Dwarkesh Podcast

Michael Huemer - Anarchy, Capitalism, and Progress

May 28, 2021

Michael Huemer, a philosophy professor at the University of Colorado and author of "The Problem of Political Authority," shares intriguing insights on governance and morality. He dives into the nature of political authority, challenging listeners to consider its legitimacy. The discussion includes the potential for anarchy to either reduce or increase violence, and the complexities of transitioning to a libertarian society. Huemer also reflects on the psychological ties people have with power and critiques societal norms, urging for thoughtful, constructive dialogue.

01:37:04

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Episode guests

Michael Huemer

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Authority, Morality, and Political Ideologies

6min

Power, Charisma, and Morality

24min

Violence, Governance, and Anarcho-Capitalism

14min

Critiquing Society: The Balance of Respect and Constructive Change

4min

The Engaging Nature of Blogging: A Reflection on Writing and Consumption

2min

Libertarian Ideals vs Government Funding

18min

The Value of Education in a Tech-Dominated Society

12min

Balancing Rights and Coercion in Childhood

3min

10.

Philosophy as a Catalyst for Change

11min

Michael Huemer is a professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado. He is the author of more than sixty academic articles in epistemology, ethics, metaethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy, as well as eight amazing books.

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Podcast website here.

Buy Knowledge, Reality, and Value and The Problem of Political Authority.

Read Michael’s awesome blog and follow me on Twitter for new episodes.

Timestamps:

(0:00:00) - Intro

(0:01:07) - The Problem of Political Authority

(0:03:25) - Common sense ethics

(0:09:39) - Stockholm syndrome and the charisma of power

(0:18:14) - Moral progress

(0:26:55) - Growth of libertarian ideas

(0:33:37) - Does anarchy increase violence?

(0:44:37) - Transitioning to anarchy

(0:47:20) - Is Huemer attacking our society?!

(0:51:40) - Huemer's writing process

(0:53:18) - Is it okay to work for the government

(0:56:39) - Burkean argument against anarchy

(1:02:07) - The case for tyranny

(1:11:58) - Underrated/overrated

(1:25:55) - Huemer production function

(1:30:41) - Favorite books

(1:33:04) - Advice for young people

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