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Michael Huemer - Anarchy, Capitalism, and Progress
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Michael Huemer is a professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado. He is the author of more than sixty academic articles in epistemology, ethics, metaethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy, as well as eight amazing books. Episode website: https://www.dwarkeshpatel.com/p/ michael-huemer Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3TwQB2Q Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3e5QB9U Read Michael's awesome blog: http://fakenous.net/ Follow me on Twitter to be notified of future content: https://twitter.com/dwarkesh_sp Buy Knowledge, Reality, and Value: https://amzn.to/3KybHK2 Buy The Problem of Political Authority: https://amzn.to/3PXEqcB Timestamps: 0:00:00 Intro 0:01:07 The Problem of Political Authority 0:03:25 Common sense ethics 0:09:39 Stockholm syndrome and the charisma of power 0:18:14 Moral progress 0:26:55 Growth of libertarian ideas 0:33:37 Does anarchy increase violence? 0:44:37 Transitioning to anarchy 0:47:20 Is Huemer attacking our society?! 0:51:40 Huemer's writing process 0:53:18 Is it okay to work for the government 0:56:39 Burkean argument against anarchy 1:02:07 The case for tyranny 1:11:58 Underrated/overrated 1:25:55 Huemer production functionl 1:30:41 Favorite books 1:33:04 Advice for young people
Segments Timeline
Introducing Michael Huemer
In this segment, the host introduces Professor Michael Huemer, highlighting his credentials as a leading philosopher and author. Huemer's latest book, 'Knowledge, Reality, and Value,' is recommended for its clarity and accessibility, covering essential philosophical arguments. The conversation sets the stage for a deep dive into Huemer's views on political authority.
"hello folks and welcome to the lunar society podcast today it is my great privilege to talk with professor michael humer he is in my opinion the best philosopher alive he's a professor of philosophy a..."
Introducing Michael Huemer
In this segment, the host introduces Professor Michael Huemer, highlighting his credentials as a leading philosopher and author. Huemer's latest book, 'Knowledge, Reality, and Value,' is recommended for its clarity and accessibility, covering essential philosophical arguments. The conversation sets the stage for a deep dive into Huemer's views on political authority.
"hello folks and welcome to the lunar society podcast today it is my great privilege to talk with professor michael humer he is in my opinion the best philosopher alive he's a professor of philosophy a..."
The Problem of Political Authority
Michael Huemer discusses the central theme of his book, 'The Problem of Political Authority.' He questions the moral basis for government authority, contrasting it with common ethical intuitions. Huemer illustrates how government commands, such as taxation, are often accepted as legitimate, while similar actions by individuals would be deemed extortion.
"okay professor humor uh what is the problem political authority what did you write this book yeah so uh you know here's a copy of the book uh and uh you can order it on amazon that's the important thi..."
The Problem of Political Authority
Michael Huemer discusses the central theme of his book, 'The Problem of Political Authority.' He explores the philosophical question of the government's authority to command and enforce obedience, contrasting it with common moral intuitions. Huemer illustrates the moral obligations people feel towards government commands versus ordinary ethical standards.
"okay professor humor uh what is the problem political authority what did you write this book yeah so uh you know here's a copy of the book uh and uh you can order it on amazon that's the important thi..."
Common Sense Ethics vs. Political Authority
In this segment, Huemer delves into the contradictions between common sense ethics and political philosophy. He argues that while people intuitively recognize the need for moral explanations regarding government authority, many fail to apply the same ethical standards to the state as they do to individuals. This raises questions about the legitimacy of political authority.
"so you're pointing out a contradiction between common sense morality and common sense political philosophy why should we resolve that contradiction in favor of uh common sense intuitions rather than y..."
Common Sense Morality vs. Political Philosophy
Huemer explores the contradiction between common sense morality and political philosophy. He argues that while people intuitively recognize the need for an explanation of government authority, they often fail to question its legitimacy. This segment emphasizes the need for a coherent moral framework that applies equally to individuals and the state.
"of the idea that the government has a special moral status right that most people think they have a kind of status that puts them above other ordinary people and so the question is why like you know w..."
Bias Towards the Status Quo
In this segment, Huemer explains the psychological bias towards the status quo that influences people's perceptions of government authority. He discusses how individuals often view their own customs as superior and how this bias can lead to mistaken moral judgments about the state. This insight sheds light on why many accept government authority without question.
