Judging People is Good For Them—and For You

by Thomas Walker-WerthLifestyleJun 4, 2025


When I promote the idea of making life decisions—including about what relationships to maintain and invest in—according to a hierarchy of rational values, one of the most common objections I hear is that it’s heartless or unkind to judge the people in your life in terms of their value to you. The idea of evaluating relationships rationally sounds cold and calculating to many people.

On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground is the hub for content from OSI fellows and affiliates, along with announcements about OSI’s programs and events. Here, you’ll find links to our team’s articles, videos, and other materials published across various platforms. And you’ll discover opportunities to support and engage with our global community.

Latest Blog Posts

From Anxiety to Serenity

by Seamus RileyLifestyle, Philosophy

Oct 14, 2025

Seamus shares how he broke free from negative emotional patterns using philosophy, psychology, and personal experience.

Death after Religion

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Oct 13, 2025

Maddox shares how accepting mortality after losing faith brought deeper meaning and urgency to his life.

Discussing Metaethics with Craig Biddle

by Craig BiddlePhilosophy

Oct 13, 2025

Craig Biddle and philosopher Lance Bush dive into metaethics—exploring intrinsicism, subjectivism, and Objectivism—and what each view means for understanding “good” and “value.”

How to Embrace Mortality For Flourishing

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Oct 1, 2025

What if Christianity's promise of an afterlife is obstructing our motivation to fully live the one life we know we have? And what if living fully requires navigating obstacles like this and confronting our mortality?