On Sunday’s episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, Greg Perkins and I answered questions on the regulation of ultrahazardous activities, declining gift solicitations, and more. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading.

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Whole Podcast: 25 January 2015

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Podcast Segments: 25 January 2015

You can download or listen to my answers to individual questions from this episode below.

Introduction

My News of the Week: I’ve been copyediting Explore Atlas Shrugged one last time and preparing for the trip to Aiken!

Question 1: The Regulation of Ultrahazardous Activities

Question: Would the government of a free society issue bans or otherwise regulate activities dangerous to bystanders? At the turn of the 20th century it was common to use cyanide gas to fumigate buildings. Although it was well-known that cyanide gas was extremely poisonous and alternatives were available, its use continued and resulted in a number of accidental deaths due to the gas traveling through cracks in walls and even in plumbing. With the development of better toxicology practices, these deaths were more frequently recognized for what they were and at the end of summer in 1825 the NYC government banned its use. In this and other situations, it was recognized that the substance in question was extremely poisonous and could only be handled with the most extreme care – care that was rarely demonstrated. The question is this: Should the government step in and ban the substance from general use or should it simply stand by and wait for people to die and prosecute the users for manslaughter? Or is there another option?

My Answer, In Brief: Ultrahazardous activities should be subjected to a standard of strict liability in tort law, rather than the negligence standard used in other cases. If a negligence standard were used, that would allow businesses who engage in ultrahazardous activities to privatize profits and socialize costs.

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

Question 2: Declining Gift Solicitations

Question: How can I refuse solicitations for gifts for co-workers? I work in a department of about thirty people. In the past few months, we have been asked to contribute money to buy gifts for co-workers – for engagements, baby showers, bereavement flowers, and Christmas gifts for the department chair, administrative assistants, housekeeping staff, and lab manager. Generally these requests are made by e-mail, and I can see from the “reply all” messages that everyone else contributes. Often these donations add up to a large amount ($10-20 each time). I do not wish to take part, but am worried that since I am a newer employee my lack of participation will be interpreted negatively. What can I do?

My Answer, In Brief: Businesses should not permit their employees to be socially pressured to give money for gifts and celebrations: they should institute policies that protect employees from the cost and distraction of a parade of small parties and gifts. If a business won’t do that, an employee can still decide whether and how much to participate in these office social rituals, and hopefully others will be understanding of their reasons.

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

Rapid Fire Questions

Questions:

  • Should prisoners have the right to vote?

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  • Start Time: 1:06:08
  • Duration: 1:42
  • 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: 1:07:51


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