"thing is you know the um the ethical intuitions that i'm appealing to so things like um you shouldn't go up to people and just like steal their money or you know like threaten people with violence to ..."
Stockholm Syndrome and Power
Huemer introduces the concept of Stockholm Syndrome as a metaphor for the emotional bond people form with authority figures. He discusses how individuals may develop loyalty to their abusers, drawing parallels to how citizens often feel towards their government. This segment examines the psychological mechanisms that lead to misplaced loyalty and fear of authority.
"way of looking at them so let me ask you about the uh biases you were talking about one of the ones you point out in the book is stockholm syndrome where a victim of abuse will feel loyalty towards he..."
Moral Progress and Authority
In this segment, Huemer reflects on the idea of moral progress in society and how it relates to political authority. He questions whether the evolution of ethical standards can coexist with the traditional views of government power. The discussion highlights the tension between societal advancements in morality and the persistence of established political structures.
"so so then why do you think moral progress is likely if the average person cares about power or you know is more is more convinced to buy a power itself than convincing arguments or by people who care..."
Libertarian Skepticism of Authority
Huemer delves into the libertarian perspective on government authority, emphasizing skepticism as a unifying trait among libertarians. He argues that libertarians apply the same moral standards to the state as they do to ordinary individuals, leading to a critical view of state actions that would otherwise be condemned if performed by private citizens.
"um right so like i've got an explanation of why people would have mistaken um moral judgments about the state yeah so i want to talk about your second point there which is that there's more controvers..."
Moral Accountability of Political Leaders
In this segment, Huemer discusses the moral accountability of political leaders, referencing a quote from the Chinese philosopher Mencius. He argues that the same moral standards applied to individuals should also apply to rulers, highlighting the hypocrisy in how society views state-sanctioned violence compared to individual actions.
"authority and skepticism thereof okay but okay this is what's common to libertarians they think that you should apply the same moral standards to the state that you apply to ordinary people and they d..."
The Growth of Libertarian Ideas
Huemer discusses the rise of libertarian thought and its implications for political authority. He examines how libertarian principles challenge conventional views on government power and authority. This segment explores the philosophical underpinnings of libertarianism and its growing influence in contemporary political discourse.
"uh so i'm gonna try to critique that view actually um like it you could say that the change in attitudes over the last few centuries has been towards greater respect for the individual a stronger pres..."
Does Anarchy Increase Violence?
In this thought-provoking segment, Huemer addresses the common concern that anarchy may lead to increased violence. He presents arguments for and against this notion, encouraging listeners to reconsider their assumptions about the relationship between government and societal order. The discussion invites a deeper exploration of the nature of authority and its impact on human behavior.
"actual view then uh i i'm gonna try to play devil's advocate now uh so there's uh hobbs had this idea that in order people go engage in violence to steal each other's stuff or to launch preemptive str..."
Stockholm Syndrome and Loyalty to Authority
Huemer introduces the concept of Stockholm Syndrome as a metaphor for the emotional bond individuals may form with those in power. He discusses how this psychological phenomenon can lead to misplaced loyalty towards government authorities, suggesting that fear and survival instincts may drive people to support those who exert control over them.
"interesting point like if if we held the political leaders to account the same way hold the individuals to account um it'd be an interesting way of looking at them so let me ask you about the uh biase..."
Transitioning to Anarchy
Huemer shares insights on the practical aspects of transitioning to an anarchist society. He discusses potential challenges and pathways for achieving a society without centralized authority. This segment provides a glimpse into the feasibility of anarchy and the philosophical implications of such a shift.
"but so but you know it matters how this whole thing comes about right so if if the anarchy comes about by you know one day the government just disappears right and the cops disappear then it would be ..."
Charisma of Power
In this segment, Huemer reflects on the charisma often associated with powerful figures, including dictators. He argues that people are drawn to strength and confidence, which can overshadow moral considerations. This discussion raises questions about the societal admiration for authority figures, regardless of their ethical implications.
"right once they got them off okay so anyway um and then i think one of them like um you know tried to aid in the legal defense like started up a legal defense fund for okay and this is a phenomena tha..."
