Freedomain with Stefan Molyneux

"Should a moralist ignore consequence and argue for UPB purely on the basis of epistemology and pure philosophical merit, while ignoring the elephant in the room, which is the question we all subconsciously ask. “How does this benefit my survival?”

"UPB isn’t validated or invalidated by its consequences, but at the same time, discussions of UPB inevitably involve consequences. How do we reconcile this? Especially since free will is in the picture and we don’t want predictions about the future to invalidate choice.

"For example, when asked about your thoughts on the success of UPB close to 20 years after publication, you mentioned reductions in violence against children with the expectation that this trend would continue if UPB continues to be spread. Would the theory and observation that UPB leads to reductions in violence against children be a deterministic portrayal of human beings? If we avoid discussing consequences to avoid this issue, then if someone wants to discuss UPB on the merit of usefulness towards themselves and society as a whole, do we stick to purely philosophical merit? Or do we say there are no guarantees, but it will make a desirable outcome more likely.

"If we use terms such as 'more likely' in order to maintain philosophical integrity, how do we out compete those who are certain/dogmatic, benefiting from the momentum of societal norms in order to ‘validate’ their false theories.

"Regarding the first question about the relationship between moral frameworks, their consequences and free will. I was thinking that if your definition is used where free will is defined as our ability to compare proposed actions to ideal standards then UPB provides ideal standards, increasing our capacity for free will. With this increased capacity, it becomes more likely for moral outcomes to occur..."

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

"I listen to you daily and have been for months now. Previously I had been an on-again, off-again frequent listener since I believe 2013 or so (started with YouTube then navigated to your website.) Your wisdom and insight is invaluable, and I have called in before now twice. I am now a subscriber and have donated before. Thank you so much.

"The reason I wish to call in this time is because my relationship with the mother of my 3 children has finally come to an end, I hope for good. That is the plan, anyway. The short version just for this synopsis is that we have been slowly drifting apart for the last few months, and finally earlier this week she broke it off with me over text. This came after we were on 'non-speaking terms' following an incident where I called her a bitch for the way she was talking to me. We can speak more about that incident, but essentially, there was a catalyst, and she called it quits after that.

"I am not against the breakup - in fact, I am happy that one of us finally decided to make it happen. I have been feeling more and more contempt towards her over the years, and I am sure I felt it in her towards me as well. As you have mentioned many a time before, contempt towards one another is the final nail in the coffin in a relationship (forgive me if I am misconstruing that.) But, the major caveat in all of this is that we have 3 children together. So for my part, I had planned to stay together for their sake at least until they were older teenagers (they are currently 8, 6 and 5), but, and this is where the reason for my call really comes in, from my perspective she is incredibly unreasonable, illogical, and narcissistic or close to it. Therefore, instead of staying together for the kids, she believes she is a 'better mom and person' when she is single, and wants to separate, including living and parenting in separate households. I will present my arguments as to why she is not reasonable during our call, should you think it necessary. I am not one of those callers who will be painting the other person as the villain - that is not the case. I have my bad sides as well, and my flaws, and I am not always reasonable either.

"Stef, I am worried how co-parenting with her will proceed. We are still living together until the New Year. I should have no issue with my income getting a medium-sized place to live in where the kids can stay with me half of the time. There school routines should not change. I have a mother who is able to assist with child care as well as an aunt, and as a last resort we could afford a babysitter. In the logistics sense, therefore, there are no 'issues.' The real problem I need guidance with is how to navigate this co-parenting scenario for the next 10 or so years while the kids do not have their own free will to choose who to live with, because my fear is that if I don't appease her craziness to a certain degree, she will turn the kids against me or try something insane like moving outside of town or wasting money on Family Court to get me less access. There are also other concerns which I will talk to you about, of a different legal nature, causing me to be weary.

"What is the sweet spot for dealing with people like this - should I stick to my convictions on everything and face what may come from her irrational mind, for the sake of raising my kids the exact way I want, or is it not 'defeat' to make concessions where appropriate to avoid 'rocking the boat' too much?

