The Nature of Words, Actions, and Ethics with Mike Brock (WiM468)
May 9, 2024
auto_awesome
Mike Brock discusses coherentism vs foundationalism, social consensus shaping linguistic meanings, the origins of rights, the axiom of action, the existence of rationality, ethical manifestations, the source of ethics, individual normative experiences vs life/property, and more in a captivating exploration of words, actions, and ethics.
Language shapes ethical norms through contextual meanings like 'good' and 'power'.
Distinguishing between fact and truth challenges epistemological reasoning and rational inquiry.
Social ethics need contextual considerations for defining acceptable human behaviors.
Justifying ethical standards based on human action's axiom poses metaphysical dilemmas.
Technology should not dictate agency but be defined and guided by human values.
Deep dives
Understanding Human Agency in a Technological World
In the podcast episode, the speaker delves into the concept of human agency in a technological world. There are concerns raised about technology potentially dictating human agency rather than vice versa. The deterministic view presented suggests that technology may render certain societal structures like the welfare state impossible, emphasizing how technology can redefine political possibilities.
Exploring the Nature of Money and Sponsorship
The podcast episode touches on the nature of money and the sponsorship model of the show. It highlights the importance of uncovering the essence of money through previous episodes. Additionally, the focus is placed on sponsorship selection aligned with values like freedom, education, and self-sovereignty, showcasing a deliberate approach towards sponsorship partnerships.
Philosophical Discussion on Language and Meaning
A philosophical dialogue unfolds regarding language and the concept of epistemic coherentism. The discussion centers on language's contextual nature, highlighting the contextual meanings of words like 'good' and 'power.' The exploration delves into the importance of language in understanding knowledge and concepts like ethical norms.
Debate on Information, Knowledge, and Truth
The podcast delves into the complex realm of information, knowledge, and truth. Differentiating between matters of fact and necessary truths, the discussion navigates through epistemological questions around empirical data, rational inquiry, axioms, and the challenges of induction. The exploration also touches on the nature of human action, purpose, and normativity within philosophical frameworks.
Role of Ethics in Social Settings
Ethics is discussed in the context of social situations, where the speaker emphasizes the importance of considering the social context when defining ethical behavior. The conversation touches on the definition of ethics proposed by Hoppe, highlighting the concept of what is acceptable for a human to do in a social setting.
Challenges in Ethical Justifications
The conversation delves into the challenges of justifying ethical principles based on the axiom of human action. The speaker questions the metaphysical basis of the axiom and its application in determining ethical standards, particularly concerning conflicting scenarios like the rights of children or individuals with varying levels of rationality.
Technological Influence on Ethics and Agency
The role of technology and technique in shaping moral sentiments and influencing ethical considerations is explored. A critical view is presented on the relationship between technology and culture, emphasizing the need for human agency to define technology rather than technology defining agency. Concerns are raised about technological determinism and its potential impact on social organization and individual autonomy.
Impact of Technology on Political Conversations and Epistemology
The podcast episode delves into the impact of technology, particularly social media, on political conversations and epistemology. It highlights the rise in suicide rates among young girls correlated with the introduction of Instagram, indicating technology's destabilizing effect. The discussion touches on how social media platforms contribute to an 'epistemic crisis' by fragmenting beliefs and hindering coherent conversations. The podcast emphasizes the challenges technology poses to privacy, manipulation, and truth discernment, citing examples of deep fake technologies and fraudulent activities.
Role of Bitcoin and Central Banking in Economic Systems
The episode explores the role of Bitcoin and central banking in economic systems. It argues that Bitcoin offers a way to price political risk and challenges conventional central banking practices. The conversation delves into the coexistence of Bitcoin and central banking, highlighting Bitcoin's potential to reshape individuals' views on financial sovereignty and state revenue generation. The discussion touches on savings, production, and inflation dynamics, emphasizing the complex interplay between monetary policies, economic productivity, and governmental fiscal decisions.
// OUTLINE // 0:00 - WiM Show Intro 2:35 - Helping Lightning Startups with In Wolf's Clothing 3:22 - Introducing Mike Brock 4:33 - Coherentism vs Foundationalism 12:19 - The Meaning of Context 15:50 - Social Consensus and the Meaning of Words 22:34 - Political Power vs Physical Power 30:29 - Where Do Rights Come From? 41:13 - Heart and Soil Supplements 42:13 - Anthony DiClementi’s Biohacking Secrets 43:43 - What is Information? 55:00 - The Axiom of Action 01:08:45 - The Existence of Rationality 01:16:03 - Ethical Manifestation of the Axiom of Action 01:30:42 - Swan Bitcoin: Set up instant and Recurring Bitcoin Buys 01:31:37 - Bitcoin 2024: The Largest Bitcoin and Fintech Conference in the World 01:32:44 - Where Do Ethics Come From? 01:40:09 - Maximizing Individual Normative Experiences vs Life, Liberty, and Property 01:45:34 - The Role of Technology in Moral Sentiment 01:58:25 - Bitcoin and State Revenue 02:12:28 - What is Savings? 2:20:59 - Closing Thoughts
