Ep. 252 - It's OK Not to Think for Yourself? w/Dr. Jon Matheson
Nov 21, 2023
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Dr. Jon Matheson, philosopher and author of "Why It's OK Not to Think for Yourself," joins the podcast to discuss the concept of thinking for oneself. They explore the balance between epistemic autonomy and deference to others' beliefs, the acceptability of not thinking for oneself, and the importance of deferring to experts in certain areas. The podcast also dives into the role of self-knowledge, the significance of intellectual responsibility, and the idea that a paper can always be improved.
Deferring to experts and relying on their knowledge is acceptable and efficient in many areas of life.
Finding the right balance between deference and independent thinking is important based on the context and subject matter.
While thinking for oneself can be valuable, it is not always necessary or superior, and relying on the expertise of others can be a valid approach.
Deep dives
The Importance of Thinking for Yourself
Thinking for yourself is often seen as crucial and essential to personal growth and intellectual development. However, this podcast challenges that notion by arguing that it is okay to not always think for yourself. The host and guest discuss the idea that in many areas of life, it is perfectly acceptable and even efficient to defer to experts and rely on their knowledge and expertise. It is emphasized that this does not diminish one's intellectual capabilities or diminish personal growth. The focus is on the idea that as long as there are better ways and experts available to provide answers and insights, it is not necessary to engage in extensive independent thinking.
The Limits of Deferred Thinking
While deferring to experts is often a valid approach, the podcast also acknowledges that there are certain questions and areas of inquiry where independent thinking and critical examination play a significant role. The podcast explores the tension between the value of thinking for oneself and the potential limitations of individual perspectives. It is emphasized that while there may be intellectual goods and benefits to be gained from personal introspection and exploration, it is not always required or necessary in every aspect of life. The discussion highlights the importance of finding the right balance between deference and independent thinking based on the specific context and subject matter.
Navigating Moral Responsibility and Intellectual Autonomy
The podcast delves into complex moral questions and intellectual responsibilities, such as the role of thinking for oneself in morally sensitive or controversial areas. It acknowledges that while there may be certain moral, political, or religious questions where independent thinking could be seen as obligatory, the podcast argues that in many cases, it is acceptable to rely on the expertise of others. The conversation touches on philosophical debates surrounding areas like flat earth beliefs, groupthink, and the moral implications of following orders, highlighting the challenges of ascribing moral or intellectual responsibilities in different contexts.
Not Thinking for Yourself: Rationality vs Intellectual Work
The podcast episode explores the idea of whether it is necessary to think for yourself in order to be rational. The speaker argues that while thinking for yourself can be a valuable way to gain knowledge and problem-solving skills, it is not always a requirement. They suggest that becoming an expert in every field is not practical or feasible, and that relying on the expertise of others can be a valid and efficient approach. While there may be certain areas where thinking for yourself is important, such as self-knowledge and personal experiences, in many cases, it is acceptable to defer to the knowledge and expertise of others.
The Limits of Thinking for Yourself: Pragmatic Reasons and Self-Knowledge
The second main idea discussed in the podcast is the recognition of the limits of thinking for yourself. The speaker highlights that pragmatic reasons play a significant role in decision-making and action, even when the epistemic reasons are uncertain or inconclusive. They argue that in situations where self-knowledge is involved, the individual is often in the best position to determine their own mental states. However, they acknowledge that there are instances where an expert, such as a therapist, may have better insight into an individual's psychology. Overall, the podcast challenges the notion that thinking for yourself is always necessary or superior, emphasizing the importance of considering both pragmatic and epistemic factors in decision-making.
We're often exhorted to "think for yourself" but philosopher Jonathan Matheson argues that it's actually okay not to think for yourself in way more cases than we might intuitively think. In episode 252 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I have Dr. Matheson back on to discuss his new book, Why It's OK Not to Think for Yourself.
Grab Jonathan Matheson's book, Why It's OK Not to Think for Yourself, here and use promo code AFL04 at checkout for 20% off: https://www.routledge.com/Why-Its-OK-Not-to-Think-for-Yourself/Matheson/p/book/9781032438252
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0:00 - How'd this project come about?
5:09 - What does it mean to think for yourself?
13:56 - Is Thinking for Yourself more praiseworthy?
22:44 - How do we find experts to defer to?
29:38 - Will Evidential Swamping Destroy Philosophy?
40:06 - Victims and Victim Blaming
48:41 - The Socratic Objection
54:55 - Implications for Pascal's Wager
1:02:27 - Self-Knowledge and thinking for yourself
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