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| NoodleCast #49: Live Rationally Selfish Webcast Posted: 28 Dec 2010 09:00 AM PST On Sunday, Greg Perkins and I hosted another live Rationally Selfish Webcast where I answered people's questions on practical ethics and the principles of living well. The live webcast consists of me broadcasting on video, Greg on audio, and the audience in a text chat. And it's darn fun! An audio recording of that webcast is now available as a podcast. These webcasts are held at 9 am MT (8 am PT, 10 am CT, 11 am ET). You can submit and vote on questions on the widget on the page for the Rationally Selfish Webcast -- or viaIdea Informer. If you enjoy these webcasts and podcasts, please do submit and vote on questions. That's much appreciated. Also, the Rationally Selfish Webcast (and Podcast) is available to anyone, free of charge. If you find value in it, I ask that you support our work by periodically contributing to our tip jar. We suggest $5 per episode, but any amount is appreciated. If you would prefer to send a check, please send it to "Diana Hsieh; P.O. Box 851; Sedalia, CO 80135." Please write "RS Webcast" in the memo field. If you're unable to contribute financially, we'd appreciate your helping us spread the word about this webcast to anyone you think might be interested. You can, for example, "like" the Rationally Selfish Page on Facebook. Webcast Segments These segments are marked as chapters in the M4A version of this podcast. Any included links are those referenced in the podcast. (Many thanks to Tammy Perkins for helping me compile these notes!) Introduction (0:00) Diana Hsieh: DianaHsieh.com: diana@dianahsieh.com Greg Perkins: Objectivist Answers: greg@eCosmos.com Don't forget to submit and vote on questions for upcoming webcasts! Question 1: Altruism and Sacrifice (5:03) Why does altruism measure virtue by the depth of a person's self-sacrifice, rather than the amount of good actually done for others? Altruism demands every person promote the welfare of others as his ultimate value. Despite that, however, altruistic virtue is not measured by the actual good done for others, but rather by the depth of the person's self-sacrifice. Why is that? Links: The Widow's Mite (Mark 12) Money Point: Altruism is not inconsistent to measure virtue by depth of a person's self-sacrifice. It must do that -- or acknowledge that mankind's greatest benefactors are not people doling out charity, but rather people who produce and trade for their own selfish gain. Question 2: Festivus (15:12) Would you recommend your fellow Objectivists to celebrate Festivus? If so, how should we celebrate it? Links: Festivus from Seinfeld, The Wedding of Greg and Tammy Perkins Money Point: It's just as wrong to be contrarian as to be conformist. Instead, use rituals and holidays to reflect your values. Question 3: Wikileaks (24:04) What should the US government do about Wikileaks founder Julian Assange? In particular, can and should the US government go after him, given that he is not an American citizen and he apparently committed his bad acts outside of US territory? Money Point: Wikileaks is a major problem, but it's wrong for the US to claim power to prosecute anyone anywhere. Question 4: Eating Pets (31:46) Would you kill your pets for food? Why and why not? Links: Temple Grandin Money Point: Our deep feelings for our pets are wonderful, but those feelings shouldn't get in the way of being sensible, selfish pet owners. Question 5: Topics for First Dates (38:28) What are some good topics to discuss on a first or second date? Also, what topics should be avoided? Links: Diana Hsieh's podcast on Finding Good Romantic Prospects Money Point: Focus on the positive, and ask questions that reveal your own and your date's personality and values. Question 6: OA: Black and White Thinking (42:24) From Objectivist Answers: Isn't it wrong to be a "black and white" thinker? To a lot of people that is not a good trait. Life isn't black and white. Black and white thinking limits you. It closes doors instead of opening them and it also closes minds. In the case of gray, you can give and take. Why is black and white thinking a necessary part of Objectivism? Shouldn't common contradicting viewpoints be welcome in a healthy discussion? Links: Diana's initial thoughts on the proposed Penley Dam Money Point: We should seek the clarity of a black and white world, but that doesn't mean that we should pretend to know more than we do, ignore complicating factors, or treat people like morons. Conclusion (57:14) Diana Hsieh: DianaHsieh.com: diana@dianahsieh.com Greg Perkins: Objectivist Answers: greg@eCosmos.com Don't forget to submit and vote on questions. And if you can, please contribute to our tip jar. The video for the webcast is only available for those attending live. After the webcast is completed, you can listen, download, or subscribe to the audio podcast. Podcast: Listen Now 58:48 minutes
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