Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps cover image

Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

“The Case for Assassinating CEOs” with Ethicist Tim Dean

Dec 16, 2024
This conversation features Tim Dean, Senior Philosopher at The Ethics Centre and author of "How We Became Human," who dives into the moral complexities surrounding violence against corporate leaders. They explore whether such actions could ever be justified in response to corporate greed and its impact on individuals. Delving into ethical dilemmas, Dean contrasts philosophical frameworks on violence and justice, urging a critical examination of our moral compass in a world where institutional trust is eroding.
01:01:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the troubling idea that violence against corporate leaders, particularly in healthcare, might be viewed as morally justified by some due to systemic injustices.
  • Discussions highlight alarming practices within private health insurance, showcasing how profit maximization often comes at the expense of patient care and raises public frustration.

Deep dives

The Moral Complexity of Assassination

The podcast examines the moral implications of the targeted assassination of a CEO within the healthcare industry, exploring how such acts may be perceived as permissible in a flawed system. The reactions on social media following the assassination reveal a troubling sentiment that questions the morality of businesses profiting at the expense of public health, suggesting that violence could be justified if it leads to greater good. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of scrutinizing why individuals may feel compelled to endorse violence against those they see as complicit in systemic harm, raising the question of moral culpability for executives in industries that prioritize profit over patient care. Philosophers propose that a deeper understanding of this rationale might shed light on the existential frustrations that fuel the desire for extreme retribution.

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