Welcome to My Anti-Trans, Anti-Abortion Echo Chamber

Being in the public sphere as an author, podcaster, blogger, etc., has gotten me used to negative reviews. It’s inevitable and often it can be constructive. Occasionally, however, one receives reviews like the following…

What is to be said about this?

Honestly, a lot — but also, hardly anything. This review has all the hallmarks of a child in a temper; really, it’s projection, written by somebody who themselves cannot bear to lean out of their ideological echo-chamber, whereupon hearing any serious intellectual criticism of the position they hold, are thrown into uncontrollable spasm.

On the other hand, like anything, we have a phenomena susceptible to analysis; analysis which may be instructive. First, notice the wanton slinging around of “far right.” What does this mean, exactly? If one is anti-abortion, is one far right? Even if they support generally liberal fiscal policies? What if one is universal health care plus anti-abortion? Are they still far right? Just curious!

Obviously, the term far right (in this context) thrown around as an intentionally ambiguous slur, and is nothing serious. Purely an intimidation tactic, and one that should be called out whenever it occurs. Philosopher William Valicella has similar things to say concerning accusations of fascism. Read it.

Also, what does it mean to be anti-trans? If what is implied is that I am anti-trans-ideology, then yes. Guilty. How is that an insult? Trans ideology is incoherent and harmful to children. That, however, does not imply that I hate or think lesser of people who suffer from gender confusion; not at all. They have my sympathy. Part of what motivates my criticism of trans ideology is not just the flagrant disregard for truth among those promoting it have, but in hopes that once that devilish nonsense is dispensed with, people legitimately suffering may find better treatment options, rather than being chemically or physically castrated.

The echo-chamber charge is ridiculous. The experts I have on my show are always respected and relevant scholars. Dr. Christopher Kaczor, my latest guess to discuss abortion, is the author of The Ethics of Abortion, now going on its 3rd edition from Routledge. It is one of the most sophisticated defense of the pro-life position, taking on the most philosophically serious challenges and critics. It is a book I greatly admire, precisely because it is interested in engaging what the best of the opposing side has to offer.

What I would be curious to see, is if Mr. LetsGoTruth is equally swift to leave a 1-star review on all those podcasts actively promoting abortion and trans ideology that 1) never have any sophisticated pro-lifer on to represent the other side and 2) frequently strawman their ideological opponents. Such podcasts matching that description are countless. But my guess is one won’t find similar reviews from Mr. LetsGoTruth on their iTunes accounts. Of course, my guess could be wrong, but I wouldn’t count on it.

- Pat

PS - I also have no idea what Mr. Truth is saying about Joe Rogan. If I’ve mentioned Rogan favorably, probably it was to commend him for his willingness to engage people across the philosophical and political spectrum, not for being a heavyweight intellectual himself, which he doesn’t claim to be.

Final PS - In case you wanted to leave a review (positive or negative) for Philosophy for the People on iTunes, here’s the link.