Derick Parfit, Reasons And Persons - Utility Monsters And The Repugnant Conclusion

Derick Parfit, Reasons And Persons - Utility Monsters And The Repugnant Conclusion

Author: Lectures on classic and contemporary philosophical texts and thinkers by Gregory B. Sadler July 22, 2026 Duration: 12:09
This lecture discusses key ideas from American philosopher Derick Parfit's book Reasons And Persons, specifically the chapter titled "The Repugnant Conclusion". Specifically it examines he actual "repugnant conclusion" that his extended argument leads to, which is that it would be better to have a population that is very large but in which people's lives would have a very low quality of life, or a low amount of what makes life worth living for them, by comparison to any smaller population where the members would enjoy a better quality of life but have a lower overall sum of happiness or total amount what makes life worth living. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 4500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Get Derek Parfit's Reasons And Persons here - https://amzn.to/4etfqcw

For those drawn to deep, sustained engagement with ideas, Sadler's Lectures offers a quiet space for intellectual exploration. Guided by Gregory B. Sadler, this audio series transforms his extensive library of video lectures into a purely auditory experience, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in close readings and thoughtful commentaries on philosophical works. The discussions span the entire tradition, from the foundational texts of Plato and Aristotle to the complex arguments of modern and contemporary thinkers. Each episode functions as a self-contained lecture, carefully unpacking concepts, tracing arguments, and clarifying the nuances that make these texts enduring. The approach is scholarly yet accessible, prioritizing clarity and understanding over performative debate. This podcast is built for anyone seeking to supplement their studies, revisit classic ideas, or simply think alongside a knowledgeable guide during a commute or walk. The existence and ongoing conversion of this material into podcast form is made possible directly by listener support through Patreon, a testament to the community value found in this educational resource. Tune in for a direct, unadorned journey through the landscapes of philosophy, one thinker and one text at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sadler's Lectures
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Plutarch, On Moral Virtue - Virtue As A Mean - Sadler's Lectures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient philosopher and biographer Plutarch's short work On Moral Virtue This episode focuses specifically on his discussion about how virtue is a mean, which bears some similari…