The Charisma of Authority
Michael Huemer discusses the concept of charisma in authority figures, referencing the historical context of Stalin's support among academics. He explores the idea that people may be drawn to authority not out of fear, but due to the perceived strength and confidence of such figures, even when they are morally questionable.
"sure i understand your view right so um because i'm not quite sure i understand what the systemic racism is right so like um i'm gonna say like they're accusing the government of being racist but i'm ..."
Is Huemer Attacking Our Society?
In this segment, the host questions whether Huemer's critiques of political authority can be seen as an attack on contemporary society. Huemer clarifies his stance, emphasizing that his goal is to provoke thought and discussion rather than to undermine societal structures. This conversation highlights the importance of critical examination in philosophical discourse.
"you you wrote a blog post uh a few months back where you were criticizing social justice warriors and the 1619 project in particular and here's what you wrote uh you said you at the top of the post is..."
Confidence vs. Truth in Leadership
In this segment, Huemer examines the relationship between confidence and truth in political leaders. He reflects on how leaders like Trump may be perceived as charismatic due to their confidence, regardless of the truthfulness of their statements, and how this can mislead the public into believing their claims.
"um yeah maybe so i mean i'm not sure if the academics knew about stalin's um murders right um they might have not known because they didn't want to know right but so i think there's a phenomenon that ..."
Huemer's Writing Process
Huemer opens up about his writing process, sharing insights into how he approaches philosophical topics and articulates his ideas. This segment offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intellectual rigor and creativity involved in crafting his works, providing inspiration for aspiring writers and thinkers.
"but by the way how long does it take you to write a blog post because they're all so good and you write so many of them is are you just writing it like one state of flow how much editing does it take ..."
Is It Okay to Work for the Government?
In this segment, Huemer tackles the ethical implications of working for the government. He discusses the moral considerations individuals should weigh when choosing to engage with state institutions. This conversation prompts listeners to reflect on their own roles within the political system.
"wouldn't ask is it unethical of you to believe that coercion coercion is evil but your your job is subsidized by the fruits of that coercion is that unethical of you to have that kind of job um i don'..."
Moral Progress Through Reformers
Huemer argues for the existence of moral progress throughout history, citing examples of past societal norms that have changed for the better. He emphasizes the role of a small number of reformers who challenge the status quo and drive society towards moral truths, leading to gradual but significant improvements over generations.
"right like that's a normal person would be worried what if i'm doing the wrong thing but then that worry would make them look unconfident and then people would not support them right yeah see this doe..."
The Impact of Factory Farming
In this segment, Huemer addresses the moral implications of factory farming, comparing the suffering of animals to historical human suffering. He discusses the rise of vegetarianism and veganism as a response to these ethical concerns and highlights the potential for technological advancements to improve animal welfare.
"right right uh so let me i've read dialogues and ethical uh vegetarianism which you also wrote and i want to question you on whether on that there has been moral progress at one point in the book you ..."
Burkean Argument Against Anarchy
Huemer presents a Burkean critique of anarchy, exploring traditional arguments against a stateless society. He engages with historical perspectives on governance and authority, challenging listeners to consider the complexities of political organization. This segment deepens the discussion on the viability of anarchist principles.
"capitalism for you uh and see how you respond so the first is a sort of burkina argument like we shouldn't try things that haven't worked before yeah yeah i mean um yeah you know you can imagine someb..."
The Case for Tyranny
In a provocative turn, Huemer discusses the philosophical case for tyranny, examining arguments that justify authoritarian rule. He challenges conventional wisdom about freedom and governance, prompting listeners to reconsider their assumptions about power dynamics in society.
"which is uh sort of the nick bostrom uh vulnerable worlds hypothesis if you've heard of that basically the idea is with every new technology you discover there's some small chance that it it allows us..."
The Future of Moral Progress
Huemer speculates on the future trajectory of moral progress, acknowledging that while progress may slow down as society approaches moral truths, he does not foresee a decline in morality. He discusses the potential for continued improvement driven by a small number of morally conscious individuals.
"and stuff like that yeah okay so uh assuming that there's more progress is happening um you say in the book that you expect uh you expect the rate of progress to increase over time because of exponent..."
