Ethics-Talk: The Greatest Good of Man is Daily to Converse About Virtue

The Value of Philosophical Discussion

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:10 -0500

In this show, we discuss the value of philosophical discussion, especially during the "college years" when one is searching for and forming one's identity. Groups like the "Socrates Cafe" and "philosophy clubs" obviously acknowledge the value of philosophical discussion. But what is this value precisely? And do universities offer enough opportunities for it? Join us and special guest Nicholas Cavallo for a discussion about why philosophical discussion matters.

Dr. Ginger Campbell: The Brain Behind the Brain Science Podcast

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:14:16 -0500

In this show, we interview Dr. Ginger Campbell, host of the popular Brain Science Podcast, which focuses on contemporary findings in the field of neuroscience. Our focus of the show is not on the subject of neuroscience (for that, you need to listen to the Brain Science Podcast!). Rather, our focus is on Dr. Campbell herself -- the brain behind the Brain Science Podcast. Specifically, we will be talking about Dr. Campbell’s journey as a podcaster which began in 2006, and her motivation for creating and continue to improve the Brain Science Podcast. Also joining us will be Diane Jacobs, who volunteers her time to make the Brain Science Podcast an extremely valuable free educational resource. This show will be of interest not only to those who are interested in starting their own podcast, but also to those interested in the topic of intrinsic motivation, lifelong learning, and the power of the internet to help one find one’s calling.

Laughter: An Interactive Exploration Into Its Therapeutic Effects

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:00:25 -0500

In this show, our objective is to draw attention to the positive, therapeutic effects of humor and laughter. Some argue that humor can assist people with coping, motivation, and survival. Research has shown that laughing out loud can have positive physiological effects even when the laughter is initially faked. Cancer patients are using humor, now being referred to as “cancertainment”, to bear their daily struggles in the form of things like radio shows, stand-up comedies, and blogs. Educators are evoking humor and laughter in the classroom as a way of getting students engaged. Since there seems to be an array of therapeutic uses of humor and laughter, we discuss the research and the stories behind these uses bringing this human pleasantry to the forefront of our thinking. Joining us with be special guest Jeff Wirth, the visionary founder and Executive Director of the Interactive Performance Lab. Through a variety of interactive techniques involving audience participation, this show will provide a unique glimpse into both the power of laughter and the power of interactive performance.

Conceptions of Beauty

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:37 -0400

In this show, we’ll be discussing the media’s role on self-esteem in both men and women. Psychological research shows that media images have detrimental effects on women and girls. As we know, the media is full of unrealistic portrayals of “beauty” and many people find themselves longing to attain this standard, only to find that it is completely impossible. In this show we discuss how media images, especially images from “reality TV” are impacting the beliefs and perceptions of adolescents and society. And we will also discuss how self-esteem and self-worth can and should be based upon something other than some unobtainable standard of beauty.

Grade Distribution Transparency: Virtue or Vice ?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:00:05 -0400

A number of websites (such as myedu.com and koofers.com) are springing up that provide a variety of new services to students such as publicizing a professor’s grade distribution data so as to increase the likelihood of a higher GPA. But both professors and students disagree about whether such sites do more harm than good. In this show, Karen Holst, vice president of marketing and business development of myedu.com (formerly pick-a-prof.com), discusses how such services help students. Also joining Karen will be Jason Nichol, President of the Student Government Association at Central Michigan University (CMU). The SGA at CMU has pushed the university to make such reports available to students. Nick and Mike, students and members of the EthicsTalk crew, discuss the risks versus rewards regarding grade transparency in this show in addition to how technology is changing higher education, for better and for worse.

The Necessity of Compromise

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:00:22 -0400

In this week's show, we will be discussing the merit of compromise in politics, philosophy, and life in general. But what is compromise? The answer, as it turns out, is somewhat complicated and relative, and we'll spend a good deal of time trying to define it. In many contexts, it's easy for an individual to take an absolute stand - precluding any middle ground. Whether it be a political platform, moral value, or some other bedrock intuition, we'll be weighing the worth of "absolutes" against the importance of progress, consensus, tolerance and keeping an open mind. This show is about why tolerance, compromise and having an "open system"of beliefs is absolutely essential for flourishing and well-being.

