Episode 152: Ruthlessness, Public and Private

Very Bad Wizards

Tamler and David continue their Nagel-gazing by discussing another essay from Mortal Questions: "Ruthlessness in Public Life." Why do we treat the immorality of politicians, military leaders, and others in power differently than the immorality of individuals? Why does it seem less aversive to shake the hand of someone responsible for the death of thousands of civilians through military action than it does to shake the hand of a serial killer who has merely killed dozens? Are the rules we use to judge the moral atrocities of public officials different from the ones we use to judge private atrocities? Do they have the same basic foundations? Plus, we satisfy our listeners bloodlust by arguing about the new "Journal of Controversial Ideas" (because it would be cowardly not to).

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Links:

• Here Comes ‘The Journal of Controversial Ideas.’ Cue the Outcry. - The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Nagel, T. (2012). Mortal questions. Cambridge University Press. [Amazon affiliate link]