"My previous calls were #3995 from Feb of 2018 and #5113 from February 5, 2023, if you want to refresh your memory of my situation overall. For your listeners, I hope they review all of these calls if they find themselves about to enter a serious relationship at a young age or with any woman, in general, who they have doubts about / have noticed red flags in ESPECIALLY if the prospect of having children with said woman is on the table. This is how your life could turn out if you do not heed the warnings, and heed the teachings of Stefan and philosophy! I hope this is the last call I ever need to make about this topic, and I hope it helps others. Lastly, I plan to come clean on a few things that I was not honest about in the call from a year and a half ago, because I am ready to embrace full honesty and truth. The burden of falsehood is too great, but not for myself, for my children."

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Why are we here?

I missed the highest possible calling in my life. It felt like a destiny. My subconscious tried to tell me using terror, feelings of impending doom, inspiration, synchronicity & old memories & I failed to listen. Help?

What are your thoughts on the classical cynic school? Pros cons on that type of asceticism?

Can you justify Jesus as a gate keeper of jungian collective unconsciousness?

What's the proper balance of personal ambition (that is virtuous), and family life (including waged and home work for the family)?


How would ancapistan build mUh rOaDz? 🧐
#checkmate


How can therapy help you change that damn profile pic bro.


At times it seems philosophical thought is a form of neuroticism. Neuroticism is built into nature. It’s that part of a living organism that realizes if it doesn’t engage in a consciousness that connects itself to survival followed by precise behavior to assure that survival, it will perish. Thought that goes beyond that is mostly superfluous. But with exception it leads to discovery and invention, some of which can become a means of exchange. This further assuring one’s survival. Whether this thought leads to great truth, or if it’s ever in our scope to comprehend truth, vs. “truths”, is yet to be seen. We always seem aware we can deduce more, and believe despite the jarring solitude of our life filled planet in a barren universe, everything is in our environment and minds to solve all our problems beyond the marvel of us existing in the first place. I’m sure AI will give us the tools to see ourselves and beyond ourselves. It seems our belief there is more is always proving “itself”. The next few decades will be profound in that regard.


Is it completely unreasonable if I keep falling or getting involved with women already in relationships? on my mind it makes some sense that the most interesting and attractive women are "taken"... apparently bored and unfaithful, but taken in the end. Maybe after a certain age ppl just cling to loveless relationships. Maybe when I turn 40 they will all be divorced and I will be like 'Pass, it turns out I liked you better when you were just a fling'




What is the philosophy of the song ‘The Logical Song’ by SuperTramp? (Lyrics follow):

‘When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, oh, it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily
Oh, joyfully, oh, playfully watching me
But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh, responsible, practical
Then they showed me a world where I could be so dependable
Oh, clinical, oh, intellectual, cynical
There are times when all the world's asleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned?
I know it sounds absurd
Please tell me who I am
I said, now, watch what you say, they'll be calling you a radical
A liberal, oh, fanatical, criminal
Oh, won't you sign up your name? We'd like to feel you're acceptable
Respectable, oh, presentable, a vegetable
Oh, take, take, take it, yeah
But at night, when all the world's asleep
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man
Won't you please (oh, won't you tell me)
Please tell me what we've learned?
(Can you hear me?) I know it sounds absurd
(Oh, won't you tell me) please tell me who I am
Who I am, who I am, who I am



What is your best advise on how to talk to small children about "defoo:ed" grand parents and aunts?

My kids (2 an 4) have had a relationship with my parents and my sister before I finally quit contact with them this year, after they tried to actively ruin my marriage. The kids have happy and fun memories of my family members, and occasionally say that they miss them and want to visit them - although it becomes less and less frequent as time goes. Once, during the first month of quit contact, I over-heard my 4 year-old playing with two stuffed animals, pretending that they were grandma and grandpa... and that they were dead. She was very neutral, and matter-of-fact in the tone of her voice. No hint of sadness or distress.

