The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – Ep. 327: Harry Frankfurt on Bullsh*t and Authenticity (Part Two)

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts continue their discussion on Harry Frankfurt’s essays, focusing on “On Bullshit” and “The Importance of What We Care About.” They delve into the concept of caring, the relationship between ethics and what we care about, and the role of freedom and identity in decision-making.

Main Takeaways

Harry Frankfurt’s Insights on Communication and Authenticity

• Harry Frankfurt’s essay “On Bullshit” warns against the dangers of dishonesty and insincerity in communication.
• In his later essay “On Truth,” Frankfurt emphasizes the importance of knowing true things and being honest with each other, as it is necessary for navigating the world and building intimacy.

The Primacy of What We Care About

• Frankfurt’s essay “The Importance of What We Care About” argues that the question of what to care about is a fundamental preoccupation of human existence, and is more fundamental than ethics.
• The concept of care is more fundamental than ethics, as it is the basis for our personal projects, relationships, group affiliations, and ideals.
• Understanding moral obligation does not inform what we ought to care about or why we care about it.

The Complex Nature of Caring

• What we care about is a prior question, just like being concerned about the truth or behaving ethically.
• Caring is something that guides us to behave in certain ways rather than others, but in a way that involves our identification with the thing that we care about.
• Caring is not the same thing as liking or wanting something, nor is it simply the same thing as desire or making some kind of existential decision about something.

The Relationship Between Care and Freedom

• Caring is intimately connected with time and the persistence of our identity.
• Volitional necessity is associated with freedom, as it is a matter of how our will is structured.
• The seeming inconsistency between necessity and involuntariness can be solved by understanding that what we care about constitutes the structure of our will.

Exploring Personal Identity and Ethics

• The formation of a person’s will is a matter of coming to care about certain things and coming to care about some more than others, which builds character and identity.
• Discovering our identity and what we truly care about can lead to a conversion experience.
• The connection between what we care about and our identity can lead to ethical dilemmas.

Summary

Understanding the Importance of Caring and Authenticity

Harry Frankfurt’s essays “On Bullshit” and “The Importance of What We Care About” shed light on the significance of honesty in communication and the fundamental role of caring in human existence. Frankfurt argues that caring is more fundamental than ethics, as it shapes our personal projects, relationships, and ideals. While understanding moral obligation is important, it does not inform what we should care about or why we care about it. Caring is a complex state that guides our behavior and involves our identification with the things we care about.

The Interplay Between Care, Freedom, and Identity

Caring is intimately connected with time, as it influences the persistence of our identity. Frankfurt explores the concept of volitional necessity, which is associated with freedom and the structure of our will. The seeming inconsistency between necessity and involuntariness can be resolved by recognizing that what we care about constitutes the structure of our will. Our will is not under our voluntary control, but what we care about shapes its direction. Discovering our identity and what we truly care about can lead to ethical dilemmas, as our cares may conflict with societal expectations and norms.

Conclusion

Harry Frankfurt’s exploration of caring, authenticity, and freedom provides valuable insights into the complexities of human existence. Understanding what we care about and aligning our actions with our true desires can lead to a sense of liberation and personal fulfillment. By delving into the intricacies of caring, Frankfurt challenges traditional notions of ethics and encourages individuals to thoughtfully consider their values and aspirations. Ultimately, embracing what we truly care about can lead to a more authentic and meaningful life.