Understanding Relational Persons: A Conversation with Roger Scruton

Roger Scruton discusses his latest book on human nature, exploring the reconciliation of conflicting views of evolutionary biology and individual autonomy through guilt and excuses. The podcast explores the extra dimension of human behavior that evolutionary adaptation and scientific ideas alone cannot explain. It delves into the concept of personhood, comparing Kant's ideas to the modern liberal account based on contract and consent. The podcast also examines emergent features and cognitive dualism, discussing the limitations of evolutionary biology in explaining human behavior and experiences. The chapter on freedom emphasizes the connection between responsibility, blame, and accountability, and explores the limitations of the concept of contract and consent in understanding human relationships.