In this episode, we sit down with philosopher Valerie Tiberius to explore the surprisingly complex topic of values—how we develop them, how they change over time, and how to align them with our actions in a chaotic world.
Valerie, a professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota, shares insights from her decades of research and writing, offering practical tools for reflecting on what matters most. We discuss the difference between values and morals, the influence of culture and technology, and why your emotional reactions might be the key to understanding your core values. She also introduces her “Lab Rat Strategy,” a refreshingly grounded approach to self-reflection.
Whether you’re rethinking your goals, raising kids, or just trying to stay sane while doomscrolling the news, this conversation will give you fresh language—and a bit of clarity—for navigating modern life.
📚 Resources from this episode
Valerie’s Books:
What Do You Want Out of Life? A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters → Amazon
Well-Being as Value Fulfillment: How We Can Help Each Other to Live Well → Oxford University Press
Valerie’s Website & Social:
Website: valerietiberius.com
Twitter/X: @VTiberius
Topics Discussed:
The difference between values and goals
What makes a value “moral” vs. “personal”
The Lab Rat Strategy for understanding yourself
How values shift across the lifespan
The dangers of technology shaping our value systems (hello, doomscrolling)
“Super activities” that fulfill multiple values at once
How analytic philosophers are trained—and what Valerie’s unlearning
Using AI and chatbots for self-reflection (a surprising endorsement)
