EP10: Is Equality of Opportunity Not Valuable? (On Stephan Kershnar’s Attack on Equality of Opportunity)
Oct 26, 2023
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Exploring the provocative views of a libertarian edgelord on contentious topics like adult-child sex and slavery. Analyzing the distinctions between formal and fair equality of opportunity. Discussing the complexities of creating inequality while optimizing the distribution of benefits. Delving into the concept of equality of opportunity and its connection to human well-being. Reflecting on the noble lie concept and its relevance to equality in society.
Challenging the conventional belief in rights due to differing modern circumstances.
Steven Kirschner defends controversial stances sparking debates and controversy in applied ethics.
Debates on equal opportunities emphasize foundational values like fairness and communal well-being.
Critiques challenge the notion that market success accurately reflects a person's intrinsic worth or societal contribution.
Deep dives
Questioning Natural Rights in the 21st Century
Equal appeals to natural rights are deemed suspect due to differing modern circumstances. The value of inherent rights is questioned, challenging the conventional belief in rights. A critical analysis of Robert Nozick's assertions on rights serves as a point of reference for this debate.
Steven Kirschner and Radical Ethical Standpoints
Steven Kirschner, an unconventional philosopher, advocates contentious and radical ideas in applied ethics. Known for defending controversial stances like the moral permissibility of adult-child relationships, Kirschner's provocative articles span topics from age of consent laws to slavery. His works challenge societal norms, sparking debates and controversy.
The Kirschner Cycle and Academic Provocation
The 'Kirschner cycle' refers to a pattern where Steven Kirschner's provocative ideas generate outrage, leading to brief periods of intense discussion followed by fading interest. Recent controversies surrounding Kirschner's views on adult-child relationships have reignited debates on academic freedom and ethical boundaries.
Debating Equality of Opportunity and Social Values
A critical examination of the concept of equality of opportunity reveals contrasting perspectives on its importance and implications. While arguments against equal opportunities raise concerns about individual contributions to society and disparities in value, proponents emphasize the foundational values of fairness, dignity, and communal well-being in supporting equal opportunities.
Challenging Happiness and Hedonic Treadmills
The notion that equal opportunities do not necessarily lead to increased happiness is debated through analogies like the 'lotto winner syndrome.' The argument questions whether societal structures focusing on equality truly enhance individuals' well-being or perpetuate dissatisfaction. The discussion delves into complex interactions between opportunity, happiness, and personal fulfillment.
Assessing Meritocracy and Market Valuation
The assertion that a person's income equates to their value to society is examined within the context of meritocracy and market dynamics. Critiques challenge the notion that market success accurately reflects a person's intrinsic worth or societal contribution, highlighting complexities in equating economic achievements with individual value.
Market Contribution Versus Intrinsic Merit
The podcast challenges the notion that someone's market success directly reflects their intrinsic value or merit. It argues against the assumption that profitability translates to societal contribution, highlighting examples like profiting from exploitative practices not equating to moral character. The discussion delves into the idea that market incentives may not align with societal utility, citing cases where profitable actions may not benefit society.
Natural Rights and Market Participation
The episode scrutinizes the concept of natural rights and their impact on market dynamics. It questions the premise that rights include the ability to exclude individuals based on discriminatory practices. The debate extends to the philosophical basis for personal property rights and the coercion involved in initial property acquisition, challenging the idea of private property as a natural right. The podcast delves into the interplay between philosophical justifications, socio-political constructs, and market behavior.
This week we have one of our first encounters with the Academic Edgelord final boss, Stephan Kershnar. We enter the Kershnar-sphere by looking at his argument against equality of opportunity. For this edgelord — who is author of papers on adult-child sex, slavery, and more — its actually one of his milder takes. It’s from Why Equality of Opportunity is not a Valuable Goal, in the Journal of Applied Philosophy.
We also read a response in the same journal from John O’Dea. We’ll look at Kershnar’s case, and ask what it misses about good equality of opportunity arguments. Plus: what exactly is he doing? We discuss whether Kershnar is a kind of useful gadfly, a dishonest ideologue, or just a petulant troll.
