Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor at MIT and author, engages in a deep conversation about how philosophical insights can enrich our lives. They explore the debate between objective moral truths and personal happiness. Setiya discusses navigating grief and the ethical dilemmas surrounding emotional pain. The intriguing distinction between 'telic' and 'atelic' activities is examined, revealing how mindfulness and reframing our thoughts can enhance our well-being. Together, they tackle the complexities of regret, FOMO, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.
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insights INSIGHT
Philosophy's Shift
Philosophy's purpose has shifted from guiding a good life to abstract analysis.
This disconnect from practical well-being is a significant loss.
insights INSIGHT
Objective Morality
Objective moral truths likely exist, despite moral disagreements.
Disagreements don't negate objectivity, as seen with science deniers.
insights INSIGHT
Happiness vs. Well-being
Living well is distinct from mere happiness.
Grief, though causing unhappiness, can be part of living well.
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In *Midlife: A Philosophical Guide*, Kieran Setiya offers a unique perspective on coping with the challenges of middle age. Drawing on philosophical insights from Aristotle to Simone de Beauvoir, Setiya explores how to live in the present, find meaning in life, and reconcile oneself with past choices and future uncertainties. The book provides practical advice and philosophical consolations for dealing with mortality and the sense of futility that often accompanies midlife.
The Moral Landscape
How Science Can Determine Human Values
Sam Harris
In this book, Sam Harris challenges the traditional separation between scientific facts and human values. He argues that morality can be understood in terms of human and animal well-being, and that science can provide objective answers to moral questions. Harris contends that moral relativism is false and that science can tell us how we ought to live to achieve the greatest well-being. He uses his expertise in philosophy and neuroscience to make a case for a science of morality, emphasizing that moral values should be grounded in empirical facts about what causes people to flourish.
Sam Harris speaks to Kieran Setiya about the relevance of philosophy to living a good life. They discuss the existence of objective moral truths, being happy vs living well, our response to grief, the difference between "telic" and "atelic" activities, the power of reframing, FOMO, bias toward the future, regret, the asymmetry between pain and pleasure, and other topics.
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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.
Making Sense with Sam Harris 
