The Importance of Self-Interest in Parenting

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If we define rationality, like the rationality of your decisions in the very narrow way that economists like to define it, which is self-interest, then having children is absolutely the most irrational decision you could possibly make. But on a slightly broader conception of self-interest in which you're just trying to flourish or be happy, you know, certainly for me. I see parents who really does seem like it's a daily trial. And again, this probably isn't going to be true.

Our streak of very special guests continues! Philosopher Eddy Nahmias joins the podcast to us why people mistakenly think they're not morally responsible, and how his new study casts doubt on Sam Harris's "pamphlet" on free will. Eddy also describes his new project (with Toni Adleberg and Morgan Thompson) on why women leave philosophy. Plus Dave and I discuss some reasons for having children, and eat a little Partially Examined Life crow.

Links

"Name five women in philosophy. Bet you can't." Tania Lombrozo, [npr.og]

"Do Women Have Different Philosophical Intuitions than Men?" Eddy Nahmias (philosophyofbrains.com)

"Is Neuroscience the Death of Free Will?' Eddy Nahmias. [nytimes.com]

Eddy on Bypassing [agencyandresponsbility.typepad.com]

Edd trashing Tamler's Book [agencyandresponsbility.typepad.com]

Special Guest: Eddy Nahmias.

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