’d have to say that I ignored some signs of trouble – dismissing them as mere optional matters, as opposed to moral failures. How can I better differentiate “interesting” and “quirky” from “crazy” and “dangerous” in people I know? How can I see “red flags” more clearly?My Answer, In Brief: You should want to exclude dangerous and immoral people from your life. To do that, you need to notice these and other red flags about people as soon as possible, then distance yourself accordingly.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 5:08
- Duration: 44:53
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Character, Communication, Ethics, Friendship, Honesty, Integrity, Justice, Moral Judgment, Moral Wrongs, Personality, Psychology, Relationships, Virtue
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Question 2: Evolution and Objectivism
Question: Does evolutionary theory contradict the principles of Objectivism? I am new to atheism and Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism, and I embrace both wholeheartedly. However, I take issue with the theory of evolution. Atheism seems to imply evolution, but evolution seems to clash with Objectivism. Evolution holds that man is an insignificant piece of the larger, grander picture of the randomness that is life, that man is just one small insignificant step in the collective evolution of the earth, and that man is one with Mother Earth, not superior to it. In contrast, Objectivism holds that man has a purpose and that man is the most significant being, supreme over all other life. Also, Objectivism holds that “A is A” and that “Existence exists.” Evolution, in contrast, claims that life came from non-life, fish came from non-fish, and man came from non-man – meaning that A came from non-A. Am I correct in my criticisms? Might some theory other than evolution be more compatible with Objectivism?My Answer, In Brief: This question is based on major misunderstandings not only of evolutionary theory, but Objectivism too. Evolutionary theory is proven scientific theory that doesn’t conflict with Objectivist principles in the slightest.
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 50:01
- Duration: 12:39
- Download: MP3 Segment
- Tags: Egoism, Epistemology, Ethics, Evolution, Human Nature, Logic, Meaning, Metaphysics, Objectivism, Rationalism, Science
Links:
- The Blind Watchmaker and The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins
- Why Evolution Is True by Jerry Coyne
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions
Questions:
- I’ve heard and read tidbits about countless of failed socialists communes, have there also been actual attempts (seasteaders are still in planning phase) by people on our side of the fence?
- Do you have any thoughts on the movie, “Atlas Shrugged Part II”?
- Can a person induce you to answer a question sooner by any non-financial means?
Listen or Download:
- Start Time: 1:02:41
- Duration: 6:44
- Download: MP3 Segment
To comment on these questions or my answers, 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: 1:09:25
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.
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James