The Nature of Desire

Conversations with David J. Temple

Summary This conversation explores the relationship between desire, rights, and responsibilities. It delves into the concept of a right to desire and the need to clarify desire. The chapters cover topics such as the split between desire and need, the relationship between desire and value, and the importance of attention in the technological age. The conversation also discusses the expansion of rights and the need to protect attention in a society driven by technology. It concludes with a reflection on the poignancy of desire and the evolution of desire and need. Takeaways Desire and need are interconnected but can be distinguished. Desire generates responsibility, while need generates rights. The right to attention is crucial in the technological age, as it allows individuals to exercise their other rights. The expansion of rights is necessary to protect human dignity and ensure equal access to fundamental aspects of human nature. Desire is a powerful force that should be clarified and protected, as it is essential for personal fulfillment and the well-being of society. The relationship between desire, rights, and responsibilities is complex and requires ongoing reflection and dialogue. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:05 The Right to Sex and Gender Conversations 04:08 First Principles and First Values 05:07 Desire as a Fundamental Structure of Reality 06:04 The Split Between Desire and Need 07:29 The Relationship Between Desire and Value 08:58 Rights and Responsibilities 10:06 Rights and Human Nature 11:28 Expanding the List of Rights 12:56 The Right to Attention 15:13 The Relationship Between Rights and Responsibilities 15:48 The System of Rights 24:28 Protecting Attention in the Technological Age 26:05 The Need to Name New Rights 27:28 The Relationship Between Desire and Power 29:01 The Relationship Between Desire and Need 33:09 The Right to Desire and the Right to Attention 35:21 Generating Desire and Responsibility 37:00 The Poignancy of Desire 40:12 The Evolution of Desire and Need 42:52 The Needs of God