Uploaded June 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Functional Philosophy, I answer the following questions:
00:38 - "Ayn Rand wrote, 'To laugh at the contemptible, is a virtue; to laugh at the good, is a hideous vice.'
...Men bond by teasing each other, sometimes quite brutally. I noticed Rucka even teased you slightly in your chats with him, though I did not notice you teasing Rucka.
Men seem to build affection for one another through teasing, yet this sparks laughter at oneself. As the self is the ultimate good, how does laughing at oneself jibe with Rand's theory of humor?
I understand some of the teasing can be about minor, trivial personal perks. Sometimes it can be more probing and personal, teasing a friend over something they hold dear. For instance, were you and I friends I might joke, 'Look at me, I'm Charles, I'm gonna stay in and read philosophy rather than hang with friends.' Obviously your interest and love of philosophy is a good, yet we both might laugh. Is such laughter and teasing evil? If not, is Rand wrong on humor?"
10:26 - "What do you think of Rucka's work in parody rap, especially the song 'Am I Gay?'"
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Functional Philosophy is the weekly Q&A podcast that helps you develop the philosophical foundations required to achieve certainty, success, and happiness.
Subscribe to hear Objectivist philosopher Charles Tew answer your questions on Ayn Rand's philosophy and its application to politics, career, romance, and more. New episodes on Mondays.
Website: charlestew.com
Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-philosophy/id1242722316?mt=2
Patreon: patreon.com/charlestew
In this episode of Functional Philosophy, I answer the following questions:
00:38 - "Ayn Rand wrote, 'To laugh at the contemptible, is a virtue; to laugh at the good, is a hideous vice.'
...Men bond by teasing each other, sometimes quite brutally. I noticed Rucka even teased you slightly in your chats with him, though I did not notice you teasing Rucka.
Men seem to build affection for one another through teasing, yet this sparks laughter at oneself. As the self is the ultimate good, how does laughing at oneself jibe with Rand's theory of humor?
I understand some of the teasing can be about minor, trivial personal perks. Sometimes it can be more probing and personal, teasing a friend over something they hold dear. For instance, were you and I friends I might joke, 'Look at me, I'm Charles, I'm gonna stay in and read philosophy rather than hang with friends.' Obviously your interest and love of philosophy is a good, yet we both might laugh. Is such laughter and teasing evil? If not, is Rand wrong on humor?"
10:26 - "What do you think of Rucka's work in parody rap, especially the song 'Am I Gay?'"
***
Functional Philosophy is the weekly Q&A podcast that helps you develop the philosophical foundations required to achieve certainty, success, and happiness.
Subscribe to hear Objectivist philosopher Charles Tew answer your questions on Ayn Rand's philosophy and its application to politics, career, romance, and more. New episodes on Mondays.
Website: charlestew.com
Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-philosophy/id1242722316?mt=2
Patreon: patreon.com/charlestew
