In this 29 August 2012 episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, philosopher Dr. Diana Brickell discussed "Anything Under the Sun" with listeners. Topics discussed include:
* What is the difference between "skeptics" like James Randi who provide a valuable service in debunking supernatural claims and the "skeptics" condemned throughout Ayn Rand's and other Objectivists' writings?
* What is your advice on coping with existential anxiety?
* Should doping for greater athletic performance be considered morally or legally wrong? Should the US Anti-Doping Agency exist?
* Why are the Republicans considered fiscally responsible? Just a little research on the internet and you can see Reagan and Bush 43 both ran up huge deficits.
* What tips do you have for someone planning to study horrible philosophy, like Marx and Foucault. Will contemporary critics be of use?
* Talk of politics and rights is prevalent in my household, and we are burdened by the news and active violations of our rights. I feel like I have to choose between either being in the gladiator pit, plagued with anxiety and disgust with society and government or take a much less active role in order to maintain my personal goals, happiness, and sanity. Is it immoral to choose my battles? Because if I battled each one I see every single day, I wouldn't have time to do much more. Where then would be my happiness?
* Do you find that at the end of "Anthem," Liberty 5-3000 surrendered her sense of independence/personal identity?
* Is the limited liability enjoyed by corporations justified?
* Do you think it was wrong for Chris Brown to be awarded a Grammy, given his admitted abuse of Rihanna?
* Should the U.S. government forbid private businesses from trading with Iran?
* When should it be ok for a teenage (or pre-teen) girl to get her ears pierced?
* Is it wrong to give your pet to a shelter if you're moving to a new apartment that doesn't permit pets?
For more from Dr. Diana Brickell on the application rational principles to the challenges of real life, visit Philosophy in Action: http://www.PhilosophyInAction.com