I broadcast a new episode of Philosophy in Action Radio on Sunday, 30 December 2012, answering questions on the good in American culture and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was the episode’s co-host.
If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to or download the audio podcast (or segments thereof) any time. You’ll find the podcast on the episode’s archive page, as well as below.
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Podcast: 30 December 2012: The Good in American Culture and More
My News of the Week: I’ve been busy celebrating Christmas, watching Doctor Who, and programming for Philosophy in Action.
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 1:06:24
- Download: Enhanced M4A File (16.3 MB)
- Download: Standard MP3 File (15.1 MB)
You can download or listen to individual questions from this episode below.
Question 1: The Good in American Culture (2:35)
In this segment, I answered a question on the good in American culture.
How is American culture better today better than people think? I’ve heard lots of depressing claims about the abysmal state of American culture lately, particularly since Obama won the election. You’ve disputed that, arguing that America is better in its fundamentals that many people think. What are some of those overlooked but positive American values? How can they be leveraged for cultural and political change?
My Answer, In Brief: American culture, while not perfect, is so much better than most people realize. Notice, enjoy, and promote that goodness!
Listen or Download:
- Duration: 55:47
- Download: MP3 Segment
Tags: Activism, America, Apocalypticism, Business, Culture, Ethics, Politics, Rights, Technology
Relevant Links:
- Philosophy in Action: Dr. Eric Daniels on Progress in American History, Q&A: Pursuing Personal Values in an Imperfect World, and Q&A: The 2012 Election Results
- The Spectator: Why 2012 was the best year ever
- No Flying Cars, but the Future Is Bright by Virginia Postrel
- Christmas shopping: 1958 vs. 2012 by Mark Perry
- It’s Getting Better All the Time: 100 Greatest Trends of the Last 100 Years by Stephen Moore and Julian Simon and The Ultimate Resource 2 by Julian Simon
- The Car Stuck in Ice in China by Robert Garmong
- Society at a Glance 2011: OECD Social Indicators
To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.
Rapid Fire Questions (58:22)
In this segment, I answered questions impromptu. The questions were:
- I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone today who thinks that guilt or debts are inherited by one’s children. So why do people continue to believe in Original Sin?
- Should a person be proud of correcting his previous mistakes in a similar way that he is proud of his productive achievements?
- Duration: 6:25
- Download: MP3 Segment
To comment on these questions or my answers, visit its comment thread.
Conclusion (1:04:47)
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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.