Libertarian Sentiment and Regulation
In this segment, Huemer reflects on the evolution of libertarian views in the United States, noting the increase in regulation and the growing sentiment for individual rights. He discusses the historical context of government authority and the potential for a resurgence of libertarian ideals in response to current regulatory trends.
"um it's not something about the accumulation of knowledge that it tends to go you know it tends to just accumulate and not get destroyed yeah um yeah what so will we stop will the progress stop before..."
Underrated and Overrated
Huemer engages in a candid discussion about concepts and ideas he finds underrated or overrated in philosophical and political discourse. This segment encourages critical thinking and invites listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and biases.
"programming language language that i guess nobody uses anymore um but you know it was not enough for me to do anything useful with it right but many years later i discovered that there's a language ca..."
The Expansion of Federal Regulations
Michael Huemer discusses the dramatic growth of federal regulations since the 1930s, highlighting the increase from 22,000 pages to over 150,000 pages. He reflects on the implications of this expansion and the pushback against regulation, suggesting that society may still be in a primitive state of understanding social and political matters.
"the um the code of federal regulations so this lists all of the federal regulations it was started in i guess 1938 or something like this or 1930s it was 22 000 pages which sounds long enough uh but i..."
Huemer's Production Function
In this segment, Huemer shares insights into his production function as a philosopher and writer. He discusses how he balances research, writing, and teaching, providing a glimpse into the life of an academic. This conversation offers valuable lessons for those pursuing careers in philosophy and academia.
"opinion and among the philosophers i know of that are living um you seem to have addressed the big questions uh more prolifically creatively and accessibly uh what's the humor production function how ..."
Favorite Books
Huemer reveals some of his favorite books, discussing how they have influenced his thinking and philosophical outlook. This segment serves as a recommendation for listeners seeking to expand their intellectual horizons.
"three favorite books oh uh um let's see it'll be three of my books so that you did not write yourself oh okay books they're not my i don't know um like i would probably have to spend a lot longer to a..."
Shifts in Political Authority and Welfare
Huemer explores the evolution of public attitudes towards state authority and welfare. He notes how earlier beliefs in state authority coexisted with indifference towards the poor, which later shifted to a desire to use state power to assist the disadvantaged, indicating a form of moral progress despite flawed policies.
"and you know these there are these different libertarian organizations now there was no students for liberty when i was in college right like that expanded also um there was um i recall there being ba..."
Advice for Young People
In the final segment, Huemer offers advice for young people navigating their philosophical journeys. He shares insights on critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of questioning established norms. This closing conversation inspires the next generation of thinkers.
"would you have for a philosophically inclined 20 year old who doesn't want to go into philosophy as an academic discipline but is still interested in philosophy um i don't know like you know my first ..."
The Rise of Extremism in Political Ideologies
In this segment, Huemer examines the rise of libertarian and socialist sentiments in contemporary society. He discusses how the internet has amplified extreme views and questions whether this shift represents a genuine movement towards libertarianism or merely a polarization of political extremes.
"yeah so i wonder if instead of the attitudes of getting uh closer to um libertarian what's happening is just that the tales uh have increased so i mean there wasn't students for liberty maybe uh a few..."
The Role of Information in Shaping Ideas
Huemer posits that the internet allows for a broader dissemination of ideas, potentially favoring the libertarian perspective if good ideas prevail. He acknowledges the biases that may distort this process but maintains an optimistic view that truth tends to emerge in open discussions.
"and and improve right so um they just sort of like this um you know this optimistic philosophical view that the truth wins in the end this isn't guaranteed to happen but generally speaking like good i..."
Hobbesian Violence and Government's Role
Huemer critiques Hobbes' view that a strong government is necessary to prevent violence. He argues that while governments may suppress small-scale violence, they can also perpetuate large-scale violence, and he questions the validity of Hobbes' assumptions about human nature.
"government uh to stop this kind of violence now you explain some uh game theoretical reasons why a strong government may in fact increase violence in those cases uh but uh in uh in uh pinker's the bet..."
Evolutionary Roots of Human Violence
In this segment, Huemer discusses the evolutionary psychology behind human violence, explaining how primitive tribal behaviors may have been driven by reproductive success. He highlights the irrationality of violence in terms of self-interest and the emotional drivers behind such actions.
