Ep. 241 - The Philosophy of Honesty w/Dr. Matthew Benton
Jul 13, 2023
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Dr. Matthew Benton, a philosopher with a focus on honesty and communication, joins for a fascinating discussion. They explore whether dogs can communicate and display honesty, diving into the philosophical implications of their interactions. Topics include the nature of pain versus suffering in sentient beings, the role of honesty in human relationships, and the complexities of non-verbal communication. The conversation weaves together ethical considerations with lighthearted examples, offering listeners a unique perspective on honesty in both human and animal worlds.
Dr. Matthew Benton highlights the Honesty Project's interdisciplinary approach, bridging philosophy and psychology to enhance understanding of interpersonal honesty.
The conversation emphasizes that deeper personal connections require nuanced communication and honesty to foster intimacy within relationships.
Exploring ethical implications, Dr. Benton discusses how varying norms of honesty guide behavior and trust in personal interactions.
Deep dives
Philosophy's Exploration of Honesty
The podcast delves into the significance of honesty within philosophical discourse, an area that has not received extensive attention from analytic philosophers in recent decades. Dr. Matthew Benton outlines his engagement with the Honesty Project, a multi-disciplinary initiative that combines philosophy with psychology to examine various truths about honesty. This project aims to establish a deeper understanding of interpersonal honesty and the criteria that contribute to meaningful relationships. By integrating philosophical inquiry with practical implications, the discussion emphasizes how a thorough understanding of honesty can enhance interpersonal connections.
Interpersonal Knowledge and Honesty
The relationship between interpersonal knowledge and honesty is a focal point of the conversation, highlighting how knowing someone extends beyond mere acquaintance to deeper personal connections. Dr. Benton argues that honesty plays a crucial role in the process of getting to know another person, involving nuanced exchanges that promote intimacy and understanding. He emphasizes that communication norms and the willingness to share personal truths are essential for building relationships. The conversation explores the spectrum of acquaintance to close friendship, demonstrating how varying levels of honesty affect the depth of interpersonal knowledge.
The Nature of Honesty
The podcast presents different dimensions of honesty, distinguishing between communicative honesty, which involves truthful speech acts, and other forms like respecting property or adhering to rules. Dr. Benton refers to Christian Miller's framework that encompasses multiple facets of honesty, including truthfulness and forthrightness. By articulating these distinctions, the discussion sheds light on how varied manifestations of honesty impact both individual character and relationships with others. The aim is to create a comprehensive view of honesty that integrates these different aspects into a unified understanding of the virtue.
The Ethical Dimension of Honesty
An important aspect of the conversation revolves around the ethical implications of honesty in interpersonal relationships. Dr. Benton explains how the norms surrounding honesty serve to guide behavior and foster trust among individuals. He addresses the distinction between reckless assertions and those made with reasonable belief, highlighting how these ideas contribute to the moral framework that governs personal interactions. The exploration of ethical honesty prompts listeners to consider the responsibilities that come with honesty in nurturing meaningful connections.
Exploring Non-Human Honesty
In a thought-provoking segment, the discussion extends to the notion of honesty as it pertains to non-human entities, such as dogs and machines. Dr. Benton and the host consider whether animals can be deemed 'honest' based on their actions and communication, ultimately concluding that understanding animal behavior requires a nuanced approach. The conversation raises intriguing questions about whether honesty can exist outside the boundaries of human language and intentionality. This exploration challenges conventional definitions, suggesting that honesty may be rooted in the relationships and communication styles shared between all beings.
n this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Benton to discuss the philosophy of honesty. We ended up going deep on whether or not dogs can communicate, can be honest or dishonest, and whether or not they know stuff. Check the time stamps for the full list of topics discussed!
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5:00 - The Epistemology of Honesty
15:47 - What is honesty?
23:38 - Can Dogs Be Honest?
30:05 - Dog Dogs Have Beliefs and Concepts?
39:31 - Dogs Can Be Liars
47:14 - Can God Be Honest if He Cannot Lie?
51:23 - What Counts as Communication?
58:31 - Knowledge as the Norm of Assertion
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