Philosophy | Ethics Short Story Discussions
Society & Culture:Philosophy
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STORY SUMMARY: Is acceptable to consume art that reflects the “depraved, the cruel, the violent, and the heartless” aspects humanity? In this work of philosophical short story fiction, Felix doesn’t go for “moral relativism.” He believes there is good and evil, that art should not reflect the evil of the world, or enrich artists who are found wanting. Accordingly, Felix has gone about the lifelong process of removing all copies of the depraved art he can find, and afford to buy, in circulation. A police officer comes to his door because his sister in Arizona hasn’t heard from him in months and has asked for a wellness check. Felix explains his abundant video and book collection to the officer who is at first confused, but later begins to understand Felix’s reasoning.
DISCUSSION: Brings up load of great questions about how we judge art in all its forms when associated with an artist. Would you hang a painting that was done by Hitler? Isn’t there enough great music, literature, and art that doesn’t get recognized that it’s worth focusing on the obscure artists who need our support? That said, it’s tough to know if it’s the person or the situation, that makes them do these things. Would a normal person, given the money and power that comes with fame turn into a beast? And, of course, the economics of the whole idea of buying up art to remove it from circulation doesn’t work, but we are willing to suspend this point to get to the better point of the story, should we judge art the artist? Does it matter if they are alive or dead? Does it matter if they ever had the chance to even know their belief system was wrong?
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E71. "Season Five Recap" - After Dinner Conversation editor Kolby answers listener questions.
E70. "The Growing And Weeding Of Dandelions" - Can the stakes ever be so high that genocide of a species is a reasonable option?
E69. "For Your Safety" - How do you know if the government-imposed limits on personal freedom “for your protection” have gone too far?
E68. "Cruel Means, Bitter Ends" - Should war be "won" at any cost?
E67. "Exodus" - What makes a “religious” holiday?
E66. "Rose-tinted Glasses" - Can you stop yourself from "growing up?"
E65. "The Wrong Side Of History" - How far would you go to protect your legacy?
E64. "The Machine" - Would you help create general AI?
E63. "Bugs In The Valley" - How do you decide who gets scarce medical treatments?
E61. "Conscience Cleaners" - Does a criminal need to remember his crime?
E60. "Home For The Holidays" - Do you ever give up on family?
E59. "Claim" - Should sexual assault allegations be an insurable risk?
E58. "Season Four Recap" - After Dinner Conversation editor Kolby answers listener questions.
E57. "The Devil You Know" - Do you ALWAYS have an obligation to confront evil?
E56. "Blackorwhite" - At what point are you old enough to be punished for life?
E55. "The Perfect Daughter" - Should you betray your morals to give your child every legal advantage in life?
E54. "The Freedom Machine" - What's wrong with getting a little AI advice?
E53. "Step Back" - Is our "natural" biology always the best choice?
E52. "Guilt-Edge Security" - How would you live your life, if you lived forever?
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