I have explained to my kids that my family have done bad things in a manner that I think is understandable for their age, without trying to take away the fun memories they have. I usually will say something like "I understand that you miss Grandma. But she was not very nice to me when I was a child like you, and she made me feel really bad by not listening to me when I was sad", or "I know Auntie was really fun to play with, but Auntie is jealous, and have tried to destroy my relationship with dad". And sometimes I will just acknowledge their feelings, and not say anything more. "I understand that you miss Grandma and Grandpa, how does it feel to miss them?"

How do I best balance this? I don't want to put too much focus on it, or transfer my feelings onto my kids... but I also thinks it's really important that they fully understand why we don't see my family anymore. And of course why I was not able to fully quit contact with them as soon as I turned 18, or at least before my kids were born, is a life-lesson that caused me a lot of pain, but that I hope can be of value to them as they grow older. But I don't want to diminish their feelings, which might be that they genuinely miss my family. I understand this is a dilemma caused by my bad choices, and I take full accountability- which is why I am writing this.

Any advice and thoughts on this would be most helpful 🙂 Thank you so much!



How do somewhat, inalterably-poor (I have a Mental Disability), conservative-leaning white men, find datable white women, especially if they live in a city?

Been in this pickle for over a decade.

should i just accept being alone and give up hope if I can't change from being poor - crypto may change my future, but I don't like spending money on stuff other than essentials, except when it comes to food)

there is a long waitlist for Community activities for people with similar disabilities and most of the women that attend are significantly older,
so that option while I'm looking into it, isn't exactly realistic.


Hello. How can philosophy help me? I have many questions for your thoughts, however one is always on my mind and tears at me constantly. How are so many people able to torture animals? I grew up in the 70s watching Public Television during a time when censorship was more lax and feelings or empathy and snowflakes were not a consideration. There I witnessed as a child torture to lab animals - the attendants were having fun so brutally torturing baboons to death. I am sickened constantly, every day, by how those lab students (they sounded like college students) laughed and laughed and had so much fun, I cannot tell you what they did and I've never told anyone and I never will. I also have seen horrible torture of animals in The Daily Mail UK of dogs, a greyhound in particular, that was lifted and put into a gigantic boiling pot. It tried to get out but couldn't and was boiled alive. This and much more graphic torture to dogs shown in The Daily Mail UK Yulon festival in China. Most of my life I have been involved with spreading the word through letters and informing some people in conversations if there was a moment that it actually would fit in (doesn't come up much). I've been involved on twitter about all this. I'm now also on instagram trying to spread this information. I've seen horrible pictures of bears being tortured to death, after they had their teeth pulled out, tied up as pit bulls bit and tore at it as entertainment at an Asian wedding - it's seen as fun and what a grand wedding it was. This is all normal stuff, by the way, this is not unusual as I've seen and researched and wrote letters to whomever I could that might help and helped charities when I could, etc etc. All this (animal torture) and so much more I've seen (horrible chicken farms during elementary class trips even) throughout my long life, most recently torture of wild caught dolphins from disgusting Finland hunters while children watched and participated on the beach. I hate humanity. Talking to me in person, you would never know that fact - of course not. I tried counseling, 4 times over many years, and each therapist left me with more trauma then when I entered their doors. They were so uncomfortable when I said I hated people. People, as generally, not everyone! I like good people and I hate bad people = duh! They were not interested in my deep feelings, they were only interested in helping my self-esteem, as if that was truly what was always wrong with me! I never told any of them that I wanted help with my self-esteem. Maybe they saw me as a lost cause and figured it was a self-esteem issue. I know it sounds like a lot. Your philosophical thoughts please, not about me, but the human/torture/animal stuff.


As a former white-collar business owner, could you offer some insights into why so many white-collar business owners nowadays expect swiss army knife employees for salaries commensurate with only one of their skills? For example, I might see a job posting for a senior-level marketing copywriter, but required qualifications will also include social media management, several graphic design and video editing programs, coding knowledge, project management software, etc. Often, these roles will advertise below the average salary for someone who is solely a copywriter, despite their desired candidates filling the shoes of multiple employees. As a senior-level professional in my field, I've tried my best to keep up with these qualification expectations rather than complaining because I know they'll make me more competitive, but I've had to turn down several offers by people who lowballed my already lowball salary expectations while expecting me alone to BE the team. Speaking only from the employee side, I cannot see the rationale for why an employer would expect someone to accept these terms.


