Arjun Khemani Podcast Peter Boghossian: Moral Relativism and The Future of The West
Feb 26, 2025
In this discussion, philosopher Peter Boghossian, renowned for his critiques of modern education and moral relativism, delves into the key ideas from the Enlightenment and their relevance today. He warns about the dangers of moral relativism and critiques how modern education is falling short in promoting critical thinking. The conversation tackles complex topics such as the intersection of speech and violence in ideological debates, the ideological manipulation of science, and the need for stronger epistemology to foster meaningful dialogue.
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Significance of the Enlightenment
- The Enlightenment was a pivotal moment because it emphasized scientific tools and reason.
- It promoted critical thinking, discourse, and the ability to discern truth from falsehood.
Dangers of Moral Relativism
- Moral relativism, often used to justify cultural practices, can be dangerous.
- It can prevent us from condemning harmful acts in other cultures by claiming no objective morality exists.
Native American Philosophy Example
- At a university, a professor suggested hiring a Native American to teach Native American philosophy.
- Another professor expressed discomfort in critiquing Native American philosophy, highlighting ideological capture in academia.
