EconTalk Jennifer Frey on Education, Philosophy, and the University
Nov 1, 2021
Jennifer Frey, a philosopher at the University of South Carolina, discusses the state of American higher education. She emphasizes the need for universities to prioritize virtue and human flourishing over mere career preparation. The conversation dives into the complex relationship between happiness and virtue, advocating for a holistic understanding that blends moral character with personal fulfillment. They also tackle the significance of social connections, the moral dimensions of grief, and the quest for meaning in academia, urging a reevaluation of educational goals.
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Defining Happiness
- Philosophers and psychologists define happiness differently.
- Philosophers tie happiness to virtue and objective flourishing, not just subjective feelings.
Subjectivity and Oppression
- Subjective happiness data should be interpreted cautiously.
- People in oppressive situations may report happiness despite their circumstances.
Experience Machine
- Laurie Santos, despite Nozick's thought experiment, would enter the experience machine for happiness.
- Frey considers this dystopian, prioritizing objective reality over subjective bliss.
