#1456 - Michael Shermer
NaN minutesEpisode #1456
Michael Shermer is a science writer, historian of science, founder of The Skeptics Society", and Editor in Chief of its magazine Skeptic. His new book “Giving the Devil His Due: Reflections of a Scientific Humanist” is available now.
Episodes with Michael Shermer
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Episode Timestamps
Mr. Schirmer's Insights on Changing Social Behaviors and Education during Pandemic
- Prediction that social distancing measures will alter post-pandemic social norms like shaking hands and hugging.
- Discussion on the shift towards remote education and its implications on the traditional classroom setting.
- Reflection on the increasing integration of technology in human interactions and the challenges faced by tech companies like Zoom.
Ethical and Social Implications of Economic Trade-offs and Triaging for Human Lives
- Exploration of ethical dilemmas in assigning value to human lives in crisis situations.
- Debate on the economic considerations versus the social implications of prolonged isolation measures.
- Comparison of healthcare strategies in countries like South Korea and Germany, emphasizing proactive measures in containing the virus.
Meeting T.J. van Garderen: Encounter with the Top American Pro Cyclist
- Encounter with T.J. van Garderen, the top American pro cyclist, during a ride in Santa Barbara
- T.J. van Garderen found a $5 bill on the ground, displaying the joy in simple things
- Discussion on the importance of daily workout routines and intermittent fasting
Health and Exercise for General Well-being and COVID-19 Response
- Utilizing wrist and ankle weights for walking workouts to benefit overall health
- Importance of exercising for improving overall health and potentially combating COVID-19
- Speculation on the origins and potential long-term impact of the novel coronavirus
Trump's Response to COVID-19 and Global Autocrats
- Trump faced criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with comparisons to autocrats like Orban and Erdogan.
- Discussion about the political polarization around Trump and the challenges faced by the President.
- Exploring how Trump's decisions were polarizing and controversial in the context of the pandemic.
Growing Political Polarization and Civil Liberties Concerns
- Analysis of increasing political polarization beyond levels seen post-9/11.
- Examining concerns related to technology surveillance and civil liberties in times of crisis.
- Discussion on the erosion of civil liberties and the need to balance public safety with individual rights.
Discussing Epstein and Bill Gates Connection
- Michael Schermer's doubts on Epstein incident being a conspiracy.
- Concerns about Epstein's potential information and black book.
- Bill Gates' connection with Epstein and controversies mentioned in several sources.
The Value of Listening to Differing Opinions
- The importance of engaging with differing viewpoints for strengthening arguments.
- Discussion on free speech principles and its implications on silencing opinions.
- Comparison between extreme measures of silencing and the right to express controversial viewpoints.
David Irving's Arrest in Vienna for Holocaust Denial
- David Irving, a notorious Holocaust denier in England, flew from London to Vienna to speak at a far-right group event.
- Upon arrival, he was flagged at the airport, arrested, and convicted without speaking, highlighting the concept of thought crime.
- Discussion on the importance of listening to dissenting voices even if one disagrees with their views to improve critical thinking skills.
Effectiveness of Political and Corporate Advertising
- Political scientists and cognitive scientists reveal that online echo chambers had minimal impact on the 2016 election outcomes.
- Research suggests that political and corporate advertising often fails to sway voter opinions, indicating a waste of resources.
- Insight into the psychological mechanisms like pluralistic ignorance and punishment of dissenters that can perpetuate harmful ideologies in societies.
Jordan Peterson - The Misunderstood Intellectual
- Discussion on the limitations of social interactions due to reduced communication forms like emails and tweets.
- Exploring the positive and critical views of Jordan Peterson, highlighting the complexity of his perceived political stance.
- Analyzing the challenge of identity association with beliefs and the difficulty of engaging in nuanced discussions due to polarization.
Abortion Ethics and Moral Complexity
- Deep dive into the ethical intricacies of abortion discussing the nuances and dilemmas surrounding different stages of pregnancy.
- Addressing the challenge of binary thinking in morality and the need to approach moral issues as a continuum rather than absolutes.
- Highlighting the sensitive nature of abortion discourse and the ideological polarization that inhibits open dialogue on the topic.
Differing Immigration Policies Among Countries
- Comparison of immigration policies such as Japan's strict regulations and Australia's more relaxed but controlled approach.
- Exploring the consequences of varying levels of immigration in different countries.
- Highlighting the flaws of binary thinking and advocating for a more continuous approach in policy discussions.
Evolution of Free Speech Rights and Expanding Definitions of Hate Speech
- Exploration of the concept of hate speech and its evolution in defining boundaries.
- Discussion on the expansion of categories of hate speech post World War I.
- Issues surrounding sensitivity to language and microaggressions in modern societal settings.
Cultural Appropriation Controversy: From Halloween Costumes to Taco Tuesday
- Nicholas Christakis incident at Yale sparked cultural appropriation debates
- Examples of cultural appropriation controversies like Taco Tuesday at Cal State Fullerton
- Discussion on the impact of cultural appropriation on diversity and enjoyment of different cultures
Perverse Reversals in Modern Liberal Ideology
- Evolution from promoting multiculturalism to advocating for purity in culture
- Analysis of generational challenges in the redefinition of societal values
- Exploring the concept of safe spaces and its implications on campus environments
Daryl Davis: Converting KKK Members
- Daryl Davis, a blues musician, converted over 200 KKK members and Nazis by engaging in one-on-one conversations.
- Davis' approach involved building personal relationships and engaging with individuals over a long period of time.
- His success highlights the power of personal connections in changing deeply held beliefs and prejudices.
The Role of Novels in Empathy and Mind Reading
- Reading novels has been linked to improving empathy and mind reading abilities.
- People who read fiction with interchangeable perspectives are better at reading emotions in others.
- The rise of novels since the Enlightenment has contributed to increased literacy rates and perspective-taking.
Civil Rights Movement in 1960s - Malcolm X and Martin Luther King
- People in the south viewed speeches by Malcolm X and Martin Luther King as a threat to society's peace
- Discussion on the dangers of proclaiming violence in the name of progressive ideology
- Challenges in labeling individuals as 'Nazis' and the impact of such casual use of the term
Cultural Evolution and Xenophobia
- Evolutionary traits leading to xenophobia and concepts of tribal loyalty
- Discussion on natural impulses and the need to expand the tribe's range
- The development of societal norms and laws to balance individual impulses and collective well-being