This is the first in our Thought Lab series, in which political theorist Paul Sagar comes by to chat about thought experiments and the themes they raise.
This week, we ask: are harmless acts ever morally wrong?
Official liberal morality says “no” but most actual liberals will “yes,” if you find the right example. What about sex with dead chickens? Or your siblings? Or a child sex doll? If nobody is around to see you or hear you, is it still wrong to wear blackface?
But this episode isn’t just a game of “would you rather?” Paul and I also discuss Jon Haidt’s moral psychology and why a strictly harm-based moral theory can’t do justice to most people’s moral intuitions.
I want to know: Do you agree with Paul? Think he’s repugnant? Too uptight? We promise to anonymously share compliments or abuse with him.
Links
Paul Sagar Website
Paul Sagar essay on moral luck, Aeon
Jonathan Haidt The Righteous Mind
Child sex doll case CBC
“My Little Chicken,” Adam Sandler

Support the show