"like if you're asking well why is it that people are prone to violence to begin with uh i think like the so i think pinker in that book takes up the explanation like the hobbesian explanation which is..."
Anarchy vs. State: The Security Dilemma
Huemer addresses concerns about the potential for violence in a stateless society. He argues that private security agencies could emerge to fill the void left by the state, suggesting that anarchy might function effectively if it transitions from an advanced society rather than a primitive one.
"there's a particular passage that explains this it's basically what happened in primitive tribes was the men from one tribe would attack another tribe in order to murder the men and kidnap the women r..."
The Feasibility of Anarcho-Capitalism
In this segment, Huemer outlines his vision for transitioning from democracy to anarcho-capitalism. He emphasizes the importance of a gradual shift where government functions are privatized, rather than an abrupt collapse of state authority, to avoid chaos and ensure stability.
"and it's a good deal as long as it's slightly more probable that you succeed right okay so like that's the evolutionary explanation of why this would happen this is super bad right it's very bad that ..."
Private Security and Wealth Disparities
Huemer discusses the implications of wealth disparities in a private security model. He argues that while rich individuals may afford better security, the system could still function without leading to widespread violence, as the incentives to steal diminish when resources can be purchased.
"if you start at a much earlier stage of society right plausibly it won't work um yeah yeah i i guess it doesn't the uh case for private security doesn't that assume somewhat of a purity and resources ..."
The Nature of State Power and Tribute
In this segment, Huemer compares the coercive nature of states to that of private security agencies. He questions why private entities would resort to extortion when they could engage in trade, suggesting that the dynamics of power and coercion are complex and require careful consideration.
"like this is why rich people usually don't do this because they could just buy the thing that they want that's why they don't have to steal it right and it's probably it's cheaper so like i mean rich ..."
Establishing Order in Anarchy
Huemer concludes by discussing the challenges of establishing order in an anarchic society. He argues that a gradual transition, where government functions are outsourced to private entities, is essential to prevent chaos and ensure a stable society, rather than an abrupt dissolution of state power.
"right so like they will pay more more dollars right for security yeah okay so um one possible answer to your question like what are they gonna steal if they can just buy the assets i mean you could as..."
Transitioning to Anarchy: A Gradual Approach
Huemer outlines his vision for a gradual transition to an anarcho-capitalist society, emphasizing the need for the government to progressively privatize its functions. He argues that outsourcing policing and judicial functions to private entities could lead to a stable anarcho-capitalist system, avoiding the chaos that would result from an abrupt government collapse. This segment highlights the importance of a careful and measured approach to societal change.
"but so but you know it matters how this whole thing comes about right so if if the anarchy comes about by you know one day the government just disappears right and the cops disappear then it would be ..."
How Soon Can Anarchy Happen?
In this segment, Huemer reflects on the timeline for transitioning to anarcho-capitalism if there were widespread agreement on the need for change. He discusses the potential for cities to begin privatizing police functions immediately, illustrating how public sentiment and political will could accelerate the shift towards a more privatized society. This segment addresses the practicalities of implementing anarcho-capitalist principles in contemporary governance.
"situation where now it's hard for an individual to overturn it yeah how soon can this happen uh like if everybody agreed you know humor's right i bought this book uh yeah as soon as everyone buys my b..."
Critique of Police Abolition
Huemer responds to the idea of abolishing the police, clarifying that while he supports privatization, he does not advocate for a complete lack of security. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety through private security companies rather than leaving a void. This segment critiques the notion of simply eliminating police without a viable alternative, reinforcing the need for a structured transition to private security.
"you know a a city right now could say yeah we're going to stop this police thing right now like like the city of denver tomorrow could say we're going to like start hiring private security guards to p..."
Criticism of Society and Norms
Huemer addresses the criticisms he has made about societal norms, particularly in relation to social justice movements. He discusses the balance between critiquing societal flaws and maintaining respect for the foundational norms that promote peace and prosperity. This segment explores the tension between constructive criticism and the potential erosion of societal trust.
"you you wrote a blog post uh a few months back where you were criticizing social justice warriors and the 1619 project in particular and here's what you wrote uh you said you at the top of the post is..."
