Moral Luck: Dissertation Preview: Philosophy in Action Podcast

In the 2 December 2012 episode of Philosophy in Action Radio, I discussed moral luck, and I thought it might be of interest.

Basically, it's a preview of my soon-to-be published dissertation on the problem of moral luck, in which I defend our ordinary practices of praise and blame of persons via an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility. When the dissertation is available, I'll announce it here, but if you want to be emailed about it, just email me with that request at diana@dianahsieh.com.

The question was:

Is 'moral luck' a self-contradictory term? What does it mean? Does it exist?

My Answer, In Brief: Moral luck is a philosophical puzzle about the extent of a person’s responsibility for his actions, their outcomes, and his character—given the pervasive influence of luck. It’s a puzzle that can be solved—as I did in my soon-to-be-published dissertation—with an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility.

Download or Listen to My Full Answer:

• Duration: 15:01
• Download: MP3 Segment

Tags: Ethics, Justice, Luck, Moral Luck, Philosophy Relevant Links:

• Diana Hsieh's Dissertation
• Moral Luck by Thomas Nagel

To comment on this question or my answer, visit its comment thread. A podcast of the full episode – where I answered questions on moral luck, parental support of adult children, guaranteed pensions for government employees, right to die, and more – is available as a podcast here: Episode of 2 December 2012. Philosophy in Action Radio broadcasts on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. For information on upcoming shows, visit the Episodes on Tap.