Philosophy In Action

Every Sunday morning, philosopher Dr. Diana Hsieh answers your questions on the principles for living a happy, virtuous, and free life in her live Philosophy In Action Webcast. It's at 8 am PT / 9 am MT / 10 am CT / 11 am ET at http://www.PhilosophyInAction.com. Submit your questions here!

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34 votes Vote

Are "optional values" genuine values?

Sometimes Objectivists distinguish between "moral values" and "optional values." What does that mean? Is the distinction legitimate? How does it apply to real life?

Anonymous, 19.01.2011, 22:01

0 comments

34 votes Vote

At what point is a compromise in a relationship irrational?

Couples can reach a point where one of them wants something that is mutually exclusive from what the other wants (To move, to have children, to do something sexually), and it becomes a make-or-break moment: either the curtains go, or I do. So to...

Rory, 24.01.2011, 10:57

0 comments

34 votes Vote

How should an Objectivist deal with a non-Objectivist spouse or partner?

If a person discovers and embraces Objectivism while already married or dating a non-Objectivist, what's the best way to deal with divergent views and other conflicts?

Anonymous, 19.03.2011, 07:57

0 comments

34 votes Vote

How should a person celebrate his birthday, if at all?

If so, why? Would a rational egoist throw a party and invite people that he doesn't value much, like estranged family members?

Kruppz, 25.03.2011, 09:27

4 comments

34 votes Vote

If science can someday secure immortality, would that affect a person's values and morals?

Imagine that scientists discover how to keep our bodies forever young, that all diseases were prevented or cured by nanotechnology, and that we could withstand massive amounts of physical force, virtually all extremes of temperature, and all forms...

Kyle Serrecchia, 10.04.2011, 18:32

2 comments

34 votes Vote

Is it moral to torture criminals and/or terrorists?

We supposedly were able to track down Osama Bin Laden with information obtained by torturing captured Al Qaeda prisoners. Is it moral to torture criminals, terrorists or other evildoers to gain useful information to fight crime or help win a war?...

Anonymous, 09.05.2011, 17:19

0 comments

34 votes Vote

Is listening to music from YouTube a violation of intellectual property rights?

Given that content creators can remove YouTube videos that violate their intellectual property rights, is it wrong to assume that they consent to the posting if they've not asked to remove it? It is wrong to watch or share clips that seem to be...

Yernaz, 28.09.2011, 16:49

0 comments

34 votes Vote

How can I effectively counter Marxist economic arguments?

My family and friends often advocate Marxist economic ideas -- for example, that wealth should be redistributed according to need, that corporations and corporate profits are evil, and that rich people have too much money. How can I best respond...

Brandon Paumen, 22.11.2011, 12:00

0 comments

34 votes Vote

Are child beauty pageants wrong?

The TLC show Toddlers and Tiaras is a reality show that follows child beauty pageant contestants and their parents around. The behavior on the show is frequently outrageous to a point where questions about parental responsibility and even abuse...

Trey Peden, 18.02.2012, 14:03

0 comments

33 votes Vote

Why are children only an 'optional value'?

What does it mean to say that children are an "optional" value? Does that mean that every person should regard them as optional in his/her life -- or something else? Also, given that life is the standard of value and the none of us would exist...

Anonymous, 09.12.2010, 09:33

5 comments

33 votes Vote

How can I judge people more efficiently?

It would be helpful to be more efficient in judging whether certain individuals are appropriate for a friendship. Sometimes it takes me a long time to decide whether I would like to be friends with someone or not. It takes me even longer to decide...

Anonymous, 19.12.2010, 20:28

0 comments

33 votes Vote

What does it mean to live a "value-dense" life?

What is value density? How can we make our lives more value dense? How might the concept apply to productivity, vacations, education, and social events, for example?

Anonymous, 11.01.2011, 15:13

0 comments

33 votes Vote

Objectivism and the Corruption of Rationality: A Critique of Ayn Rand's Epistemology by Scott Ryan

What do you think about 'Objectivism and the Corruption of Rationality: A Critique of Ayn Rand's Epistemology' by Scott Ryan? I came across this on Amazon and was wondering if it's worth reading. Would it change my view about Objectivism?

Kruppz, 11.03.2011, 07:12

1 comment

33 votes Vote

Where is the best place in the country for an Objectivist to live?

The Free State Project in New Hampshire is proving to be a success for libertarians; especially in the town of Keene. I wonder if there might be some potential for a critical mass of Objectivist along similar lines. Is this even worthwhile?

Tim Peck, 29.03.2011, 11:54

0 comments

33 votes Vote

Would an ideal government issue bans/regulations to prevent harmful activity?

