Freakonomics – 545. Enough with the Slippery Slopes!

Intro

In this episode of the Freakonomics podcast, titled “Enough with the Slippery Slopes!”, the hosts explore the concept of the slippery slope argument and its implications in various contexts. They discuss its historical origins, its use in public policy discussions, and its prevalence in legal and moral debates. The episode also delves into the monetization of fear and anxiety in journalism and the impact of slippery slope arguments on decision-making. Through insightful interviews and analysis, the hosts provide a thought-provoking exploration of this widely used but often misunderstood argumentative technique.

Main Takeaways

Slippery Slope in Public Policy

• The slippery slope argument is a forward-looking causal argument that predicts a chain of events leading to an undesirable outcome.
• It is commonly used in public policy discussions.
• The media and politicians often employ the slippery slope argument, but it is not always accurate.

Smoking Bans and Slippery Slope

• Smoking bans have been implemented in hundreds of cities, 28 states in the US, and 67 countries globally.
• Restrictions on smoking in restaurants and bars have been shown to lead to more business, not less.
• Slippery slope arguments against smoking bans have been proven to be unsubstantiated.

Slippery Slope in Legal Arguments

• Slippery slope arguments have become a staple of legal argument, particularly in cases related to LGBTQ rights.
• Law is based on building blocks of analogies and inferences, which means that law is a series of slippery slopes from the founding till today.
• Evaluating slippery slope arguments requires considering them alongside various other considerations.

Monetization of Fear in Journalism

• Journalism is increasingly monetizing fear and anxiety, feeding people slippery slopes that end in their fears.
• The language used in journalism, particularly in weather reporting, has become more pronounced and engages people’s feelings.
• The commodification of anxiety and fear in journalism is a new trend that is concerning.

First Steps and Slippery Slope

• First steps can have a significant impact on future actions and attitudes.
• Activists must consider the potential consequences of a first step on their coalition and social attitudes.
• Valuable first steps are often necessary despite the risk of slippage.

Slippery Slope in Moral Debates

• Slippery slope arguments are becoming more prevalent in moral debates.
• They are often used in debates about genetic manipulation and other major moral issues.

Education and Constructive Discourse

• Education around argumentation is an attempt to create dispositions in individuals to think appropriately and engage in constructive discourse.
• Can we have genuine conversations about public policy without sliding into hyperbole?

ESG Investing and Slippery Slope

• ESG investing is about investors wanting to think that they’re not doing evil.
• ESG investing has gained traction and prestige, but does it work?
• Once people see my research, it becomes less prestigious to do something that can be actively counterproductive.

Summary

The Slippery Slope Argument in Various Contexts

The slippery slope argument is a forward-looking causal argument that predicts a chain of events leading to an undesirable outcome. It has been widely used in public policy discussions, legal arguments, and moral debates. In the context of smoking bans, the predicted negative impacts did not come to fruition, and such bans have been implemented successfully in numerous cities and countries. Slippery slope arguments have become a staple in legal cases related to LGBTQ rights, but evaluating their validity requires considering other factors. Journalism has increasingly monetized fear and anxiety, using slippery slopes to engage readers and viewers. The language used in journalism, particularly in weather reporting, has become more pronounced and emotive. Education around argumentation aims to foster constructive discourse and genuine conversations about public policy.

The Power of First Steps and the Importance of Context

First steps can have a significant impact on future actions and attitudes. While there is a risk of slippage, valuable first steps are often necessary. Slippery slope arguments are prevalent in moral debates, particularly those concerning genetic manipulation and other major moral issues. The rise of ESG investing reflects investors’ desire to align their actions with ethical values, but its effectiveness is still a subject of debate. Context and careful evaluation are crucial when assessing the validity of slippery slope arguments.

Conclusion

The slippery slope argument, although often misunderstood or misused, plays a significant role in shaping public policy, legal decisions, and moral debates. Understanding its potential impacts and evaluating its validity in specific contexts is essential for constructive discourse and decision-making. While there are instances where slippery slope arguments have proven to be unsubstantiated, there are also cases where they have had real consequences. Balancing caution with progress is crucial to navigate the complexities of the slippery slope.