Selflessness/selfishness in relationships. Are we missing a word to describe actions that benefit oneself but that don’t hurt others? Asian selflessness in choosing a subject to major in in college. ( 14 min. )
How to understand the word “selfish,” yoga, and senses of “self” – Episode 17
One philosopher’s perspective on selfishness. The dictionary definition of “selfishness.” How to determine the right definition. Generic terms and subdivisions thereof (via adjectives). Selflessness. Judging selfishness/selflessness in the full context. Yoga, meditation, and selfishness. Senses of “self.” Using etymology (or word parts: “self” + “-ish”) to understand “selfish.” Stipulative/arbitrary meaning. ( 39 min. )
National self-interest and the public good – Episode 16
Does the concept of “self-interest” apply to nations as wholes rather than just individual people? If so, how? The public good. Individualism vs. collectivism (Plato/Hegel). ( 11 min. )
Selfishness and the military – Episode 15
Is joining the military selfless? ( 7 min. )
Selfishness and the law, eye for an eye – Episode 14
Selfishness, being a lawyer, and doing harm. Objective justice and self-interest. Harmonious selfishness. “Eye for an eye,” self-interest, and punishment. Public funding, individual liberty, and selfishness. ( 19 min. )
Staying in America vs. going back to China – Episode 13
Topics covered: The Chinese word for “selfish.” The Chinese attitude toward selfishness and the one-child policy. Staying in the U.S. vs. going back to China: Is one of those options selfish? Which would make you happiest—and would you choose that option? Are we missing a word? Can selfishness be a good thing? How should it be defined? ( 24 min. )
Religion, communism vs. capitalism, and much more – Episode 12
Topics covered: Is pursuing a career selfish? How to evaluate selfishness. Doing something to the detriment of others. Religion and selfishness. Nietzsche on Christianity. Mormonism. Individualism in America vs. Asia. The afterlife and selfishness. Immanuel Kant. Ayn Rand. Communism vs. capitalism and different senses of equality. Self-interest and market forces. Government programs and taxation/force. Democracy, Socrates, and majority rule. Climate change and majority opinion. Self-interest and global warming. Martyrdom and self-interest. ( 1 hr. 26 min. )
Mutual selfishness to mutual benefit, etc. – Episode 11
Topics covered: Is walking a dog for money selfish? If so, is it bad? Mutual selfishness to mutual benefit. Is everyone selfish? My opinion on whether selfishness is good or bad. Is harming others always bad? ( 7 min. )
Balancing selfishness and selflessness – Episode 10
Topics covered: Balancing selfishness and selflessness. The perfect person. ( 11 min. )
“Self-focus” – Episode 9
Topics covered: Is going to school selfish? “Self-focus” as a hybrid of selfishness and selflessness. Labeling individual actions vs. people as a whole as “selfish,” etc. ( 14 min. )