Creativity & Educating for Personal & Social Responsibility

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:00:51 -0400

This past weekend, the EthicsTalk crew attended and presented at a conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The experience was incredible and transformational. The conference, entitled, Educating for Personal & Social Responsibility, was sponsored by the Association of American Colleges & Universities where hundreds of university faculty, administrators and students shared ideas about the university’s role in cultivating character and promoting moral development. We discuss our presentation and how and why preparing and presenting at this conference transformed our ideas and relationship with each other. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s views on creativity, expressed in Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, will ground our discussion and we will discuss how Csikszentmihalyi’s views on creativity are applicable to both the creation of the Self and the ecology by which the Self is nurtured. Csikszentmihalyi makes the point that removing oneself from the usual surroundings in which one practices the daily rituals responsible for creativity, and placing oneself in a different environment, infuses and strengthens creativity. We discuss how this point is no less true for the Self and the community by which one is nurtured.

Learning Styles & The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:00:21 -0400

In this show, we discuss the theory of learning style or “multiple intelligences.” Among the questions that we will explore are: Is there such a thing as a “learning style”? How many learning styles are there? How do you know which learning style you have, and how can you accommodate yourself when you are forced to learn against your own style? What is the current research saying about learning styles? What are some schools/learning environments doing to accommodate various learning styles?

Walter Ong: Ramus, Method and the Decay of Dialogue

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:00:41 -0400

This show continues the unfinished and fascinating discussion that we had with Dr. Thomas Farrell on the philosophy of Walter Ong (Check our archives, the show aired on 9/11/09). Ok, so this picture is not of Ong, but of PETRUS RAMUS. Don’t know who he is and why he matters? Listen. But here it a hint -- he was a philosopher/logician who transformed the way that logic is taught. Ramus was the subject of Ong’s masterpiece, Ramus, Method and The Decay of Dialogue. This is a hard book, but Dr. Thomas Farrell, a renowned Ong scholar who has read the book multiple times, will help us to understand some of its key lessons. In this show, we focus on Ong’s claim about how Ramus took Western Culture from a visual culture to a ‘hypervisual’ one -- thereby affecting the nature of communication and of knowledge itself. It gets better, because communication, in turn, shapes and molds consciousness or, as Dr. Farrell puts it, ‘the sensorium’. What does this have to do with ethics you might ask? A lot. Listen to one of the leading scholars on Walter Ong engage in stimulating discussion about how different modes of communication contribute to the flourishing of the individual and the species.

Virtue, Study and Academic Integrity

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:50 -0400

In this show, we discuss the issue of academic integrity and why it matters. Why bother with studying for a class that one will “never use”? We will explain why and we will also discuss, why, in our view, cheating happens. After all, Aristotle claims that “all men by nature desire to know.” If that is true, why do “paper mills” exist? Why do students cheat? Hint: we think it has something to do with a flawed and dangerous conception of ‘success’ that looms large in the consciousness of students. In addition to discussing these issues, we will also discuss the impact of the internet on education, including the growth of such sites as myedu.com and koofers.com which allow students access to professors’ grade distribution reports. Some fear that this will motivate students to shop for ‘easy’ classes, while others claim that this helps students to avoid notoriously ‘unfair teachers’. Join us for a stimulating discussion about something that matters to all of us and to future generations: education.

The Technologizing of the Word: The Philosophy of Walter Ong, S.J.

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:00:53 -0400

In this show, we discuss the fascinating and profound ideas of Walter Ong, S.J. with Dr. Thomas J. Farrell, a renowned Ong scholar. Author of numerous articles on Ong as well as the critically acclaimed, Walter Ong’s Contributions to Cultural Studies: The Phenomenology of the Word and I-Thou Communication, Dr. Farrell will discuss Ong's philosophy about the relationship amongst the spoken word (primary orality), the written word (literacy) and technology (secondary orality). We will introduce the listener to some of the ideas of Ong, and will demonstrate their poignancy and relevancy as the internet evolves into Web 3.0 -- and arguably into a new (tertiary) form of orality and the spoken word.

The Splendor of Solitude

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:00:05 -0400

Solitude can be a very frightening thing to some people. Many people feel lost or lonely when they are left without companionship, even if it’s only for a brief period of time. In tonight’s show we’ll be discussing some of the possible reasons for this fear as well as ways one can find enjoyment out of their solitude. There are several things people can do to make their alone time meaningful to them; the key is finding out what those things are for the individual. In this show, we discuss not only discuss ways to make solitude more meaningful, but also argue that solitude is essential for a truly meaningful life.

Digital Virtue: Best Practices in Using The Internet & Social Media

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:00:20 -0400

In this show, we build upon the conversation of last week’s show that addressed the promises and perils of the marriage between higher education and technology. In several of Plato’s dialogues the claim is made that a “dependent” or “conditional” good is a good that that can be harmful if not used with knowledge. Plato also claims that virtue is knowing how to use a conditional good in a beneficial, rather than harmful way. Digital virtue is therefore the use of technology in a way that promotes rather than hinders human flourishing. We discuss some of the ways that the use of technology and the internet can be harmful. Including in this discussion is a discussion about the some of the legal dimensions of social media, including a discussion of both trolling and of section 230 the Communications Decency Act, which concerns defamation. The objective of this show is to increase awareness and mindfulness about one’s own use of technology, and to provide concrete tips to help the listener develop practices that promote his or her own digital virtue.

Anya Kamenetz: Hacking Education (Higher Education in the Digital Age

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:24 -0400

Join us for a conversation with journalist and author Anya Kamenetz, author of “Generation Debt: Why Now Is the Worst Time To Be Young” (Riverhead, 2006) and the forthcoming book “Hacking Education” (Chelsea Green, 2010). In this show, Ms. Kamenetz discusses her most recent article for Fast Company, entitled “How Web-Savvy Edupunks Are Transforming American Higher Education.” We will discuss the how technology and the internet are shaping higher education, both for the better and for the worse.

Mission Accomplished: Completing the Bar Exam Marathon

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:00:53 -0400

In this show, recent bar exam takers Anderson Duff, John DiGiacomo, and Hope May, all graduates of Michigan State University College of Law, discuss their recent experience taking the Bar Exam. Anderson took the NY bar, and John and Hope took the Michigan bar. Virtually every state’s bar exam is an academic marathon -- a two day long exam. In Michigan, the first “event” is a five hour day devoted to essays (Michigan’s exam has 15); whereas in NY the first event is a 6.5 hour long exam that includes 5 essays and 50 NY specific multiple choice questions. In both MI and NY, the second day or “event” is devoted to the “Multistate” or MBE exam -- a 6 hour long 200 question multiple choice exam. Each day contains two sessions and one 90 minute break. Accordingly, we divide the bar exam into four “performance quadrants” that correspond to the 4 different “performance segments” this two day long marathon, and we discuss the psychological and physiological peaks and troughs that one can expect before, during and after these segments. Our objective is enable the listener to be mindful of these peaks and troughs so that he/she knows what to expect and how to maximize his/her performance taking the exam. The show will incorporate recent research on ultradian rhythms and the basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC) that is a staple of performance psychology.

Michigan’s Defining Moment: Organizing Community for a Common Ground

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:00:57 -0400

In these dire economic times, especially here in Michigan, it can be hard to remain optimistic about this state’s future. Today, we will be discussing Michigan’s Defining Moment (MDM) a group made up of a wide spectrum of Michigan Citizens. This group is building a network of Michigan communities to work together to come up with a common ground agenda in order to provide a vision to guide the actions of Michigan citizens, community leaders, and legislators. MDM is premised on the idea that by articulating and encouraging common goals, the state will come together to overcome hard times and thrive. In this show we will give a more in-depth analysis of the on-goings of MDM, dive into the importance and hardships of community organizing, and will discuss how communities can affect change.

Women in Politics: A Discussion on the White House Project

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:00:30 -0400

This week we will be discussing a non-profit organization called the White House Project (WHP). Founded by Marie Wilson, the WHP’s goal is to educate women on how to become involved in the political world. Each year, the White House Project holds training conferences around the country which teach women the “ins and outs” of politics. They cover issues like how to start your campaign, how to finance, how to present your platform and how to carry yourself throughout the campaign. Emily Hagen, one of our student hosts on ethicstalk, attended one of these conferences and met some really remarkable women. In today’s show, we will be discussing why women may or may not choose to run for office as well as the obstacles that stand in their way. We will be discussing whether these obstacles are unique to women, or if campaigning men may face the same problems. Joining us as a special guest will be Shannon Garrett, Great Lakes Regional Director for the WHP.

Studying For the Bar Exam: Barbri and Beyond

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:00:53 -0400

In last week’s show, we discussed studying for the Bar exam: one of the milestones in becoming an attorney. The responses to that show indicated that our listeners wanted more, so we continue the discussion this week. Once again, three recent law school graduates: Nathan Backus, John DiGiacomo, and Hope May will discuss their experience studying for the Michigan bar exam as well as their experience with "Barbri" -- the national bar review course. We will also be joined by a special guest, Daniel Barnhizer, Professor of Law at Michigan State University College of Law and a graduate of Harvard Law School. Professor Barnhizer will discuss his experience studying for the bar exam and how he did it while working full time. In addition to discussing the bar exam, we will also discuss study strategies for developing and sustaining motivation under extremely stressful and daunting circumstances. The objectives of this show are two: 1) to educate and inform our listeners about the bar exam and what it is like to study for this exam and to be a student of Barbri, and 2) to provide advice, based on research on goal attainment and human performance, that should help those attempting to undertake an intimidating goal such as studying for the bar exam.

Love and Relationships in College

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:00:35 -0400

In this show, we will be discussing relationships during the college years. We as human beings are social animals. We need a sense of connection and meaning with other people. Romantic relationships can be complex and wonderful. They take time and effort. Can relationships be beneficial during these hectic college years? What makes a good relationship? Should one “search out” true love during college? And how much sacrifice should we make during this time of our lives? We will be taking callers who take both sides of the issue: some support college love and some opt out of the dating scene. We will also be discussing the phenomenon of “serial dating” (aka jumping from one “true love relationship” to another).

The Path to Becoming an Attorney: Studying for the Bar Exam

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:00:09 -0400

In this show, three recent law school graduates who will take the Michigan Bar Exam at the end of July will discuss their experience studying for this exam. All three guests are enrolled in the national standard bar review course known as “BarBri,” and have been studying since mid-May. Joining in the discussion are Nathan Backus, graduate of Wayne State Law School, John DiGiacomo, graduate of Michigan State University College of Law, and Hope May, also a graduate of MSU College of Law. Nathan, John and Hope will share the highs and lows in studying for the bar. In addition, Hope, a tenured professor of philosophy (she earned a law degree while teaching full time), will discuss some contemporary research relevant to learning and studying such a huge amount of material. This show should be of interest not only to those interested or currently pursuing law school, but also for those studying for professional exams and those interested in strategies for developing and sustaining motivation under extremely stressful and daunting circumstances.

Free School, Free Culture

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:00:21 -0400

In this show, we will interview Lindsey Merkel, one of the founding members of the Mount Pleasant “Free Store” and the Mount Pleasant Free School (MPFS). The MPFS provides a forum in which people can come together to share ideas, skills, and knowledge, the Mount Pleasant Free School holds lectures and discussions, provides hands-on workshops, and offers alternative avenues for learning. We will discuss mission of the free school and the emerging “free” movement throughout the country in the form not only of free “brick-and-mortar” schools such as the MPFS, but also of free online lectures and courses from sites like academicearth and MIT OpenCourseware.

Meaning and Compassion in Death and Dying: Remarks from a Hospice Director

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:00:47 -0400

In this show, we are going to be joined by Deanna Heath, the Executive Director of Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Deanna will discuss the nature of hospice care, how her role has hospice director contributes to the meaning within her life, and what brought her into the field. On a broader level, and to connect to previous shows, we will discuss how to find meaning in one’s illness. Is this possible? How is it done? How do hospice workers strive to accomplish this goal (if at all)?

A Philosophical Discussion about Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:00:02 -0400

Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" is one the classic books about survival. Frankl, who died in 1997, was a survivor of Nazi Concentration camps. When he was liberated from the camps, he had lost everything, including his parents and his young wife. Yet, Frankl, who had been exposed to powerfully practical philosophical ideas in his youth, was able to endure such tragic circumstances with a powerful message for humanity. In this show, we discuss the wisdom of Frankl's message and the importance of it for all human beings, no matter what their age and circumstance. We focus on the afterword of Frankl's book entitled "The Case for a Tragic Optimism" and will be joined by a special guest, Paul Buscarello, who read Frankl's book as a high school student.

Philosophy & The Humanities in the Digital Age

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:37 -0400

This show continues our discussion from last week about the practical value of the humanities. In addition to humanities needing to justify its worth because of the recession, some critics charge that the traditional university needs to justify its worth because its functions have been largely supplanted by the internet and the sea of information that one has at one’s fingertips. This week, we take up that charge. Are there things that go on within the traditional university -- and by humanities and philosophy classes that cannot be supplanted by the internet? To answer this question, we will discuss the intersection of humanities, identity and technology. We will discuss how the humanities and philosophy play an important role in the construction of one’s identity and self and in one’s “search for meaning” -- a fundamental need that, if not satisfied, leads to the Quarterlife Crisis (see our show on that aired on 5/13). The internet and social media have raised deep questions about whether MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc., harm/hinder one’s search for meaning and the creation of one’s self. We discuss.

The Practical Value of Philosophy and The Humanities

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:00:19 -0400

This focuses on the personal and professional value of philosophy and the humanities. Michael Strong, author of "Be the Solution" and "The Habit of Thought" and co-founder of FLOW -- an innovative non-profit aimed at promoting entreprenurial solutions to the world's problems, talks about the importance of philosophy and meaninfgul education. In Michigan, which has been especially hard hit by the recession (with GM’s bankruptcy dealing another blow), humanities and philosophy majors are few and far between. According to the Humanities Indicators Prototype, “The humanities’ share of college degrees is less than half of what it was during the heyday in the mid- to late ’60s”. And during hard economic times, when money and marketable skills are on the minds of individuals seeking higher education, the value of the humanities and of philosophy is not obvious. In this show, we discuss why philosophy and the humanities are extremely practical, not only for one’s personal life, but for one’s professional life as well.

A Philosophical Discussion about Life Coaching

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:00:40 -0400

Having recently participated in a life coaching workshop, we focus this week's show on the coaching movement. A life coach is a certified instructor who works with clients to help motivate them in reaching some goal or overcoming some obstacle. There are several different approaches to life coaching, but they all aim at teaching the client basic life skills such as goal setting and attainment, confidence, and self-esteem. These services are becoming more and more popular, especially in the corporate world. The fees for these services range from $20 a session up to $10,000 for professional certification. In our show today, we will discuss whether life coaches are necessary or whether individuals can and should develop their own "navigational and motivational resources." Later in the show, we will be discussing the approaches one may use to acquire these skills for herself. Can an individual be successful in life without the aid of a life coach? And what are the resources available for such an endeavor?

