Exploring the debate between classic definitions and conceptual engineering in philosophy with guest Matthew Cull. Concepts like luck are dissected, along with feminist perspectives on redefining terms. The complexities of luck, free will, and societal views are discussed, along with the challenges of defending philosophical arguments. The role of luck in free will and moral responsibility is explored, along with using conceptual engineering for activism and redefining societal concepts. Ethical dilemmas like trolley problems are examined, showcasing the intersection of moral implications and decision-making.
Advocating a specific definition of luck in moral education can shape views on fairness and social justice, essential for instilling key values.
Deep dives
The Purpose of Conceptual Engineering in Defining Luck
Conceptual engineering aims to clarify and refine the concept of luck by considering various purposes the concept should serve. It delves into distinguishing between superstition-based luck and chance-based luck while emphasizing the importance of control as a crucial factor in determining luck. The debate around luck involves evaluating different definitions and their implications, with a focus on aligning the concept of luck with philosophical arguments and practical benefits.
Navigating Intuitions and Philosophical Argument in Defining Luck
The process of defining luck involves balancing intuitions and philosophical arguments. Individuals often face challenges when defending a specific definition of luck, with critics questioning the reliance on personal preference. However, emphasizing the philosophical rationale behind a chosen definition helps maintain a rational approach despite differing intuitions or subjective preferences.
Moral Education and Advocating for a Definition of Luck
In moral education, advocating for a particular definition of luck can be essential for shaping individuals' perspectives on fairness, meritocracy, and social justice. While some may argue against prescribing a singular definition based on philosophical principles, the practical implications of defining luck to align with social justice values can be a valuable educational tool. Emphasizing the link between luck, meritocracy, and fairness can help instill crucial social values in educational curricula.
Conceptual Engineering in Education
In the podcast, the idea of conceptual engineering is discussed with regard to education, emphasizing the importance of introducing students to multiple concepts to promote critical thinking and debate. The episode highlights how exposing students to various concepts, such as different versions of truth or evolution, can enhance their understanding and lead them to discern the most effective models over time. By presenting contrasting concepts early on, students are better equipped to evaluate and appreciate complex ideas as they progress in their education.
Challenges of Conceptual Engineering
The podcast delves into the challenges of conceptual engineering, particularly when dealing with fundamental concepts like logic or morality. It raises concerns about the potential slide into relativism when competing definitions are offered without clear guiding principles. The discussion explores the difficulty of ensuring topic preservation and avoiding topic-changing objections when refining concepts. Additionally, the episode examines the intricate balance between maintaining conceptual integrity while adapting concepts for practical usage and societal progress.
My guest this week is Matthew Cull (@MaattCuull), a philosopher postdoc at the University of Edinburgh, with an interest in social philosophy, particularly debates around the concept of conceptual engineering. We discuss the debate between classic approaches to defining terms and conceptual engineering. We also discuss whether my pedagogy of luck counts as conceptual engineering or not.
NOTE ON VIP CONTENT FOR THIS WEEK: Sadly, we had some issues with the bonus content and Matt and I decided to just cut it this week. Apologies. More next week!