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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9 votes Vote

What is "open Objectivism"?

Recently, I checked out the website of "The Atlas Society," the organization run by David Kelley. It advocates for "open Objectivism," which I assume means that each person defines what Objectivism is. Am I interpreting that correctly? Is this...

Drew, 23.02.2014, 16:55

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9 votes Vote

What's wrong with agnosticism?

In your radio show of May 11th, 2014, you indicated that agnosticism -- the view that a person can't know whether God exists or not -- is wrong. But what's wrong with honestly admitting that you don't know? Can the question of God's existence...

Anonymous, 11.05.2014, 17:23

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9 votes Vote

Aren't politicians like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul allies in the struggle for liberty?

Although I'm an atheist and a novice Objectivist, I've always wondered why so many advocates of individual rights oppose candidates and movements that seem to agree with us on a great many issues. Despite their other warts, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz...

Jacob Cook, 19.05.2014, 19:30

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9 votes Vote

Can the non-existence of God be proven?

I see how a person could believe -- purely based on rational argument -- that God's existence cannot be proven, thereby becoming an agnostic. On the one hand, many non-theists criticize theists for believing in a deity strictly on faith, claiming...

Rob , 25.05.2014, 17:43

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9 votes Vote

How should the police respond to people resisting arrest?

Recently, Michael Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York City have made headlines because they were killed by police officers who, many feel, used excessive force during their respective encounters. While the two cases were quite...

Sajid Anjum, 04.12.2014, 12:18

1 comment

8 votes Vote

What do you do when you meet someone who has treated you badly?

Recently, I ran into a person at an event who I used to know as a fellow member of a local discussion group. When he left the group about a year ago, he posted a long rambling e-mail to our mailing list condemning us for all kinds of imaginary...

Anonymous, 12.06.2011, 21:01

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8 votes Vote

What's wrong with hedonism?

What's the difference between "rational selfishness" and hedonism? What's wrong with attempting to maximize pleasure over the course of a whole life?

Anonymous, 27.11.2010, 21:11

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8 votes Vote

Should people call their parents-in-law "Mom" and "Dad"?

My brother in law started calling my parents "mom" and "dad" -- and in turn my sister now calls his parents "mom" and "dad". This seriously offends me. My parents earned the title of mom and dad. They RAISED us --they cared for us, educated...

Tammy, 02.12.2010, 06:59

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8 votes Vote

What is the best way to handle aggressive looters?

What is the safest and most effective way to deal with the people who ignorantly brag about the fact that they are free-loaders on others, including using government programs and "public" funds?

KateRussell, 16.04.2011, 19:07

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8 votes Vote

What do you think of the oft-quoted bromide "I'm only human"?

I have heard that one a lot and it seems there are several uses to which it is applied, some legitimate and some seem nefarious and ugly.

David McBride, 07.03.2011, 05:19

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8 votes Vote

At death, should a person regret all the years spent at work?

I often hear the saying, "No one ever laid on their death bed wishing they had spent more time in the office." What should a person think of that -- and of the fact that so many people agree with it -- in light of the Objectivist virtue of...

Anonymous, 06.05.2011, 11:53

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8 votes Vote

Why are subpeonas justified but not compulsory juries?

In your May 15th podcast, you contrasted your position on jury duty with that of Dr. Peikoff's, saying that jury duty constituted the initiation of force. My understanding is that Ayn Rand's position was that subpoenas and the jury selection...

Anonymous, 15.05.2011, 09:43

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8 votes Vote

Is it immoral to work for a company that uses government to eliminate or hamper the competition?

For example, if a company has brought antitrust lawsuits against its competitors, should you refuse to work for them?

cplunk7000, 15.06.2011, 07:16

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8 votes Vote

Why would an ordinary person wish to carry a gun?

In your July 3rd webcast, you mentioned that you have a concealed carry permit. Why? Even if a person should be allowed to carry a firearm, shouldn't we rely on the experts -- namely the police -- to protect us from criminals?

Anonymous, 03.07.2011, 16:07

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8 votes Vote

Do I have a moral obligation to terminate friendships with people who steal music and other intellectual property from the internet?

I do not personally know a single individual who doesn't steal something off the internet. I used to do this myself, but stopped when I realized it was wrong and why. Normally, I would cut off contact with anyone who violates rights like that, but...