The Importance of Respectful Discourse
In this segment, Huemer reflects on the value of respectful discourse in American political culture, contrasting it with the more hostile environments observed in other countries. He expresses concern over the erosion of this norm and its implications for societal cohesion. This discussion highlights the significance of maintaining civility in political discussions as a foundation for democracy.
"yeah i might be doing that good thing nobody listens to me no um i mean i was thinking about um yeah i was sort of thinking about um what they call the democratic norms which is you know partly partly..."
Constructive Criticism vs. Destructive Attacks
Huemer emphasizes the need for constructive criticism of society rather than merely attacking its foundations. He advocates for proposing alternatives to current systems instead of solely focusing on their flaws. This segment underscores the importance of offering solutions alongside critiques to foster meaningful change.
"some somewhat of a digression that's not exactly answering your question but anyway um you know one of the things that made me think about this was um so many years ago i read that some um some like l..."
The Balance of Critique and Appreciation
In this segment, Huemer discusses the balance between critiquing government and recognizing its relative benefits compared to other systems. He argues for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the good aspects of society while advocating for necessary reforms. This discussion highlights the importance of maintaining perspective in critiques of governance.
"[Music] then in that blog post like you know i wanna i wanna leave room for criticizing society i wanna leave rome for saying like there's some stuff that's very messed up that we need to change right..."
The Writing Process of a Philosopher
Huemer shares insights into his writing process, revealing how he crafts his blog posts. He discusses the balance between writing in a state of flow and the importance of revising and editing his work. This segment provides a glimpse into the creative process of a philosopher and writer, emphasizing the dedication to producing quality content.
"but by the way how long does it take you to write a blog post because they're all so good and you write so many of them is are you just writing it like one state of flow how much editing does it take ..."
The Appeal of Blog Writing
In this segment, Huemer and his host discuss the digestibility of blog posts compared to traditional books. They highlight how the format of blogs allows for easier consumption and engagement, making complex ideas more accessible to a wider audience. This conversation underscores the evolving landscape of written content in the digital age.
"so there's like whatever is over a hundred posts yeah and that um it's amazing how uh digestible uh not just your blogs are but uh just generally blog posts are just they're bingeable in a way that bo..."
Ethics of Accepting Government Funding
Huemer tackles the ethical implications of accepting a government-funded position while critiquing coercion. He discusses the perspective of taking state funds to undermine the state and the minimal impact of government funding on his university's budget. This segment explores the complexities of navigating ethical dilemmas in academia.
"it's better than a normal book yeah yeah much better than academic books did you read his non-libertarian faq by the way i don't think so no yeah it's it's an interesting counter argument that's worth..."
The Impact of Government on Education
In this segment, Huemer elaborates on the effects of government subsidies on higher education. He discusses how financial aid influences tuition prices and the overall landscape of universities. This conversation highlights the market distortions created by government involvement in education and its implications for the future of academic institutions.
"they're not giving it back to the taxpayers they're just gonna you know they're gonna waste on something else and anyway and you know i think his attitude was that you're sort of like uh helping helpi..."
Navigating a Libertarian Society
Huemer speculates on the potential changes in academia within a libertarian society. He discusses the likelihood of fewer universities and the challenges that professors might face in such a system. This segment explores the future of education in a world with reduced government influence.
"aid which is provided by the government right so government helps these people get all these loans which they probably wouldn't take okay um so you know like definitely we the university are charging ..."
Burkean Arguments Against Anarcho-Capitalism
In this segment, Huemer addresses Burkean arguments against anarcho-capitalism, emphasizing the importance of learning from historical precedents. He argues against the notion that past failures should deter radical changes, advocating for a careful approach to societal evolution. This discussion highlights the tension between conservatism and progressive thought.
"distortions of the economy there's a lot of things that you can't do right because i like what matters isn't whether nominally it's said to be a state institution or whatever right what matters is som..."
The Case for Gradual Change
Huemer discusses the potential for significant societal progress through gradual change rather than abrupt shifts. He emphasizes the importance of careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences. This segment advocates for a measured approach to reform, balancing innovation with caution.
"that well and um you know notice how all the countries in the world are dictatorships this just shows that that's the natural state right society evolves to dictatorship which is a you know a lot like..."
The Role of a Minimal State
In this segment, Huemer explores the concept of a sub-minimal state as a transitional phase towards anarcho-capitalism. He discusses the potential for privatizing government functions while maintaining some level of state presence. This conversation highlights the complexities of transitioning to a new societal model.
