Scott Hershovitz on Making Philosophy Practical | Assume Everyone Is Lying

7 snips

Jun 8, 2022

Scott Hershovitz, a law and philosophy expert known for his writings in prestigious journals and The New York Times, dives into applying philosophy in everyday life through engaging dialogues with his children. He tackles misconceptions about philosophy, emphasizing its relevance in discussions about justice, truth, and moral choices. Hershovitz explores how humor and storytelling can make profound ideas accessible, advocating for integrity in parenting and the importance of fostering independent thinking in kids, while highlighting the need for vulnerability and compassion in their emotional development.

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ANECDOTE

Assumed Fired

Ryan Holiday's son assumed his dad was fired from writing because he was home more.
The son gave a perfunctory apology but wasn't existentially worried.

INSIGHT

Childlike Philosophy

Children and ancient philosophers share a childlike approach to philosophy.
Early philosophical ideas were like shower thoughts, occurring naturally without prior knowledge.

ANECDOTE

Swearing Chapter

Scott Hershovitz's editor said he swore too much in his book.
He wrote a chapter on swearing in response, exploring philosophical questions about language.

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Ryan reads today’s daily meditation and talks to Scott Hershovitz about his new book Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with Kids, the common misconceptions about philosophy, how to apply philosophy to actual life, and more.

Scott writes about law and philosophy. His academic work has appeared in the Harvard Law Review, The Yale Law Journal, and Ethics, among other places. He also writes occasional essays about philosophy for the New York Times. Before joining the Michigan faculty, Hershovitz served as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the United States Supreme Court and an attorney-advisor on the appellate staff of the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice.

The book follows an agenda set by Scott’s two sons, Rex and Hank. He takes us on a journey through classic and contemporary philosophy, powered by questions like, Does Hank have the right to drink soda? When is it okay to swear? And, Does the number six exist? Scott and his boys take on more weighty issues too. They explore punishment, authority, sex, gender, race, the nature of truth and knowledge, and the existence of God. Along the way, they get help from professional philosophers, famous and obscure. And they show that all of us have a lot to learn from listening to kids—and thinking with them.

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