Why people recommend it
This influential political philosophy book defends libertarianism and argues for a minimal state limited to protecting individuals against force, theft, and fraud. On Conversations with Tyler, Matt Yglesias discussed the philosophical work, arguing that it remains largely underappreciated and that many critics fail to engage with the actual arguments presented within its pages. Furthermore, the concept of a famous thought experiment described in the book—specifically the pleasure machine—was frequently invoked on No Stupid Questions. During the episode Do You Savor or Gobble? and its subsequent replays, the podcast's fact-checker, Rebecca Lee Douglas, formally cited the text to clarify the historical philosophical origin of the pleasure machine hypothetical that Angela Duckworth had referenced earlier in the conversation, explaining the choice between living in a pleasant simulation versus experiencing true reality.
Who recommended it
- Matt Yglesias Recommended
Matt Yglesias — 1 mention
“Uh I think most people do not pay attention to what um The End of Anarchy, State, and Utopia actually says or to some of his other books.”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 3
“But Angela was likely thinking of the thought experiment described by American philosopher Robert Nozick in his 1974 book, Anarchy, State, and Utopia. In the book, humans have the choice to experience reality as it exists, or to live forever in a pleasant simulation.”
“Angela was likely thinking of the thought experiment described by American philosopher Robert nozick in his 1974 book Anarchy State and Utopia”
“Angela was likely thinking of the thought experiment described by American philosopher Robert nozick in his 1974 book Anarchy State and Utopia. In the book humans have the choice to experience reality as it exists or to live forever in a pleasant simulation”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Finally, Angela describes the 'philosophical problem' of being plugged into a pleasure machine; there are several canonical references that fit this description, but Angela was likely thinking of the thought experiment described by American philosopher Robert Nozick in his 1974 book Anarchy, State, and Utopia.”