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I'm not saying that philosophy professors don't increase economic output. I'm saying they don't contribute anything at all. In general---I think there are some

by javert 12y ago

I'm not saying that philosophy professors don't increase economic output. I'm saying they don't contribute anything at all. In general---I think there are some good ones. And I think a lot of the contribute positively through their teaching, just not their research and publications. But note that the primary focus and goal of professors at top-tier universities is research. Also, I disagree with your dichotomy between "economic output" and "society's total productivity," but that's a separate issue. Also, I'm not going to be dishonest for the sake of narrow economic interest, which is what you are asking me to do.

eli_gottlieb 12y ago
>Also, I'm not going to be dishonest for the sake of narrow economic interest, which is what you are asking me to do. Actually, I was being ironic. I don't believe that "decadent" is really a genuine moral condemnation at all, instead merely meaning, "A society that doesn't suit my survivalist tastes because it is too civilized." Or at least, that's what I observe about common applications of the word "decadent".