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Agnes Callard on Meaning, the Human Quest, and the Aims of Education
Episode 867

Agnes Callard on Meaning, the Human Quest, and the Aims of Education

Suppose all of humanity was infected by a virus that left us all infertile--no one will come along after us. How would you react to such a world? Agnes Callard of the University of Chicago says she would be filled with despair. But why does this seem worse than our own inevitable deaths? Callard speaks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the meaning of life, and what exactly about the end of humanity is so demoralizing. The conversation concludes with a discussion of whether humanity is making progress.

EconTalk · EconTalk: Russ Roberts

November 14, 20221h 21m

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Show Notes

Suppose all of humanity was infected by a virus that left us all infertile--no one will come along after us. How would you react to such a world? Agnes Callard of the University of Chicago says she would be filled with despair. But why does this seem worse than our own inevitable deaths? Callard speaks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the meaning of life, and what exactly about the end of humanity is so demoralizing. The conversation concludes with a discussion of whether humanity is making progress.

Topics

agnes callardeconomicshumanityeconlibmeaningfulnessfamilyphilosophylongtermism