Elizabeth Anderson

In this thirtieth episode of the Philosophy Bakes Bread radio show and podcast, co-hosts Dr. Eric Thomas Weber and Dr. Anthony Cashio interview Dr. Elizabeth Anderson about her new book, Private Government: How Employers Rule Our Lives (and Why We Don't Talk About It). She recently published a piece on the book on Vox.com. Dr. Anderson is the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, and the John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women's Studies at the University of Michigan. Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on democratic theory, equality in political philosophy and American law, racial integration, and the ethical limits of markets. She writes about the philosophies of John Stuart Mill and John Dewey as well as the philosophy of science. She also designed and was the first Director of the Program in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the University of Michigan. She published the 2011 book, The Imperative of Integration, which came up in our episode with Dr. Nussbaum a few weeks ago. Liz's new book, Private Government, is based on her Tanner Lectures delivered at Princeton University.  Listen for our “You Tell Me!” questions and for some jokes in one of our concluding segments, called “Philosophunnies.” Reach out to us on Facebook @PhilosophyBakesBread and on Twitter @PhilosophyBB; email us at philosophybakesbread@gmail.com; or call and record a voicemail that we play on the show, at 859.257.1849. Philosophy Bakes Bread is a production of the Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA). Check us out online at PhilosophyBakesBread.com and check out SOPHIA at PhilosophersInAmerica.com.

Elizabeth Anderson, a public philosophy professor at the University of Michigan and author of "Hijacked," delves into the pitfalls of the Protestant work ethic. She discusses how this outdated mindset links our worth to hard work and profits, perpetuating inequalities. Anderson critiques neoliberal policies favoring profit over dignity and advocates for a pro-worker ethic that prioritizes worker rights. She emphasizes the need for equitable workplaces, community value, and a shift away from the relentless grind toward meaningful work.

Elizabeth Anderson, author of 'Hijacked: How Neoliberalism Turned the Work Ethic against Workers and How Workers Can Take It Back,' explores the history of the work ethic and its impact on workers. The podcast discusses how neoliberalism has perverted the work ethic to benefit the One Percent, rather than ordinary people. It also delves into the consequences of negative attitudes towards the poor, the vision of the progressive work ethic, understanding neoliberalism, the burden of neoliberalism on society, and the controversial topics of participation trophies and the division of labor.

Elizabeth Anderson, author of 'Hijacked: How Neoliberalism Turned the Work Ethic against Workers and How Workers Can Take It Back', explores the history and implications of the work ethic. She discusses the distorted effects of paying workers under neoliberalism, the impact of monotonous work, the concept of social democracy, labor unions and workers' empowerment, understanding neoliberalism and its impact on workers, the decline of state funding for universities, and reviving the progressive work ethic.

In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Anderson, a renowned professor from the University of Michigan, dives deep into the evolution of the work ethic from a moral principle to a tool for social control. She examines how historical figures like Malthus influenced damaging views on poverty and labor. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between work as a source of dignity versus a means of discipline. Anderson also reveals the dark legacy of the Irish Potato Famine, tracing its connections to contemporary welfare policies and societal attitudes toward the poor.

Elizabeth Anderson, a prominent philosopher from the University of Michigan, delves into the deep historical roots of our modern work ethic, revealing how it morphed into a moral obligation. She explores the Protestant Reformation's influence, contrasting theological shifts in views on labor and salvation. The discussion shines a light on how concepts from figures like Locke shaped property views and individual worth, and critiques the damaging use of the work ethic against the poor. Anderson emphasizes the need to reclaim the original purpose of work: to serve humanity.

Economist and author Elizabeth Anderson discusses how neoliberalism has turned the work ethic against workers, exploring inadequate compensation, the evolution of the work ethic, meaning of work in a capitalist economy, negative impact of neoliberalism on professional classes, support for workers and labor union law reforms, and the need to honor workers and democratize work.

Elizabeth Anderson, a political philosopher focused on democracy and economic justice, joins Dart Lindsley to discuss the evolution of the work ethic. They explore how historical thinkers like Adam Smith and Karl Marx shaped labor principles that promote dignity and equality. The conversation critiques the neoliberal shift that has concentrated corporate power and suppressed wages. They also highlight the importance of worker protections and the ongoing struggle for gender equality within the workplace, emphasizing the need to reclaim work as a source of fairness and dignity.

Elizabeth Anderson, a prominent political philosopher, discusses workplace equality, unionization, intersectionality, and the impact of societal structures on privilege with Yascha Mounk. They explore the need for nuanced understandings of social categories, structural domination, and the role of unions in achieving greater equality. The conversation also touches on police violence, racial disparities, and the importance of civil discourse in addressing societal issues.

Elizabeth Anderson and Sarah Bianchi from Evercore ISI discuss healthcare policy in the 2024 election. They cover topics like healthcare technology, public policy, tariffs, Medicare, and the role of the FTC. The podcast also explores candidates' stance on big corporations and healthcare technology developments.