The is–ought problem, as articulated by David Hume, arises when one makes claims about what ought to be based solely on statements about what is. ... This is one of the biggest epistemological questions.David Sloan Wilson (recalling a conversation) proposes to insert a third word: "want": "If I am thirsty, I want water from a well so I ought to go there." Wanting something is how one moves from a fact to a value statement. It also means that rationality kicks in after desire.

Solving the is–ought problem

Listen to The Michael Shermer Show # 154 (audio-only): http://bit.ly/MichaelShermerShow154 Atlas Shrugged vs. Atlas Hugged — a conversation with David Sloan Wilson on individualism, objectivism, cooperation, altruism, and collective action problems In episode 154, Michael speaks with renowned evolutionary theorist David Sloan Wilson about his new novel Atlas Hugged: The Autobiography of John Galt III, a devastating critique of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism and its impact on the world. Shermer and Wilson discuss: the role of fiction and film in spreading ideas, good and bad; empirical/pragmatic/mythic truths; individualism vs. collectivism; why liberals/progressives/feminists don‘t like Rand; the nature of human nature; how small groups best operate and how to scale that up to whole societies; capitalism: good and bad; income inequality; Objectivism and Christianity; and more… See more episode notes: https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/david-sloan-wilson-atlas-hugged-individualism-objectivism-cooperation-altruism-collective-action/ This dialogue was recorded on January 6, 2021 as part of The Michael Shermer Show (formerly Science Salon) presented by The Skeptics Society, in California. Listen to The Michael Shermer Show via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn. https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/ Learn more about Skeptic https://www.skeptic.com/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST You play a vital part in our commitment to promote science and reason. If you enjoy the podcast, please show your support by making a donation. Your ongoing patronage will help ensure that sound scientific viewpoints are heard around the world. https://www.skeptic.com/donate/ #sciencesalon #michaelshermershow

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Listen to The Michael Shermer Show # 154 (audio-only):
http://bit.ly/MichaelShermerShow154

Atlas Shrugged vs. Atlas Hugged — a conversation with David Sloan Wilson on individualism, objectivism, cooperation, altruism, and collective action problems

In episode 154, Michael speaks with renowned evolutionary theorist David Sloan Wilson about his new novel Atlas Hugged: The Autobiography of John Galt III, a devastating critique of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism and its impact on the world. Shermer and Wilson discuss: the role of fiction and film in spreading ideas, good and bad; empirical/pragmatic/mythic truths; individualism vs. collectivism; why liberals/progressives/feminists don‘t like Rand; the nature of human nature; how small groups best operate and how to scale that up to whole societies; capitalism: good and bad; income inequality; Objectivism and Christianity; and more…

See more episode notes:
https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/david-sloan-wilson-atlas-hugged-individualism-objectivism-cooperation-altruism-collective-action/

This dialogue was recorded on January 6, 2021 as part of The Michael Shermer Show (formerly Science Salon) presented by The Skeptics Society, in California.

Listen to The Michael Shermer Show via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn.
https://www.skeptic.com/michael-shermer-show/

Learn more about Skeptic
https://www.skeptic.com/


SUPPORT THE PODCAST

You play a vital part in our commitment to promote science and reason. If you enjoy the podcast, please show your support by making a donation. Your ongoing patronage will help ensure that sound scientific viewpoints are heard around the world.

https://www.skeptic.com/donate/

#sciencesalon
#michaelshermershow

This channel is hosted by the Skeptics Society: a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit scientific and educational organization whose mission is to engage leading experts in investigating the paranormal, fringe science, pseudoscience, and extraordinary claims of all kinds, promote critical thinking, and serve as an educational tool for those seeking a sound scientific viewpoint. Our contributors—leading scientists, scholars, investigative journalists, historians, professors and teachers—are top experts in their fields. It is our hope that our efforts go a long way in promoting critical thinking and lifelong inquisitiveness in all individuals.

Michael Shermer with David Sloan Wilson — Atlas Hugged: The Autobiography of John Galt III

Solving the is–ought problem

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