#985 - Gad Saad
NaN minutesEpisode #985
Gad Saad is Professor of Marketing & Concordia University Research Chair in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences and Darwinian Consumption. He is also the author of "The Evolutionary Bases of Consumption" and "The Consuming Instinct".
Episodes with Gad Saad
Watch the full episode of #985 - Gad Saad.
Episode Timestamps
Jordan Peterson and the Health Effects of Bacterial Exposure
- Jordan Peterson discusses overcoming asthma and the importance of hygiene to prevent illnesses.
- He promotes consuming probiotics and the significance of healthy bacteria for grapplers to avoid infections.
- The conversation includes humorous takes on shaking hands and people's varying attitudes towards germs.
Jordan Peterson on 'Ostrich Parasitic Syndrome' and Cultural Criticism
- Peterson coins the term 'Ostrich Parasitic Syndrome' to describe societal denial of problematic ideologies.
- He discusses a controversial legal case in Canada where a landlord was fined for wearing shoes in a Muslim family's home.
- The dialogue addresses the perceived double standards in criticizing different religious groups and the long-term implications of Islamic immigration.
Sam Harris vs. Ben Affleck: The Implications of Political Correctness
- Sam Harris discusses the backlash he faced for addressing controversial topics about Islam and political correctness during his exchange with Ben Affleck.
- The conversation highlights the challenge of honest discourse in environments dominated by outrage and identity politics.
- Harris emphasizes the need for open discussion about ideologies and their impact on society, noting that criticism should not be perceived as racism.
The Misconception of Islam and Islamism: Clarifying the Essentials
- The chapter argues that Islamism is inherently linked to Islam, challenging the notion that they can be separated.
- Harris explains the historical context of being a non-Muslim, or 'dhimmi', in Islamic societies, emphasizing the dangers faced by religious minorities.
- The discussion reiterates that criticisms of Islam should not be conflated with bigotry, advocating for honesty and clarity in conversations about religion and politics.
The Cognitive Dissonance of Progressive Defenses Against Islamic Ideology
- Critiques the cognitive biases progressives exhibit when defending Islam based on individual examples like Muhammad.
- Explains the argument that singular exceptions do not disprove widespread negative traits in ideologies.
- Highlights the historical and contemporary conflicts involving Islamic groups and their relations with other religions.
Navigating Religious Immigration: Balancing Compassion And Cultural Compatibility
- Discusses the ethical dilemmas in prioritizing non-Islamic refugees while addressing global persecution.
- Considers the implications of preserving Western values amidst an influx of diverse ideologies.
- Emphasizes the dangers of allowing intolerant ideologies to influence public life and legal standards.
Jordan Peterson on Societal Structures and Misunderstandings of Islam's Challenges
- Jordan Peterson discusses societal expectations of behavior and attire for men, such as the stigma against wearing sandals or hoodies.
- He emphasizes the evolved human instinct to assess risk based on statistical regularities, particularly in relation to young men in potentially dangerous scenarios.
- The conversation turns to the impact of terrorism committed in the name of Islam, with Peterson challenging the audience to acknowledge inherent problems within certain interpretations of Islamic ideology.
The Debate on Reforming Islam: Jordan Peterson vs. Majid Nawaz
- Peterson critiques Majid Nawaz's optimistic views on reforming Islam, arguing that some problematic elements cannot be simply reinterpreted away.
- He calls for a direct intervention against harmful ideologies and highlights the urgency of addressing violence attributed to extremist interpretations of Islam.
- The discussion concludes with a reflection on historical context, comparing the development and reform of Christianity to the challenges Islam faces today.
Islam's Ideological Propagation: The Dangerous Memeoplex
- Discussion on the concept of 'memeoplex' introduced by Richard Dawkins, linking it to Islamic ideology.
- Islam has a higher propagation success compared to Judaism with 1.6 billion Muslims versus 13-15 million Jews.
- The ease of conversion to Islam contrasts sharply with Judaism, which has strict conversion processes.
Exploring Tribalism in Abrahamic Religions: The Case of Hasidic Jews
- Analysis of tribalism within Abrahamic religions as seen through the lens of different Jewish sects.
- Discussion on mating preferences in the Hasidic community, highlighting the unique cultural practices.
- Reflection on how inherent 'us versus them' distinctions play a role in conflicts, such as the Shia-Sunni divide.
Exploring Beliefs: EO Wilson's Insights on Human Nature and Religion
- Discussion on the tension between cultural conditioning and inherent human desires reflected in Hasidic beliefs.
- Reference to EO Wilson's theories on genes and culture, highlighting his quote 'genes hold culture on a leash.'
- Analysis of the 'god of the gaps' argument in relation to faith, showcased through a dialogue between the host and a practicing Jew.
The Universe and Beliefs: The Intersection of Science, Faith, and Epistemic Humility
- Exploration of cosmological theories including the Big Bang and the concept of 'middle world' as introduced by Richard Dawkins.
- Debate on the differences between scientific knowledge as provisional and religious beliefs as absolute truths.
- Examination of how physicists and scientists approach understanding the universe, emphasizing the need for openness to new data.
Lee Smolin and the Mind-Blowing Theory of Cosmological Natural Selection
- Discussion of Lee Smolin's ideas on how natural selection operates at a cosmological level, impacting the existence of universes.
- Exploration of the possibilities in the universe and humanity's desire for improvement and innovation.
- Analysis of the ongoing human quest for progress that eventually led to artificial intelligence.
Omar Khadr's Controversial Settlement and Canada's Welfare Ideology
- Overview of Omar Khadr's background, including his role in a firefight and subsequent imprisonment at Guantanamo Bay.
- Details of the Canadian government's $10.5 million settlement and public outrage surrounding it.
- Discussion of the implications of welfare ideologies in Canada as illustrated through Khadr's case and the broader societal reactions.
Jordan Peterson Battles Bill C16 in the Canadian Senate Over Gender Identity Laws
- Jordan Peterson argues against the vague definitions in Bill C16 that could classify standard academic discussions as hate crimes.
- He criticizes the notion from Harvard University that biological essentialism promotes transphobia, claiming it undermines legitimate scientific inquiry.
- Peterson recounts a heated exchange with Senator Joel, who accused him of promoting genocide due to his evolutionary psychology views.
The Ideological War on Evolutionary Psychology: Resistance from Academia and Cultural Norms
- Critics like PZ Myers view evolutionary psychology as pseudoscience while supporting evolutionary explanations for non-human species.
- Prominent evolutionists such as Stephen Jay Gould oppose evolutionary psychology due to perceived threats to their ideological beliefs.
- Peterson discusses societal discomfort with biological determinism, suggesting that people prefer beliefs that allow for greater social and personal malleability.
The Rock vs. Social Justice: Exploring Prejudice and Body Image
- Discussion on societal prejudices against successful individuals like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and how body image affects perception.
- Critique of social justice warrior attitudes towards equality and superiority, questioning if they undermine meritocracy.
- Meditation on the male gaze and its implications in modern feminism, highlighting inconsistencies in views about women's attire.
Brett Weinstein and the Oppression Olympics: A Case Study in Victimhood
- Brett Weinstein's experiences at Evergreen College exemplifying tribalism in social justice movements.
- Discussion on the concept of collective Munchausen syndrome as a critique of social justice warriors competing for victim status.
- Analysis of how political correctness and the pursuit of truth are challenged by contemporary academic discourse.
Victimology Clash: The Controversy Surrounding Cisgender Identity and Sexual Orientation
- Discussion on the professor's hesitance to address students' feelings of marginalization while sharing their own victim experiences.
- Exploration of cis sexism as a concept, where heterosexual males are accused of being transphobic for limiting their attraction to cisgender women.
- Debate on the fluidity of gender identification and societal beauty standards, questioning the roles of appearance in gender identity.
The Psychological Mechanisms Behind Trump's Appeal and Voter Behavior Analysis
- Analysis of how psychological decision-making processes influenced individuals' votes for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton.
