Massimo Pigliucci, author of The Quest for Character, explores whether character is innate or can be developed through ancient teachings. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, learning life skills, emotional maturity, and the concept of virtue. The episode also highlights the timeless relevance of ancient Greek and Roman insights in ethics.
Character is partly influenced by genetics and childhood, but can be developed through conscious effort.
Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers recognized the importance of character development and experimented with educational approaches.
Self-reflection is crucial for character development, allowing us to align our actions with our values and make better choices in life.
Deep dives
The Development of Character
In this podcast episode, the host explores the question of whether character is something we are born with or if it can be developed. The answer, according to cognitive science, is both yes and no. Part of our character is set early in life, possibly influenced by genetics and childhood environments. However, modern research shows that a significant part of our character can be developed and improved. While we cannot completely change ourselves, we can work on aspects of our character to become better individuals.
Ancient Greek Philosophy on Character
The podcast delves into the teachings of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers on character development. These philosophers, such as Socrates and Plato, recognized the importance of developing character and experimented with different educational approaches to alter people's behavior. While they did not have the same scientific understanding as we do today, they were astute observers of human nature. Their insights on the functions of human beings, such as reasoning and pro-social behavior, form the basis of their philosophy on character development.
Lessons from Historical Figures
The podcast highlights the role of historical figures, such as Socrates and Alcibiades, in the quest for character development. Socrates, a philosopher and former soldier, advised Alcibiades against seeking power and politicians, recognizing his lack of wisdom. This illustrates the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's limitations. By examining the actions and interactions of these historical figures, we can draw valuable lessons on the consequences of character development in shaping one's life and the impact it can have on society.
Importance of Self-Reflection
The podcast emphasizes the importance of self-reflection as a key step in developing one's character. The ancient Greeks, particularly the Stoics, recognized the value of knowing oneself and reflecting on one's actions and priorities. Self-reflection involves critically examining what we are doing and why we are doing it, and considering if it aligns with our values and goals. It is a continuous process that evolves as we change over time. The podcast discusses how self-reflection can help us make better choices, avoid doing things for the wrong reasons, and ensure our actions are directed towards the greater good.
Ways to Know Oneself
The podcast explores three approaches to knowing oneself: critical self-reflection, conversations with others, and having role models. Critical self-reflection involves keeping a journal and asking ourselves questions about our thoughts, motivations, and decisions. Engaging in conversations with others, such as friends or mentors, allows them to provide insights and perspectives that can challenge our rationalizations and help us see our blind spots. Additionally, having role models can help guide our decision-making and inspire us to act in ways that align with our values. The podcast highlights the importance of choosing role models carefully and keeping them in mind when faced with difficult choices.
Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophies like Stoicism and New Skepticism.
Prof. Pigliucci has been elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science “for fundamental studies of genotype by environmental interactions and for public defense of evolutionary biology from pseudo-scientific attack.”
In the area of public outreach, Prof. Pigliucci has published in national and international outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal, among others. He is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Contributing Editor to Skeptical Inquirer. He writes on practical and general philosophy at Medium.
At last count, Prof. Pigliucci has published 176 technical papers in science and philosophy. He is also the author or editor of 16 books, including the best selling How to Be A Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life (Basic Books). Other titles include Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (University of Chicago Press), and The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books).
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