R. Jay Wallace, a philosophy professor at UC Berkeley renowned for his work on moral sentiments, dives into key philosophical realms. He discusses the evolving landscape of moral philosophy and the challenges younger philosophers face amid hyper-professionalization. Wallace candidly reflects on navigating career transitions, revealing how personal challenges can spark renewed passion. He also shares his fears about the intersections of philosophy, democracy, and societal instability, emphasizing the urgent need for compelling interpretations of morality in today's world.
R. Jay Wallace warns that the hyper-specialization trend in moral philosophy may neglect broader connections vital for comprehensive exploration.
He emphasizes how personal temperament influences his philosophical approach, leading to a systematic style that may simplify complex moral domains.
Deep dives
The Future of Moral Philosophy
The discussion highlights concerns about the future of moral philosophy, particularly the trend towards hyper-specialization in the field. As younger philosophers gravitate towards narrowly defined sub-areas, there is a sense that the broader connections within moral philosophy are being neglected. The speaker expresses a worry that this shift diminishes the space for comprehensive exploration that integrates different aspects of moral thought, such as normative ethics and moral psychology. This fragmentation may ultimately affect the development of philosophical inquiry and the richness of the discipline.
Influence of Temperament on Philosophical Work
The speaker acknowledges that temperament plays a substantial role in shaping their philosophical work, identifying a personal intolerance for disorder as a driving force. This inclination towards organization leads to an idealizing approach to philosophy, where complex moral domains are simplified into coherent structures. While this method fosters clarity and understanding, it also raises questions about potential distortions in the portrayal of morality. The speaker recognizes the value of contrasting perspectives, such as those emphasizing the complexities and messiness of moral experience, yet feels aligned with their own systematic style.
Challenges of Professionalization in Philosophy
A significant concern expressed is the hyper-professionalization within the field of philosophy, which pressures scholars to produce narrower, more technical work instead of encouraging broader philosophical exploration. The speaker laments that younger philosophers may feel compelled to prioritize immediate publication requirements over developing their unique philosophical voices. This dynamic threatens the richness of philosophical discourse, as many are preoccupied with formal qualifications that may overshadow substantive contributions. The speaker advocates for a reevaluation of these professional pressures to allow for a more thoughtful and reflective engagement with philosophy.
I ask the philosopher R. Jay Wallace five questions about himself.
R. Jay Wallace is William and Trudy Ausfahl Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of “Responsibility and the Moral Sentiments” (1994), “The View From Here” (2013), and “The Moral Nexus” (2019).
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode