George Sher and William Bennett examine the intersections of philosophy, public affairs, and public policy. They discuss what philosophy can contribute to modern debates, with Sher arguing that philosophers are able to clarify policy conversations and separate “good” arguments from bad ones. They discuss consensuses that have emerged in philosophy which influenced public life, and conclude by describing the connections between moral decisions and considerations of the past.
At the time of this interview, Sher, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1980-81), was professor of philosophy at the University of Vermont. Bennett was director of the Center.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
