EconTalk Agnes Callard on Aspiration
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Sep 28, 2020 
Agnes Callard, a philosopher and author from the University of Chicago, delves into the nuances of aspiration and self-transformation. She discusses how our values shape our identities and the inherent challenges in aspiring to become someone different. Callard contrasts aspiration with ambition, explores the ethics of influence, and rethinks rationality in decision-making. She emphasizes the evolution of personal preferences and the role of fiction in fostering empathy. Additionally, she navigates the complexities of free will, personal agency, and the interplay of neuroscience with philosophical thought.
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What is Aspiration?
- Aspiration is the rational process of acquiring new values.
- It explains how we come to care about things we previously didn't.
Russ Roberts on Faulkner
- Russ Roberts initially disliked Faulkner but grew to love him after taking a college class.
- This demonstrates how aspiration, combined with luck, can change our values.
Aspiration vs. Ambition
- Aspiration involves learning to value something new, while ambition focuses on achieving existing goals.
- Ambitious individuals already know why they want something, unlike those who aspire.
