The Big Questions of Philosophy Season 1 Episode 30 Why Bother Being Good?

In The Big Questions of Philosophy season 1 episode 30 titled "Why Bother Being Good?" the panelists delve into the age-old philosophical question about what motivates people to be moral. The episode begins with the host posing the titular question to the panelists - why should we be good when it often seems easier to act in self-interest? The panelists, comprised of scholars from different philosophical traditions, attempt to justify moral action.

The first panelist examines the idea of moral absolutism and argues that some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. Another panelist offers a different perspective, emphasizing that being good is about cultivating virtuous character traits like compassion and courage. A third panelist explores the concept of moral luck - the idea that ethical dilemmas are often beyond our control and that good and bad outcomes are frequently a result of chance.

As the discussion progresses, the panelists frequently challenge each other's ideas and engage in thoughtful debate. They examine thought experiments and hypothetical scenarios to illustrate their points, inviting the audience to think deeply about the nature of morality. Additionally, the panelists explore how different philosophical traditions view the question of moral motivation. Eastern philosophical traditions like Confucianism and Daoism tend to see morality as rooted in social harmony and relationships, while Western philosophers often prioritize autonomy and individual choice.

Throughout the episode, the host poses questions to the panelists that encourage them to unpack their ideas further. For instance, when the third panelist introduces the idea of moral luck, the host asks him to expand on how much control we have over our actions and how this relates to moral responsibility. As the conversation deepens, the panelists explore how different ethical systems approach the question of why we should be moral.

The episode leaves ample room for viewers to reflect on their own moral beliefs and consider why they feel motivated to act in certain ways. The discussion highlights how nuanced and layered the question of moral motivation is, and how different philosophical traditions offer different perspectives on the issue. Rather than providing a definitive answer, the episode invites viewers to think critically and engage with their own moral compass. Overall, "Why Bother Being Good?" is an engaging and thought-provoking examination of one of philosophy's biggest questions.