Intrinsic Motivation and Higher Education

Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:35 -0400

In this show, we will be discussing the reasons why we do what we do when making educational, professional, and life decisions. What sort of motivation is behind our goals and ends, and how does higher education mold the content of our goals? We are concerned because much of the motivation and message behind modern university education is career oriented. This ultimately seems to be producing a generation of citizens focused on monetary or status-oriented ends. The message is that one ought to know what kind of “career” he/she wants rather than what it is that is driving them or what they are able to contribute. The question that ought to be asked is— how ought educated, enlightened beings define “success” and what kinds of ends are best for us as students to be most successful? We will be addressing these questions first in relation to education and secondly with longer-term goals and how one knows what her ends are and why.

Steering Past the Quarterlife Crisis

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:35 -0400

In this show, we discuss the “quarterlife crisis.” The quarterlife crisis is an identity crisis that is said to afflict twentysomethings -- especially college graduates. Many college grad who emerge from the “structured cocoon” of education suffer angst and malaise about their life. Lack of fulfillment, lack of direction and lack of focus are common symptoms of the QL crisis. In this show, we discuss the quarterlife crisis and provide concrete suggestions on how to avoid it.

Philosophical Dimensions of Luck, Chance, Responsibility, Happiness & Human Flourishing

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:05 -0400

In this show, we discuss the philosophical dimensions of luck and chance and the role that chance plays in happiness and human flourishing. For the past few weeks, our team has been discussing a modern approach to human flourishing in which self-concordance figures prominently. While we have been focusing on the inner resources necessary for self-concordance, in this show we discuss the external factors or "ecology" that contributes to flourishing, spefically, luck, chance and fortuity. What does Aristotle have to say about luck and chance? How does personal responsibility pertain to flourishing? Does research in contemporary neuroscience undermine the notion of "free will" and responsibility? Join two philosophers, authors, and old friends, Hope May (Central Michigan University) and Mike Russo (University of Maryland) as they discuss these issues.

The Developmental Preconditions of Human Flourishing and Happiness: Part 2

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:00:03 -0400

This show continues our discussion from 4/22/09 that focused on the contemporary relevance of Aristotle's view of flourishing, which is the subject of a forthcoming book by Dr. Hope May entitled “Aristotle’s Ethics: Moral Development and Human Nature” (Continuum, 2009). In that earlier show, we began discussing how Aristotle views flourishing as a specific type of goal oriented activity, and, specifically, a goal oriented activity that one is intrinsically motivated to pursue. We connected this insight to the concept of self-concordance, a concept that one finds in self-determination theory (a theory of motivation). According to May’s reading of Aristotle, an individual is able to flourish and achieve eudaimonia only if certain developmental preconditions are in place. Self-concordance is no different and only comes about if a number of developmental preconditions are in place. Our earlier broadcast focused on one of these important preconditions, namely, being able to answer the question "how do you want to be remembered?" Answering this question allows you to identify the fundamental values and interests to which you are intrinsically motivated to pursue. But this is just one, among many, preconditions that need to be in place for flourishing. In this episode, we discuss some of the *other* preconditions necessary for self-concordance, including the development of habits and rituals that lead to masterful motivation and self-regulation.

Self-Concordance, Autonomy & Human Flourishing: Aristotle Modernized

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:00:53 -0400

This show will focus on the contemporary relevance of Aristotle's theory of flourishing. We will focus on the concept of self-concordance, a notion found within self determination theory. Self concordance is a highly specific goal oriented activity that aligns with an individual's fundamental values and interests. We discuss self-concordance, how it is developed and cultivated, and its deep connection to Aristotle's theory of flourishing and happiness. We discuss these ideas with Hope May, professor of philosophy and author of an upcoming book (Aristotle's Ethics: Moral Development and Human Nature, [Continuum, 2009]), in which these ideas are discussed.

