Distributism, Memory, and Evidentialism (Dr. Alex Plato) | Ep. 462
Apr 24, 2024
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Dr. Alex Plato, an Associate Professor of philosophy, discusses Distributism, Memory, and Evidentialism. They explore distributism's contrast with liberalism, technology's impact on society, community building, and the challenges of implementing distributism. The conversation also touches on the interplay of trust, doubt, and language in the quest for truth, epistemological foundations, and facing uncomfortable truths in belief systems.
Distributism fosters community well-being through grassroots property ownership.
Prudence in technology adoption is crucial for societal harmony and well-being.
Localism promotes human flourishing by emphasizing human connections and values.
Community-building and intentional relationships are key to addressing societal challenges.
Reflective reading of poetry enhances understanding and appreciation of profound messages.
Vulnerability coupled with reflective engagement fosters personal growth and connections.
Deep dives
Building Solidarity Networks Through Distributism
Distributism emphasizes putting productive property in the hands of individuals and groups within the community who care about the community's well-being. This grassroots approach fosters teamwork between city and countryside, where people can work together for the common good. Localism or distributism does not mandate an agrarian lifestyle but encourages beneficial economic activity within communities.
Impacts of Technology on Society
The discussion delves into the ethical considerations of technology in society, highlighting the effects of various technologies, like Amazon and smartphones, on communal well-being. It underscores the importance of being prudent in the adoption of technologies, considering not only personal needs but also the broader societal impacts, suggesting a cautious and intentional approach toward technological advancements.
Emphasizing Human Flourishing and Localism
The conversation underscores the role of localism in promoting human flourishing by prioritizing human connections, beauty, and transcendental values in community and economic structures. It advocates for a shift towards building with values of the good, true, and beautiful in mind, focusing on intentional community living and solidarity networks as means to counter the technocratic paradigm and promote humane interactions.
The Benedict Option and Community Solutions
Referencing the Benedict Option ideology, the discussion highlights the importance of intentional community-building and relying on friends and community members rather than government or market forces to address societal challenges. It stresses the need to foster trusting and mutually beneficial relationships at the community level as a means of promoting human goodness, solidarity, and communal well-being.
The Importance of Reflective Reading in Comprehending Poetry
Reflective reading of poetry involves understanding the meaning, metaphors, and images of the poem, as shown by David Allen White's teachings. It emphasizes repeat readings of each poem to grasp its depth and significance. By immersing in the poem's context and carefully analyzing each line, readers can appreciate its beauty and profound message.
Exploring the Depths of Hope within Nihilism
Nihilism, as a philosophical framework, denotes a belief in life's inherent meaninglessness. Despite this, elements of hope can persist within nihilists who have not completely surrendered to despair. The vital yet suppressed desire for transcendence lingers within individuals, signaling a conflict between the perceived emptiness of existence and the innate yearning for a significant purpose.
Empowering Vulnerability Through Reflective Engagement
Vulnerability, often viewed as a weakness, actually embodies strength when coupled with reflective engagement. Encouraging men to embrace vulnerability and reflective practices can foster meaningful connections and personal growth. By engaging in activities like poetry readings and discussions, men can cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Initiating Philosophy Clubs for Thoughtful Conversations
Establishing philosophy clubs or poetry reading groups can facilitate thoughtful conversations and reflective practices. Encouraging individuals to participate in these clubs can promote intellectual growth, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for literary works. Through regular engagement with philosophical and poetic texts, individuals can develop a habit of reflective reading and meaningful discourse.
Promoting Reflective Engagement Through Community Building
Building communities centered around reflective engagement, poetry reading, and philosophical discussions can provide individuals with a supportive environment for personal growth. Encouraging individuals to explore poetry, literature, and philosophical concepts collectively can foster intellectual curiosity and deeper connections within the community. By creating spaces that encourage vulnerability, openness, and reflective thinking, individuals can enhance their understanding of complex ideas and develop a sense of shared purpose and connection.
Invalidating the Myth of Private Extensive Definitions
Locke's myth of private extensive definitions, where learning is based on pointing and labeling objects, is debunked by questioning the underpinning logical structures needed to interpret such definitions. This challenges the empirical foundation of knowledge within this myth.
Challenging Baseless Doubt and Grounding Reason in Skepticism
Doubt is highlighted as a tool that needs to be justified rather than accepted arbitrarily. The narrative shifts from baseless skepticism to reasoned inquiry, emphasizing the need for evidence to support doubts rather than entertaining all logical possibilities without substance.
Epistemological Conservatism and Internalism vs. Externalism in Epistemology
The podcast delves into the concept of epistemological conservatism, which suggests that individuals have the right to believe in things that seem obvious to them unless faced with definitive defeaters. Furthermore, a discussion arises regarding the distinction between internalism and externalism in epistemology, where internalists emphasize the need for warrant, justification, and evidence derived from within one's psychology to support beliefs, while externalists propose that beliefs can be warranted by external factors like God's design or causal processes.
Navigating Belief Formation and Evidentialism vs. Non-Evidentialism
The episode explores the dynamics of belief formation and the contrast between evidentialism and non-evidentialism in philosophy. Evidentialism advocates for the necessity of justification or internal evidence to establish knowledge, emphasizing reasons and evidence from within one's psychology. On the other hand, non-evidentialism, or externalism, asserts that knowledge can be attained independent of internal justification, relying on external factors such as proper cognitive functioning or causal processes. The discussion highlights the importance of critically evaluating beliefs, addressing defeaters, and maintaining a balance between faith, reason, and evidence in philosophical inquiry.
Dr. Alex Plato is an associate Professor of philosophy at Franciscan university. He has done extensive study of Elizabeth Anscombe, Post-Liberalism, and Epistomology. He and Matt speak on Capitalism, Distributism, and Evidentialism.