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...

Trey Peden, 31.12.2011, 07:41

3 comments

33 votes Vote

Is a "social contract" the proper basis for government?

The idea of a "social contract" is often used to justify all kinds of government interventions for the so-called "greater good." What does it mean to say that society is founded on a social contract? What are the practical implications of that...

Kevin Douglas, 04.01.2012, 21:22

0 comments

32 votes Vote

How can a conservative Christian also be a supporter of capitalism?

Isn't the Christian philosophy diametrically opposed to the basic principles of egoism and reason necessary to fully support laissez-faire capitalism?

Test , 10.01.2011, 16:13

1 comment

32 votes Vote

What's right or wrong about "heavy drinking"?

Recently, you got into a heated discussion on Facebook about the rationality of what could be described as "heavy drinking." http://www.facebook.com/dianamertzhsieh/posts/145258712197702 (The CDC defines "heavy drinking" as "consuming an...

Anonymous, 19.01.2011, 22:08

1 comment

32 votes Vote

If one is bisexual and derives different values from relationships/sex with men than with women, is it proper to maintain concurrent relationships with both?

Assume here, that if such an individual were to forsake having a relationship or sex with either gender, he/she would feel like something is missing and would long for the other.

Arthur Zey, 24.01.2011, 09:46

0 comments

31 votes Vote

Would a person be harmed by the infidelity of his/her spouse, even if never known?

If a husband cheated on his wife, and she never knew about it, he never got anyone pregnant, and he never got any STDs, would she be harmed? If so, how?

Formspring, 06.12.2010, 06:15

0 comments

31 votes Vote

If you have a mild to moderate contagious disease, is it immoral to go about your ordinary business knowing that this will expose other people to the disease?

I am not talking about life-threatening illness here, nor am I talking about intentionally trying to get someone sick (like spitting in their food). I'm just talking about going to work, school, entertainment events, or scheduled appointments...

Hanah, 24.03.2011, 06:55

1 comment

31 votes Vote

What advice do you have about dating coworkers?

A romantic interest, who is a sort of coworker of mine, is concerned about the effect on her reputation (she's new), as well as conflicts of interest, should we decide to date. If this is the reason she gave for declining a date, does it make...

Anonymous, 20.01.2011, 18:48

1 comment

31 votes Vote

Why do Objectivists single out the Libertarian Party as particularly bad?

I understand the objections to the Libertarian Party, but how are the Republican and Democratic Parties any better? Also, how do you propose we affect change in our society? Should people work to change the Republican party from within? Or...

Crystal, 27.01.2011, 06:44

0 comments

31 votes Vote

How do I become an expert on the Objectivist ethics?

I want a complete understanding. I want to be able to prove it to myself and others. How do I get there most effectively? Can you recommend any material other than the most popular books out there?

Anonymous, 19.03.2011, 08:07

0 comments

31 votes Vote

How should one promote Ayn Rand?

What are some right and wrong ways to promote Ayn Rand's books and ideas? Who should you promote them to?

Kruppz, 25.03.2011, 09:24

1 comment

31 votes Vote

Was Francisco justified in slapping Dagny?

When Dagny had asked Francisco whether she should try to get D's in order to gain popularity in school, Francisco slapped her. I do understand what he meant by "unspeakable" thing. But couldn't have he talked it over with her instead of slapping...

Kruppz, 05.04.2011, 10:20

0 comments

31 votes Vote

Do libel and slander laws violate or protect rights?

Every few weeks, the media reports on some notable (or absurd) defamation case -- meaning a claim of "false or unjustified injury of the good reputation of another, as by slander or libel." While a person's reputation as a business or person is...

Tim Cheadle, 25.01.2012, 08:13

1 comment

31 votes Vote

Should a person without other options accept welfare from the government?

I've had generalized anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. I live in Sweden, and my government has so many labor regulations that no business can hire me, and charities don't exist to help me. Is it wrong, in such a case, to accept...

Johan Eriksson, 15.09.2012, 12:21

1 comment

30 votes Vote

When is abortion morally right or wrong?

Is abortion only proper in "extreme" cases like risk to life or health of the mother, rape or incest, or serious fetal deformity? Is terminating a healthy but unwanted pregnancy morally wrong? Is it an evasion of responsibility for the known...

Anonymous, 24.11.2010, 22:11

1 comment

30 votes Vote

Are tattoos or piercings irrational?

Are tattoos or piercings -- all of them, or just some kinds -- irrational and/or self-destructive? If so, why?

Formspring, 06.12.2010, 06:17

0 comments

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