Episode #204 ... The importance of philosophy, justice and the common good. (Michael Sandel)

Summary

In this episode of 'Philosophize This', Steven West explores the possibility of reforming capitalism from within through philosophical means. Discussing Michael Sandel's book 'Justice', West delves into three primary philosophies of justice: utilitarianism, libertarianism, and virtue ethics. Sandel argues for a society that cultivates civic involvement and a common good, rather than relying solely on market norms or individual freedoms. West challenges the listener to consider the importance of philosophical discourse in shaping a more just society.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The show 'Philosophize This' with Steven West explores the possibility of improving society within the framework of capitalism, suggesting a philosophical shift rather than an economic or political overhaul.
• 🛠️ The speaker criticizes the approach of reforming tax codes or regulations as too conservative and suggests a rethinking of the entire orientation of capitalist society instead.
• 🧐 The importance of philosophy is highlighted as a tool for fundamental societal change, with the argument that it can help reshape people's thinking and social relations.
• 🎯 The script addresses a common criticism of moral philosophy, arguing that while hypothetical scenarios may not mirror real life, they are valuable for developing moral clarity and critical thinking skills.
• 👷‍♂️ The concept of 'conceptual engineering' is introduced, likening the work of a philosopher to an engineer, analyzing the structure of ideas and concepts to identify weaknesses and strengths.
• 🤝 The benefits of engaging in philosophical discussions are underscored, including improved argumentation, question formulation, and the ability to spot weaknesses in others' arguments.
• 📚 Michael Sandel's book 'Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?' is recommended for its accessible exploration of justice, morality, and the common good.
• 💡 Sandel introduces three primary philosophies of justice: utilitarianism, libertarianism, and virtue ethics, each with its strengths and weaknesses in addressing moral and societal issues.
• 🔑 The script emphasizes the importance of civic involvement and a shared understanding of the common good as essential for a just society, contrasting with market-driven values.
• 🌐 The potential dangers of market norms replacing social norms are discussed, with the speaker arguing that this shift can erode the foundations of a democratic society.
• 🌟 The episode concludes by questioning the current state of civic discourse and the need for a more engaged and educated citizenry to address complex societal issues effectively.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Philosophize This' episode featuring Steven West?

The main theme of the episode is exploring the possibility of improving society within the framework of capitalism, focusing on rethinking the orientation of capitalist societies and the importance of philosophical thinking in driving change.

What does Steven West suggest as an alternative to discussing economic policy reforms?

Steven West suggests that instead of focusing solely on economic policy reforms, there is a need to rethink the entire orientation of capitalist societies, emphasizing the importance of philosophical thinking and a change in the way people perceive their roles in society.

What is the criticism of moral dilemma discussions like the trolley problem?

The criticism is that engaging in hypothetical moral dilemmas may not necessarily translate to real-life moral decision-making, as real-life situations are often more complex and messy, lacking the simplicity of idealized moral dilemmas.

How does Steven West respond to the criticism of moral dilemma discussions being a waste of time?

Steven West argues that these discussions can serve as a starting point for understanding different philosophical approaches to morality, such as consequentialism, deontology, and egoism, and can help in developing critical thinking skills.

What does Simon Blackburn refer to as 'conceptual engineering'?

Simon Blackburn uses the term 'conceptual engineering' to describe the process of critically examining and understanding the structure and components of ideas and concepts, similar to how an engineer would analyze a bridge.

What is the purpose of practicing philosophy according to the episode?

The purpose of practicing philosophy is to improve one's ability to think critically, formulate questions, spot weaknesses in arguments, and engage in better conversations, which can lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues.

What is the book 'Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?' by Michael Sandel about?

The book is an accessible exploration of the concept of justice, presenting various philosophical perspectives on what constitutes a just society, and it encourages readers to think deeply about moral and ethical issues.

What are the three primary ways of thinking about justice that Michael Sandel discusses in his book?

The three primary ways are utilitarianism (maximizing happiness for the greatest number), libertarianism (maximizing individual freedom), and virtue ethics (cultivating a society that embodies the virtues that contribute to the common good).

How does Michael Sandel address the limitations of utilitarianism?

Sandel points out that utilitarianism can run into problems when it comes to considering individual rights, as it may justify actions that violate personal rights in the name of the greater good, such as the hypothetical scenario of killing one person to save five others.

What is the main issue with libertarianism according to Michael Sandel?

The main issue with libertarianism is its supposed neutrality, which Sandel argues is an illusion, as it fails to consider the background conditions necessary for true freedom and can lead to the erosion of social norms by market norms.

What does Michael Sandel argue is missing in modern Western societies in terms of justice?

Sandel argues that modern Western societies are missing a genuine civic involvement and an understanding of the common good, which are essential for a just society and are being undermined by the dominance of market norms over social norms.