- Introduction of the lexical graphic rule, emphasizing that voters may prioritize single issues, like immigration, over a comprehensive evaluation of candidates.
- Discussion of the backlash faced by individuals analyzing Trump critically, highlighting the challenges of maintaining objectivity in political discourse.
Exploring the Dark Consequences of False Rape Accusations: The Case of a Wrongly Imprisoned Man
- Discusses the horrific implications of both rape and false rape accusations, emphasizing how both acts strip humanity.
- Debates the inadequacy of punishments for false accusers, suggesting they should be severe to match the damage caused.
- Highlights the moral responsibility of false accusers and the metaphorical rape of the falsely accused enduring suffering in prison.
Randy Thornhill and Kreg Palmer: Unpacking the Evolutionary Basis of Rape
- Introduces the controversial book by scholars Randy Thornhill and Kreg Palmer that investigates the evolutionary explanations for rape.
- Discusses the backlash Thornhill faced, including death threats, for presenting scientific insights that challenge societal norms.
- Explores the broader implications of understanding violent behaviors through an evolutionary lens, addressing backlash from progressive circles.
Tupac Shakur and Madonna: The Politics of Preference in Relationships
- Discussion on racial preferences in dating and the implications of stating attraction to certain ethnicities.
- Mention of Tupac Shakur's breakup with Madonna and his controversial reasons behind it.
- Analysis of societal stereotypes regarding attraction to different body types and races.
The Stylistics and Identity in Soul Music: From Legacy to Modern Performances
- Excitement over the potential interview with Russell Thompkins Jr. of The Stylistics.
- Reflection on the decline of synchronized performances in music and its cultural significance.
- Discussion of past music interests and disappointment regarding the high cost of booking classic artists for events.
Jay-Z and Kanye’s $6 Million Dubai Performance and Jenna Jackson’s Cultural Shift
- Jay-Z and Kanye West performed in Dubai for six million dollars, highlighting the vast sums paid to mega stars.
- Discussion includes cultural challenges, such as Jenna Jackson's marriage to an oil sheikh and her adoption of the burka.
- Comedian Hal Sparks faced potential arrest in Dubai for disrespecting royal customs, emphasizing the risks entertainers take when performing abroad.
Dana White's Birthday Bash: A Comedy Reflection on Celebrity Events
- The host reflects on his experience at Dana White's birthday party featuring the Stone Temple Pilots, noting the audience's lack of engagement.
- He discusses the subjective nature of comedy compared to other art forms and the pressure on comedians to connect with diverse audiences.
- A conversation about the evolution of humor incorporates a recent discovery of an Italian comedian thriving post-struggle in the comedy industry.
Joe Rogan and the Art of Internal Reflection in Comedy
- Rogan discusses the necessity for comedians to accept responsibility for their performances rather than blaming the audience.
- He emphasizes the importance of feedback from professional comics over regular audiences, highlighting the potential pitfall of comic ego.
- The talk reveals insights on the distinction between effective comedic performances and those that fail due to lack of audience engagement.
Conor McGregor's Meteoric Rise and the Role of Trash Talk
- Rogan explores Conor McGregor's unique ability to capture public attention through his charismatic trash talking.
- He draws parallels between McGregor's promotional techniques and sports legends like Muhammad Ali.
- The conversation touches on the cultural dynamics of sports commentary and public perception, discussing how personalities shape narratives in combat sports.
Louis CK's Performance: The Complex Relationship Between Comedians and Their Audiences
- Discussion on the relatable connection between comedians like Louis CK and their audiences during performances.
- Exploration of how personal emotions, such as disputes at home, affect a comedian's ability to perform.
- Insights on the psychological connection forged when audiences allow comedians to guide their thoughts.
Gad Saad on Regret: The Psychological Dynamics and Its Impact on Performance
- Gad Saad emphasizes the significance of understanding regret in personal and professional contexts.
- Anecdotes about how feelings of remorse influence performance on stage compared to feelings of exoneration.
- Announcement of a future discussion on the psychology of regret and its implications.