Charles Tew, 28.07.2011, 14:04

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8 votes Vote

Is it moral to photocopy an essay for a class or discussion group?

My friend and I are starting a reading group at our university focused on philosophy, and the group will meet each week to discuss an essay or article related to philosophy. I want to use one of Ayn Rand's essays from The Virtue of Selfishness. I...

Nick, 12.08.2011, 08:09

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8 votes Vote

How much should I tell my parents about my beliefs, given that I'm still financially dependent on them?

I'm in college, and if I told my parents that I'm an atheist, they'd probably stop paying my tuition. Should I tell them now, or wait until I'm done college?

Anonymous, 28.08.2011, 14:58

0 comments

8 votes Vote

Is it wrong to "vote with your wallet"?

A liberal friend of mine recently said that he won't vote for political candidates based on his own economic interests. What's wrong with doing that?

Anonymous, 05.10.2011, 12:13

2 comments

8 votes Vote

Is doing activities just to pad your resumé dishonest?

Some people work on mastering playing the violin, competing in tennis tournaments, learning calculus, and other activities -- not because they have any interest in them or because they think they might develop an interest once tried, but rather...

Mike Hardy, 29.10.2011, 19:46

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8 votes Vote

Is it moral to use the law to force someone to stop doing something that shouldn't be illegal?

Is it moral to make use of a law that shouldn't exist? For example, suppose you live in a condo and your next-door neighbor smokes marijuana. You're annoyed by the smell. On the one hand, it shouldn't be illegal for him to smoke up; on the other,...

Stella, 07.11.2011, 03:12

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8 votes Vote

Are arranged marriages legally 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...

tomhall, 20.11.2011, 07:44

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8 votes Vote

What does it mean to say that "man is a rational animal"?

The fact that man is a rational animal distinguishes him from all other living entities and makes the whole of philosophy possible and necessary. But, taking a step back, what does it mean to say that man is a (or the) rational animal? What is...

Fabian Bollinger, 20.11.2011, 14:50

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8 votes Vote

What's the moral threshold for cutting off a digital versus in-person acquaintance?

Morally, when it is wrong to end your friendly interactions with an in-person acquaintance? And when is it wrong not to do so? Does the answer differ for a digital acquaintance -- meaning, for example, someone that you know only via Facebook?

Joel S, 01.12.2011, 20:51

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8 votes Vote

Are psychic powers bunk?

A friend convinced me to join him in visiting a psychic for a tarot card reading. Although I am opposed to mysticism, I didn't mind going and thought it would be funny. I was surprised to find this psychic knew things about me that (while vague)...

Anonymous, 19.01.2012, 15:55

1 comment

8 votes Vote

Do corporations have free speech rights?

Many leftists (including left-libertarians) are vehemently opposed to the "Citizens United" Supreme Court decision, which recognized that corporations have the right to speak in elections. Do corporations have rights? What would it mean for...

Anonymous, 20.01.2012, 12:42

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8 votes Vote

Is it wrong to use "faith" to mean "trust and confidence in a person"?

Some people talk about having "faith" in their friends or in themselves -- and by that, they mean that they trust and have confidence in those people. Is it wrong to use "faith" in that way? In other words, blind faith is wrong, but is all faith...

Kelly Valenzuela, 25.01.2012, 08:44

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8 votes Vote

When would a free society go to war?

What would the attitude of a rights-respecting country be toward war? When would the country go to war -- or not? How would wars be funded and manned? Is isolationism or interventionism the proper approach?

Brandon Paumen, 27.01.2012, 11:13

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8 votes Vote

Is breastfeeding children in public wrong?

My wife and I want to have kids, and one question we have concerns public breastfeeding. Is it immodest or improper to breastfeed in public? Should stores permit or forbid it on their premises? Should public breastfeeding be restricted or...

Seth, 08.02.2012, 20:30

2 comments

8 votes Vote

How can I prevent information overload?

What are some good ways to limit the amount of information I process in the age of the internet? Besides Philosophy in Action, I follow several other podcasts, blogs and news feeds. What's the best way to prioritize and limit my inputs without...

Ryan, 12.02.2012, 15:38

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8 votes Vote

What would medicine be like in a free society?

Today, the business and practice of medicine is hugely regulated and controlled by the government. How would medicine change if the government fully respected rights? What would remain the same?

pabr0505, 20.03.2012, 13:02

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