What We Can Learn By Thinking Like a Kid with Scott Hershovitz

What We Can Learn By Thinking Like a Kid with Scott Hershovitz

Have you ever wondered what we can learn by thinking like a kid? Scott Hershovitz, a professor of law and philosophy at the University of Michigan, joins Eric Zimmer on 'The One You Feed' to explore this fascinating idea. Known for his thought-provoking essays and academic work, Scott shares insights from his book, *Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids*.

Scott and Eric dive into the importance of embracing a childlike perspective, which can help us question our assumptions and think more critically about the world around us. They discuss how our identity shapes who we are and why it's crucial to understand ourselves and others better. Scott also tackles the danger of living in epistemic bubbles and echo chambers, urging listeners to remain open-minded and consider evidence from all sides.

One particularly intriguing part of their conversation is the moral comparison between an embryo and a five-year-old. Scott uses this scenario to illustrate how our values and beliefs influence our moral judgments. He points out that while many people value embryos and believe they deserve protection, they don't necessarily see them as morally equivalent to a five-year-old. The episode also touches on the role of anger in defending and respecting oneself.

Scott acknowledges that feeling upset or angry can be a way of standing up for oneself, but he warns against letting anger go too far. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacrifices others make on our behalf and finding a balance between self-respect and respect for others. If you're curious about how philosophy can be applied to everyday life or want to gain a deeper understanding of shared moral outlooks, critical thinking, and identity, this episode is a must-listen.

Scott Hershovitz's insights will leave you pondering how to think more like a kid and navigate the complexities of modern life.