Release date: July 15, 2012





Why do philosophers sometimes argue for conclusions that are disturbing, even shocking? Some recent examples include the claim that it's morally acceptable to kill babies; that there's nothing wrong with bestiality; and that having children is unethical. In this episode of Rationally Speaking, Massimo and Julia discuss what we can learn from these "Philosophical shock tactics," the public reaction to them, and what role emotion should play in philosophy.

Julia's pick: "What Intelligence Tests Miss: The Psychology of Rational Thought"

Massimo's pick: "Graphing the history of philosophy"

References:

http://blog.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/2012/06/philosophical-shock-tactics-2/

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