Rationally Speaking Podcast
Rationally Speaking #84 - Stephen Asma On the Myth of Universal Love
Apr 7, 2013
Join Stephen Asma, Professor of philosophy at Columbia College Chicago and author of "Against Fairness," as he dives into the pitfalls of the fairness concept. He argues for richer ethical frameworks, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and personal connections over utilitarianism. The conversation explores how empathy's biases shape our moral choices and examines the dual nature of tribalism in ethical responsibilities. Asma also discusses the emotional insights of Dr. Yak Panksepp, enhancing our understanding of the complex interplay between feelings and ethics.
46:15
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Quick takeaways
- Stephen Asma critiques the concept of fairness, arguing it lacks depth and often misguides ethical discussions in favor of stronger values.
- The podcast advocates for virtue ethics over utilitarianism, emphasizing personal relationships and emotional bonds as crucial for moral obligations.
Deep dives
Critique of Fairness
The concept of fairness is critiqued for its conceptual incoherence, as it is often applied too broadly or used to justify various ethical stances without sufficient rigor. The speaker argues that while fairness is generally regarded as a positive ethical principle, it may lack the depth and utility needed for meaningful ethical discussions. Instead of relying solely on fairness, which can be seen as a weak ethical ideal, the speaker advocates for a more robust approach to ethics that encompasses concepts like justice. This shift emphasizes the importance of preferential bonds and moral obligations to family, friends, and community as central to ethical living.
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