"consequences right okay but so what you should do to mitigate this is to move kind of gradually right so um you know there's a lecture by brian kaplan that you can find online somewhere where um there..."
The Risks of State and Technology
In this segment, Huemer explores the potential dangers of state power in relation to technological advancements. He presents the 'vulnerable worlds hypothesis,' suggesting that new technologies could enable catastrophic destruction. Huemer argues that strong government regulation is necessary to prevent misuse of such technologies, while also questioning whether the government itself might be the source of these threats.
"you might need that actually yeah well what about the argument from the black swan that at every stage like this about a one percent chance of destroying everything we might care about and you make a ..."
The Case for Strong Government
Huemer presents arguments for maintaining a strong government in the face of emerging technologies that could pose existential threats. He discusses the historical context of government involvement in the development of destructive technologies and raises concerns about the potential for private individuals to create dangerous weapons without regulation. This segment highlights the tension between the need for regulation and the risks posed by government itself.
"which is uh sort of the nick bostrom uh vulnerable worlds hypothesis if you've heard of that basically the idea is with every new technology you discover there's some small chance that it it allows us..."
Distributed Monitoring vs. Central Authority
This segment delves into the idea of distributed monitoring as an alternative to centralized government oversight. Huemer suggests that a system where individuals monitor each other could be more effective in preventing the misuse of dangerous technologies. He discusses the implications of this approach and its potential to create a safer society without relying solely on a central authority.
"yeah i mean you know that that might be right right like i mean like i think this is the strongest argument for keeping the state um but you know i think there is a like there's an argument on the oth..."
Animal Welfare and Government Regulation
Huemer argues that the government has a role in promoting animal welfare, yet often supports industries that contribute to animal suffering. He discusses the challenges of enacting meaningful regulations and the societal attitudes that influence government action. This segment emphasizes the need for progress in animal welfare and the complexities of achieving it through government intervention.
"yeah so um you might think yeah but if we didn't have a government then maybe there would be more i don't know would there be more people who are trying to build weapons of mass destruction um i would..."
The Role of Public Intellectuals
In this segment, Huemer reflects on the value of public intellectuals and their impact on society. He discusses the perception of public intellectuals by academic circles and the importance of their ability to communicate complex ideas to a broader audience. Huemer argues that public intellectuals play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and should be recognized for their contributions.
"obviously true um but when we have the government what they actually do is they're actually supporting the meat industry yeah and so you know they're actually making it worse so and you might think oh..."
The Value of Learning to Code
Michael Huemer reflects on his limited experience with coding, mentioning a course in Pascal and later discovering Game Maker Language. He discusses the importance of learning skills that can be genuinely useful, emphasizing that not everyone will excel in programming, but some basic knowledge can still be beneficial.
"reasonably good at it should learn it right and some people would just be terrible at it so there's no point right like they could learn to do some basic stuff but it would never be useful so yeah you..."
Public Intellectuals: Overrated or Underrated?
Huemer shares his thoughts on public intellectuals, arguing that they are often underrated by academic circles. He explains that public intellectuals prioritize engaging communication over rigorous academic detail, which is necessary for reaching a broader audience. This segment highlights the tension between academic rigor and public engagement.
"right but many years later i discovered that there's a language called game maker language some guy wrote and it's really good for writing games so i tried writing a game using that fun um the class o..."
The Challenge of Non-Academic Thinkers
In this segment, Huemer discusses the quality of non-academic intellectuals and the challenges they face in producing valuable content. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous training and knowledge of existing literature, suggesting that many non-academic thinkers may lack the depth needed to contribute meaningfully to philosophical discussions.
"okay so um [Music] yeah i guess uh yeah i guess underrated right how about uh intellectuals outside academia or maybe not even intellectuals but thinkers outside academia who have a blog but aren't as..."
The Importance of Graduate School
Huemer argues that graduate school provides essential training that fosters the ability to produce quality philosophical work. He discusses how the structure and discipline of academia help individuals develop their ideas and avoid simplistic arguments, highlighting the benefits of formal education in philosophy.
