Roger Scruton

Roger Scruton, philosopher and author of Beauty: A Very Short Introduction, discusses taste judgments, his reputation, and the disappointment with his book. The chapter also explores the concept of beauty from an evolutionary perspective and critiques Scruton's work. The podcast ends with a discussion on the differences between Western and non-Western concepts of history.

Roger Scruton discusses his latest book on human nature, exploring the reconciliation of conflicting views of evolutionary biology and individual autonomy through guilt and excuses. The podcast explores the extra dimension of human behavior that evolutionary adaptation and scientific ideas alone cannot explain. It delves into the concept of personhood, comparing Kant's ideas to the modern liberal account based on contract and consent. The podcast also examines emergent features and cognitive dualism, discussing the limitations of evolutionary biology in explaining human behavior and experiences. The chapter on freedom emphasizes the connection between responsibility, blame, and accountability, and explores the limitations of the concept of contract and consent in understanding human relationships.

Philosopher and author Roger Scruton discusses human nature, highlighting the limitations of a purely scientific account. He explores the biological explanations for our emotional response to music and the paradoxical relationship between scientific and humanistic approaches. Scruton also explores the concept of the self and the importance of recognizing the other as a self.