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The Philosophy of Derek Parfit with David Edmonds
Sep 6, 2023
David Edmonds, British philosopher and radio feature maker at the BBC World Service, discusses the controversial legacy of philosopher Derek Parfit. Topics include Parfit's influence on obligations to future people, his unusual relationship with his body, the consequences of taking action on climate change, the Non-identity Problem and moral dilemmas, introduction to Parfit's work, and a famous thought experiment in moral philosophy.
55:15
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- Derek Parfit argued for the importance of psychological continuity and consequentialist reasoning in ethics.
- Parfit's philosophy emphasized the impact of our actions on future generations and challenged traditional beliefs of personal identity.
Deep dives
Derek Parfit's Philosophy of Morality and Personal Identity
Derek Parfit, a philosopher considered by many to be one of the greats in the field of ethics, lived an eccentric life that was deeply entwined with his philosophical mission. His primary question revolved around the objectivity of morality and the need to establish a secular foundation for ethical principles. Parfit argued that personal identity is based on psychological continuity rather than an essential self. This belief connected to his consequentialist instincts, where he emphasized the importance of considering the consequences of our actions, including the impact on strangers. Parfit's philosophy also included the non-identity problem, which explored how our actions shape the lives of future generations. One example is the ongoing climate crisis and the ethical implications of our choices. Overall, Parfit's work challenges conventional beliefs and offers thought-provoking insights into the nature of morality and personal identity.
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