Food for Thought-Sept. 17

The following are ideas for topics we may discuss at the book club meeting tomorrow:

• 'Evolution doesn't care if we're happy, successful, or living a meaningful life. The only goal from the point-of-view of evolution is to leave as many offspring as possible.' Does anyone in the group have a different point of view?
• Research shows that perpetrators of things we think of as evil rarely think they are doing anything wrong. In fact, they see themselves as victims responding to attacks. Does this surprise you, and does it put conflicts from local ones to international ones in a new light? Do you agree that "almost everyone has a valid point"?
• Which "universal law" appeals to you more, Kant's categorical imperative or Bentham's Utilitarianism (maximum total benefit for as many as possible)?  Do you think that your political orientation is shaped by which of these approaches appeals to you?
• Haidt talks about the "uses of adversity," and then explores whether it's just that adversity can "lead to growth, strength, joy, and self-improvement," or whether it's imperative to experience a lot of adversity in order to grow. What do you think? Is a certain amount of adversity necessary to develop wisdom? (Haidt says the research shows that adversity at certain points in life, such as the late teens, can build character but at other points it's harder to overcome adversity.)