Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

The Rescuer Trap: The Skeptic's Guide to Autonomy

10 snips
Dec 17, 2025
Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher known for his work on Stoicism and practical philosophy, joins hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce. They dive into the pitfalls of being a ‘rescuer’ and the importance of skepticism. Pigliucci discusses the brain as a 'b******t' machine, the nuanced balance of certainty and doubt, and how social media distorts self-examination. The conversation explores ethical action, the Stoic distinction between altruism and selfishness, and the value of collaboration for genuine self-knowledge.
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INSIGHT

Skepticism As Provisional Inquiry

  • Skepticism means holding beliefs provisionally because senses and reason are fallible.
  • Treat conclusions as tentative and remain open to correction.
ADVICE

Slow Down Before Judging Others

  • Hold your judgments lightly and avoid strong emotional attachment to initial impressions.
  • Slow down and remain open to new information before concluding about others.
ANECDOTE

Butterflies That Were A Virus

  • Massimo recounts a dating story where 'butterflies' were actually a stomach virus.
  • The example warns against confidently misreading bodily signals as definitive meaning.
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