The Causal Role of Parents in Kids' Happiness

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A lot of studies do look for a causal role. It's hard to think of many cases where the parent has a trait and you'd expect if the kids brought up and there's a causal influence, the kids have to opposite trait. If you're the kind of parent who wants your kid to flourish and provides love, you're kind of a loving, approving, good person. That is something that's been found over and over again.

As parents we like to think we have an impact on our children - their future, their happiness, the kinds of people they turn out to be. But are we deluded? Dave and Tamler are joined by empathy's kryponite, the great Paul Bloom, to talk about Judith Rich Harris's view that parents matter a lot less than you might think (while genes and peer groups matter a lot more than you might think) .

Plus, what the connection between art and morality? Should we support "cancel culture"? Is it wrong to play Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. (spell it out) on the radio? What about the Jackson 5? And what about art that is itself immoral? You're not gonna believe this but Louis CK gets mentioned.

Thanks to our beloved Patreon supporters for suggesting and voting for this topic!

Special Guest: Paul Bloom.

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