You have mentioned that you, as a child, thought that most other people was more moral and more reasonable. Then you started to realize they weren't.

How did you deal with your disappointment when you left childhood behind and realized that the world wasn't the nice place you expected it to be?


How do you raise daughters to not be promiscuous or Instagram-obsessed?

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this episode, I discuss Universally Preferable Behavior (UPB) with a caller looking to deepen their understanding of ethics. We define UPB as a systematic method for evaluating moral rules and explore its application through real-life scenarios, such as the ethics of assault. As we examine complex issues like fraud and societal responsibilities, we highlight how UPB addresses objections and reinforces the universality of truth. The conversation concludes with a focus on UPB's potential to reduce societal violence and its implications for parenting, encouraging listeners to reflect on the relevance of these ideas in their own ethical lives.

References

Universally Preferable Behaviour: A Rational Proof of Secular Ethics (2007)
https://freedomain.com/freedomain_books/universally-preferable-behaviour-a-rational-proof-of-secular-ethics/

Essential Philosophy (2018)
https://freedomain.com/freedomain_books/essential-philosophy/

New UPB Category! (2022)
https://premium.freedomain.com/65a2f807bac7190c0804513a/new-upb-category-

History of Philosophers Series
https://premium.freedomain.com/search/history+of%20philosophers

https://freedomain.com/freedomain_books/universally-preferable-behaviour-a-rational-proof-of-secular-ethics/

http://www.essentialphilosophy.com

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Sunday Morning Live 30 March 2025

In this episode, I engage with our community, addressing personal dilemmas ranging from guilt stemming from impulsive reactions to the interplay between anxiety and suppressed anger. We explore the implications of recent financial market trends, particularly in gold and cryptocurrencies, and how these shifts reflect broader economic sentiments. The discussion delves into the complexities of navigating toxic dynamics in personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of honesty for the well-being of children involved. I advocate for authenticity amidst societal pressures and reflect on the dual desires for connection and integrity. Additionally, I share insights into my upcoming literary work, introducing a character grappling with addiction and existential struggles. The episode concludes with a contemplation on the influence of societal structures on individual identity and the lessons learned from personal experiences.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this episode, I tackle the complex topic of human value, discussing its subjective nature and how it fluctuates based on relationships and context. I challenge the idea of universal worth, prompting listeners to reflect on historical figures and their actions. The conversation also addresses navigating family dynamics post-trauma and the intricacies of obligation versus desire in marriage, emphasizing the need for communication to avoid manipulation. Overall, the episode encourages deeper reflection on valuing oneself and others within relationships.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this episode, we examine a caller's challenging journey through a tumultuous marriage marked by his wife's declining mental health and the complications of expanding their family. He reflects on red flags and chaotic incidents stemming from her struggles with emotional stability and substance use, leading to police involvement. The discussion highlights themes of accountability, self-awareness, and the importance of navigating relationships with clarity to protect their children from repeating past mistakes.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Wednesday Night Live 26 March 2025

In this episode, we discuss the evolving dynamics of modern relationships, focusing on changing perceptions of male attractiveness among women and the impact of societal pressures. We explore how prioritizing social validation affects romantic connections and emphasize the importance of emotional bonds in courtship. Additionally, we analyze the influence of economic pressures on family structures and community support, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and values in navigating today’s relationship landscape.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this episode, I tackle listener questions about the rise of single motherhood, examining how state-supported wealth redistribution has shifted children from financial burdens to economic assets. This change empowers women to raise children independently, altering traditional family dynamics and mate selection.

We discuss socio-economic factors shaping family structures and critique the divisive nature of the 'woke' movement, emphasizing its impact on societal discourse. I also highlight the importance of personal accountability and stability in fostering healthy relationships. The conversation underscores the evolving challenges within society, encouraging listeners to reflect on these themes.

GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!
https://peacefulparenting.com/

Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!

Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!

You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!

See you soon!
https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025