Positive Change in Islam: Philosophy in Action Podcast

On Sunday's episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, I answered a question on positive change in Islam. The question was:

Can Islam change for the better? Many critics of Islam claim that the religion is inherently totalitarian, violent, and repressive – and hence, that change for the better is utterly impossible. An Islamic reformation or enlightenment will never happen, they say. Is that true? More generally, what are the limits of a religion's ties to its own scriptures?

My Answer, In Brief: As in every other religion, Muslims are not bound to the barbaric elements of Islamic texts. Islam can change – and hopefully will, for the better.

Download or Listen to My Full Answer:

• Duration: 26:54
• Download: MP3 Segment

Tags: Christianity, Foreign Policy, Islam, Judaism, Philosophy, Religion

Links:

• Can Islam Be Reformed? by Daniel Pipes
• Wikipedia: Islamic Golden Age
• Nothing Less than Victory: Decisive Wars and the Lessons of History by John Lewis

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

A podcast of the full episode – where I answered questions on positive change in Islam, self-esteem and appearance, and more – is available here: Episode of 24 November 2013.

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About Philosophy in Action Radio

Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.

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Eric Daniels on Why Small Government Isn't the Answer: Philosophy in Action Podcast

On Wednesday's Philosophy in Action Radio, I interviewed historian Eric Daniels about "Why Small Government Isn't the Answer." It's not directly related to the cause of secular government, but it's useful to anyone interested in political activism for individual rights. The podcast of that episode is now available for streaming or downloading. You'll find it on the episode's archive page, as well as below.

You can automatically download podcasts of Philosophy in Action Radio by subscribing to Philosophy in Action's Podcast RSS Feed:

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Podcast: Eric Daniels about "Why Small Government Isn't the Answer"

Is "big government" the fundamental problem of American politics? Historian Eric Daniels will explain why this common formulation is misleading, wrong, and even dangerous to liberty.

Dr. Eric Daniels teaches history and works on curriculum development at the LePort Schools in Irvine, California. He has previously taught at Clemson, Georgetown, and Duke Universities. He has a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Wisconsin.

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 1:15:05
• Download: Standard MP3 File (25.8 MB)

Topics:

• The problem with "big government" versus "small government"
• The proper debate: individual rights
• The two axes of size versus rights
• Big government like judicial activism
• Three categories of government action
• Violating rights versus failing to protect rights
• The Founders' view: not size but the proper ends of government
• The failure of the Articles of Confederation
• 19th century rights violations
• The rights of women
• Violations of rights by local governments, particularly based on race
• The real-life effects of failing to protect rights
• Judges riding the circuit, too small criminal justice system
• Measuring the size of government
• Measuring the growth of government
• The problem of the inessential
• Skewing the political debate toward anarchism
• The appeal to Somalia
• The terms "limited government" and "minarchism"
• Advice for activists
• Eric's new job at LePort Schools

Links:

• The Objective Standard: Why "Big Government" is Not the Problem by Eric Daniels
• Vices of the Political System of the United States by James Madison
• lePort Schools

Tags:

• Activism, America, Anarchism, Crime, Culture, Epistemology, Government, History, Law, Libertarianism, Politics, Racism, Rights, Self-Defense, Sexism

About Philosophy in Action Radio

Philosophy in Action Radio applies rational principles to the challenges of real life in live internet radio shows on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap. For podcasts of past shows, visit the Show Archives.

Read more...

Dr. Eric Daniels on Progress in American History

In Wednesday evening's episode of Philosophy in Action Talk Radio, I interviewed Dr. Eric Daniels on "Progress in American History."

If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to the audio podcast. You'll find that posted below, as well as on this episode's archive page: 5 September 2012: Dr. Eric Daniels on Progress in American History.

Talk Radio: Episode: 5 September 2012

Many people on the political right regard America as steadily decaying since the founding era. Yet in fact, America has improved in many ways – not just in technology, but also in its culture, economy, and laws.

Dr. Eric Daniels is a research assistant professor at Clemson University’s Institute for the Study of Capitalism. He has a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Wisconsin.

Listen or Download:

• Duration: 1:12:25


• Download: Standard MP3 File (16.6 MB)

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Eric Daniels on Progress in American History: Wednesday on Philosophy in Action Radio

In tonight's episode of Philosophy in Action Talk Radio, I'll interview Eric Daniels on "Progress in American History." I thought that might be of interest!

• What: Philosophy in Action Talk Radio: Eric Daniels on Progress in American History


• Who: Dr. Diana Hsieh, with Eric Daniels, plus live callers


• When: Wednesday, 5 September 2012, 6 pm PT / 7 pm MT / 8 pm CT / 9 pm ET


• Where: Philosophy in Action's Live Studio

Many people on the political right regard America as steadily decaying since the founding era. Yet in fact, America has improved in many ways – not just in technology, but also in its culture, economy, and laws. History professor Dr. Eric Daniels will explain why we should not wish to turn back the clock.

Dr. Eric Daniels is a research assistant professor at Clemson University’s Institute for the Study of Capitalism. He has a Ph.D. in American History from the University of Wisconsin.

To join the live broadcast and its chat, just point your browser to Philosophy in Action's Live Studio a few minutes before the show is scheduled to start. By listening live, you can call the show with your questions and experiences, as well as post comments and questions in the text chat.

If you miss the live broadcast, you'll find the audio from the episode posted here: 5 September 2012: Eric Daniels on Progress in American History.

Philosophy in Action Radio broadcasts every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. For information on upcoming shows and more, visit the Episodes on Tap.

I hope that you join us tonight!

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