Philosophy in Action Radio: Staying Objective

On Sunday, 10 June 2012, I broadcast a new episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, answering questions on staying objective, deliberately unhealthy choices, consuming celebrity news, refuting Marxist arguments, and more. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers was the episode's co-host.

My discussion of staying objective might be of particular interest, particularly given that so many theists claim that objectivity is impossible without God.

How can a person be certain of his own objectivity? It's often difficult to stick to the facts in reasoning, and it's even harder to make sure that you're focused on all and only the relevant facts. How can a person know that he's being objective – as opposed to relying on unwarranted assumptions, ignoring relevant facts, or rationalizing what he wants to be true?

My Answer, In Brief: Objectivity is not easy, but a person can keep his thinking tethered to reality by carefully monitoring and directing his mental processes.

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 21:52


• Download: MP3 Segment

Tags: Emotions, Epistemology, Ethics, Introspection, Objectivity, Rationality

Relevant Links:

• How We Know What Isn't So by Thomas Gilovitch


• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread.

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