"have somebody else who's telling them you have to do this and that's what happens when you're in graduate school right yeah yeah it's a milgram experiment but for academic discipline yeah and so so yo..."
The Role of Peer Review in Academia
Huemer critiques the peer review process, suggesting it is often overrated as a quality control mechanism. He points out the lack of incentives for reviewers and the potential biases that can arise, arguing that the system may not always ensure the rigor and quality expected in academic publishing.
"without the benefit of grad school um i don't know um and i mean you know there's a possibility that um it's it's actually a selection effect rather than right with a training effect right yeah like t..."
Online Education vs. Traditional Prestige
In this segment, Huemer discusses the effectiveness of online education compared to traditional learning. He argues that while online courses can provide knowledge, they often lack the prestige associated with in-person education, which many individuals seek. This highlights the disparity between learning for knowledge and learning for status.
"like you know like my undergraduate papers just weren't good right they were good for undergraduate papers okay but they weren't good for you know academic papers right um a peer review oh peer review..."
The Future of Education and Knowledge Access
Huemer emphasizes that much of the knowledge people seek is available for free online, challenging the notion that formal education is the only path to learning. He encourages individuals to take advantage of available resources and suggests that the traditional education system may not be as necessary as it once was.
"papers that are criticizing me and i think that i'm a fine reviewer like i'm perfectly objective anyway but i don't trust everyone to be objective right so um yeah and like in you know just my experie..."
Concerns About Population Decline
Huemer expresses his worries about declining fertility rates in wealthy countries and the potential extinction of the human species. He connects this concern to moral progress, suggesting that as society improves, the population may dwindle, leaving fewer people to enjoy the benefits of that progress.
"the internet or even better yet uh if you think that there's something ineffable about like being there in person you can't still go in person nobody's gonna stop you in fact like um yeah professors w..."
Children's Rights and Coercion
In this segment, Huemer discusses the rights of children in relation to coercion, comparing their treatment to that of slaves. He argues that while children need guidance, they also deserve respect and rights, raising questions about the balance between protection and autonomy.
"progress uh what do you think the idea that children have comparable or even equivalent rights against coercion as adults um i mean i think they have comparable rights against malicious coercion i can..."
The Impact of Intellectuals vs. Entrepreneurs
Huemer explores the influence of intellectuals like Peter Singer on entrepreneurs in the field of animal welfare and synthetic meat. He argues that philosophical ideas can inspire practical innovations, illustrating the interconnectedness of thought and action in shaping societal progress.
"yeah i mean um yeah so like the way that children are treated is somewhat like slaves right like no rights parents just tell them what to do all the time right yeah and you know is it better than slav..."
Intellectuals vs. Entrepreneurs
In this segment, Huemer contrasts the influence of intellectuals like Peter Singer with that of entrepreneurs in shaping societal change. He argues that while philosophers can inspire ethical movements, the tangible impact often comes from those who act on those ideas, particularly in the realm of animal welfare and sustainable food alternatives.
"do this if like you're just like well i mean i'm on a mission right i'm on a mission to um promote rationality in society yeah and like you know like i'm i'm in philosophy not just as a job but to get..."
Inspiring Change Through Philosophy
Huemer reflects on his goals as a philosopher, suggesting that he aims to inspire future leaders and entrepreneurs to adopt true beliefs about important philosophical matters. He discusses the challenges of convincing established elites versus engaging with younger individuals who are still forming their beliefs.
"right like it's super hard to convince people to change their life in a way that's not in their personal self-interest you know for ethical reasons you can get like a few percent you can change a few ..."
Favorite Books and Influences
In this segment, Huemer shares his favorite books, including 'The Fountainhead' and 'Time and Chance.' He discusses how these works have influenced his philosophical thinking and the importance of engaging with diverse ideas in shaping one's intellectual journey.
"top down so to speak that is if you convince the elites then the western society will go along our elite uh i know ryan kaplan thinks that you got to get the elites while they're young uh because that..."
Advice for the Next Generation
Huemer offers practical advice for young people interested in philosophy but not pursuing it as an academic career. He emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships, pursuing fulfilling work, and making wise financial decisions, while also encouraging a rational approach to improving society.
"recently okay so i like the book time and chance by david albert because it's just like fascinating right just fascinating stuff about um you know what physics teaches us about the nature of the unive..."