Political Philosophy Podcast IGNORING POLITICS with Chris Freiman
Jan 31, 2025
Chris Freiman, a West Virginia University professor and author of "Why It's Okay to Ignore Politics," challenges the notion that voting is a moral obligation. He suggests that individuals may achieve greater good through philanthropy instead of electoral participation, especially in non-swing states. The conversation navigates the moral complexities of voting, the balance of individual versus collective power, and the responsibilities in times of political crisis. Freiman encourages listeners to rethink how they allocate their resources between political engagement and charitable actions.
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Prioritize Impactful Actions
- Prioritize impactful actions over symbolic political participation.
- Focus time and resources where you can directly effect change, like effective charities.
Child's Sight vs. Voting
- Chris Freiman presents a thought experiment: saving a child's sight versus voting.
- He argues that prioritizing a child's sight over an inconsequential vote is morally right.
Charity as a Political Act
- Toby Buckle suggests that even charitable giving is a political act.
- Aid money often influences governments and political conditions affect aid effectiveness.