Education & Motivation: Part Two

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:00:33 -0400

In our show this week, we will continue the discussion of motivation in education by discussing further some of the different ways in which education is moving. We will examine specific things that broaden understanding, for example through interactive experiences like service learning and also other methods, including alternative education and homeschooling. We will explore these creative and nurturing approaches at every level beginning with preschool all the way through college.

Lindsay Hyde - Social Entrepreneur, Founder of Strong Women, Strong Girls

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:57 -0400

When she was a high school student, Lindsay Hyde was already honing on skills as a social entrepreneur (thanks to a philosophy class she had!). Realizing the need for programs that nurture and cultivate the self-esteem of girls, in 2000 (her freshman year at Harvard), Lindsay founded “Strong Women, Strong Girls,” an innovative after school program. In addition to supporting the development of young girls, Strong Women, Strong Girls also emphasizes the leadership and growth of the college women who volunteer as mentors. Join us for a discussion with Lindsay as she discusses her vision for her organization and on her experience as a social entrepreneur.

Michigan Election Law & Student Voting

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:15:00 -0400

Michigan Representative Rebekah Warren (D. 53rd) joins us for a discussion about Michigan Election Law and how it affects College Students. Representative Warren has introduced legislation seeking to overturn Rogers's Law, which imposes burdens on student voters.

Happiness & Human Flourishing: A Buddhist Perspective

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:00:53 -0400

In this week’s show we focus on the concept of happiness and human flourishing with an emphasis on the Buddhist perspective. What does it mean to happy? What does it take for a human being to flourish? What does the Buddhist tradition tell us about happiness? What is spiritual enlightenment? What is the significance of the practice mindfulness meditation? What does empirical research say to support this “science of the mind” type approach that Buddhism employs? How does the Buddhist approach to happiness relate to the new field of positive psychology? Is there a connection between Buddhist ideas and Aristotle’s idea of eudaimonia? We will discuss questions like these this week with a special guest, Dr. Guy Newland, an internationally recognized scholar of Tibetan Buddhism.

Private Speech & Executive Function

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:00:25 -0500

In this show we focus on the concept of private speech and its relationship to the “executive function.” Private speech is a form of communication in which the individual uses language to speak to him or herself for the purpose of comfort, guidance, and/or direction. Private speech is linked to the development of the executive function, which is a cognitive ability responsible for goal setting and realization. We will discuss the importance of private speech and executive function in adulthood and the role that it plays in the good and flourishing life.

Educating Motivation

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:00:00 -0500

In our show today, we’re going to be discussing the issue of inspiration and motivation in education. We're going to explore what's going right and what's going wrong. What is our role as students? How are we empowered? What should teachers be doing, and what are good teachers doing? We will address these questions using constructive criticism, personal experience, and working solutions.

Depression and Anxiety

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:00:51 -0500

In this show, we'll be discussing the impacts of depression for college students. Amanda Benarroch, a psychology major at University of Minnesota, will be sharing her knowledge on the issue.

First Year Law Experience

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:00:00 -0500

This week on Ethics talk we will have two first year law students, on the air. They will be explaining their trials and tribulations of transitioning from undergrads to full-time law students. If you are considering law school this will serve as an informational dialogue that you can engage in!

Procrastination & Academic Integrity

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:00:07 -0500

Today "students for integrity" will be discussing procrastination and the role it takes in academic integrity. There will also be information on ways to combat procrastination. Our major source of material for the show comes from Dr. Timothy A. Pychyl of Carlton University. We encourage callers to share their questions and/or struggles with procrastination.

Education, Self-Esteem and Academic Integrity

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:00:00 -0500

In this show, we explore some of the ideas found within Tal Ben-Shahar's doctoral thesis (Harvard, 2004). Ben-Shahar, internationally acclaimed author of "Happier" and master teacher, argues that there are two components of self-esteem: dependent self-esteem and independent self esteem. Students working with the Center for Professional at Personal Ethics at Central Michigan University discuss these concepts and their relevance to academic integrity.