Martha C. Nussbaum, a distinguished Professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago, delves into the critical intersection of philosophy, emotions, and politics. She highlights the relevance of ancient Greek and Roman thought, particularly Stoicism, in understanding modern emotional dynamics. The dialogue explores complex issues like moral luck, the fragility of goodness, and how honor cultures affect vulnerable groups. Nussbaum advocates for philosophy's role in fostering communal values and respectful dialogue amid divisive topics.
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Philosophy's Role
Philosophy helps us reason together despite differing beliefs, especially in politics.
Socratic reasoning clarifies our beliefs' origins and bases, crucial for diverse societies.
insights INSIGHT
Public vs. Private Philosophy
Philosophers shouldn't preach personal life choices but can guide public discourse.
In pluralistic societies, shared reasoning is vital, while personal beliefs remain private.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Nussbaum Lunches
Nussbaum's lunch program fosters discussions on divisive topics, even on issues like the bakery cases.
It shows that respecting and listening to others can lead to compromise and shared understanding.
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In 'Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions', Martha Nussbaum argues that emotions are not merely primal impulses but cognitive and intentional, playing a central role in moral philosophy. She draws on philosophy, psychology, anthropology, music, and literature to illuminate the complex structure of emotions and their significance in ethical education. The book explores how emotions like grief, fear, and love reflect our deepest thoughts about the importance of people and events beyond our control.
Not for Profit
Martha Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum's "Not for Profit" explores the crucial role of higher education in fostering human flourishing and social justice. She argues that universities should prioritize the cultivation of intellectual and moral virtues, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement. Nussbaum challenges the increasing emphasis on market-driven metrics in higher education, advocating for a more humanistic approach that prioritizes the development of well-rounded individuals. The book offers a compelling vision of the university's role in society, emphasizing its potential to contribute to a more just and equitable world. Nussbaum's work provides a framework for understanding how universities can fulfill their social responsibilities while maintaining their commitment to academic excellence.
Justice for Animals
Martha C. Nussbaum
Mama's Last Hug
Frans de Waal
Mama's Last Hug is a compelling book that delves into the emotional lives of animals, using the story of Mama, a chimpanzee matriarch, as a central narrative. Frans de Waal explores various emotions such as love, hate, fear, shame, guilt, joy, disgust, and empathy across different species, including chimpanzees, dogs, rats, and elephants. The book argues that humans and other animals share a common emotional landscape and challenges the traditional views of behaviorism. De Waal's work emphasizes the importance of understanding and recognizing the emotional lives of animals and their implications for human behavior and ethics.
Anger and Forgiveness
Martha Nussbaum
Sam Harris speaks with Martha C. Nussbaum about her philosophical work. They discuss the relevance of philosophy to personal and political problems, the influence of religion, the problem of dogmatism, the importance of Greek and Roman philosophy for modern thought, the Stoic view of emotions, anger and retribution, deterrence, moral luck, sexual harassment, the philosophical significance of Greek tragedy, grief, human and animal flourishing, the "capabilities approach" to valuing conscious life, the rightness or wrongness of moral hierarchies, "the fragility of goodness," and other topics.
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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.
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