In part II of this discussion with philosopher Naomi Zack, Naomi and I finish working through some of my students' questions about her arguments against identity politics. Here are all the things we cover:Min 2: Question: “Don’t universal poli

The Problem With Identity Politics (part I interview with Naomi Zack)

May 3rd, 2023 36m 30s

Philosopher Naomi Zack is critical of identity politics––it does not belong in the government, or so she argues. My students raised a bunch of questions and criticisms of her view. This episode is part I of a discussion with Naomi Zack where we

Is Morality Real? (w/ Russ Shafer-Landau)

Apr 25th, 2023 42m 43s

Are there moral facts? Is morality simply a useful fiction? Philosopher Russ Shafer-Landau joins me in this episode to talk through some of the questions students have about morality...specifically, moral realism and moral nihilism. My students

A Simple Tool for Philosophical Reasoning: The Method of Counterexamples

Feb 18th, 2023 18m 39s

Suppose someone says, "whatever makes you happy is morally ok to do." How would you go about evaluating that claim? In this episode, I introduce a simple method for evaluating philosophical and ethical claims: the method of counterexamples.

Cancelling Cancel Culture? The Ethics of Cancellation

Dec 13th, 2022 31m 28s

Cancel culture. Now that's a hot button issue! What are the virtues of cancel culture? Vices? Should we participate in it? My ethics class recently explored some of these questions. In specific, we looked at Mary Beth Willard's arguments from h

Should Identity Politics Be a Part of Politics?

Dec 9th, 2022 21m 34s

Philosopher Naomi Zack has an argument for thinking that Identity politics should be left out of politics. In this episode, I explore her back-lash argument and introduce her proposed solution for addressing racial inequality. The short story:

Inequality isn’t the Problem...or so say Sufficientarians

Oct 28th, 2022 16m 6s

Philosopher Harry Frankfurt thinks that inequality is not what matters. Deprivation matters. If everyone is able to live a sufficiently good and secure life, it does not matter that some some have more than others. This is a view called "suffic

When is Inequality Bad?

Oct 28th, 2022 22m 20s

In this episode I talk about three kinds of equality: formal equality, equality of opportunity, and outcome equality. Then, I distinguish between three answers to the question, "when, if ever, is inequality morally objectionable?" Some argue th

Poverty, Affluence, and Singer’s Pond Argument

Sep 29th, 2022 26m 26s

Peter Singer raises one of the most challenging objections to living an affluent, luxurious lifestyle in a world filled with poverty. In this episode, I review his famous pond argument and consider a few typical objections. To consider how you

How Would Reparations Go?

Apr 1st, 2022 14m 5s

When it comes to reparations for African Americans, how would that go? What policies and actions would be taken? In this review, I remind you of Darity and Mullen's recommendations. I forget to talk about apology and acknowledgment, so throw th

What is Reparations? (341, sp 2022)

Apr 1st, 2022 22m 17s

What is reparations? In this episode, I discuss 4 things that are crucial to reparations and then talk about some of your contributions.

J. L. A. Garcia on Racism (341, sp 2022)

Mar 27th, 2022 23m 25s

In this episode, I review philosopher J. L. A. Garcia's view of racism. He defends an agentialist conception of racism and defends an "infection model" of systemic racism. It's really fascinating stuff.

Ibram X. Kendi on Racism (Phil 341, Spring 2022)

Mar 16th, 2022 39m 6s

This review looks over Ibram X. Kendi's view of the concept of racism found in his book, How to Be an Antiracist. Also, as discussed in class, I review three different views about the definition of racism: strict agentialism, strict structurali

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