Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal David Sloan Wilson interview on Group Selection, Memes, and Western Values
David Sloan Wilson, an evolutionary biologist and Distinguished Professor, delves into essential questions about Western values and group selection. He argues that our political ideologies are at odds with evolutionary principles and explores the challenges of identity politics. The conversation also highlights the need for a 'whole Earth ethic' to promote cooperation. Wilson examines human instincts for self-interest against the backdrop of collective well-being, ultimately advocating for inclusive values to navigate cultural evolution and societal challenges.
02:45:43
Multi-Level Selection and Microbiomes
- Multi-level selection expands on group selection, considering levels from genes to ecosystems.
- Microbiomes are important, showing we are ecosystems ourselves, not just genes.
Identity Politics and Tribalism
- Identity politics prioritizes a narrow social identity, creating an us-versus-them mentality.
- Humans navigate multiple identities, but prioritizing narrow ones is problematic.
Nature's Lack of Harmony
- Nature doesn't inherently favor harmony; species pursue individual strategies.
- 'Ecological regimes', like human regimes, can be stable but also harmful.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right 14 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 3min
Crisis of Values and Identity Politics
03:04 • 22min
The Whole Earth Ethic: Evolution and Ethics
25:00 • 18min
Understanding Group Dynamics and Human Instincts
43:30 • 7min
Self-Interest and Cooperation: A Philosophical Exploration
50:11 • 11min
Social Constructivism and Cultural Evolution
01:01:13 • 24min
Examining Nordic Immigration Policies and Societal Success
01:25:30 • 4min
Exploring Political Systems and Social Cooperation
01:29:37 • 12min
Cultural Adaptation: Surviving vs. Thriving
01:42:07 • 4min
Navigating Indigenous Rights and Moral Complexity
01:45:44 • 24min
Innovation Oases: The Key Elements for Cultural Adaptability
02:09:48 • 2min
Harnessing the Power of a Commerce Platform for Business Success
02:12:13 • 2min
Innovation Oases: Diversity and Collaboration
02:13:53 • 8min
Exploring Evolution, Gender, and Consciousness
02:22:00 • 17min
#1994
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Goodness Paradox
Richard Wrangham
#13027
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Ultrasociety
Peter Turchin
In 'Ultrasociety', Peter Turchin argues that war has been a crucial factor in the evolution of human cooperation, leading to the formation of large, complex societies.
He uses the science of cultural evolution to explain how conflict has shaped human history, creating both destructive and creative outcomes.
The book challenges traditional views on cooperation and conflict, offering insights into the paradoxical role of war in fostering peace and societal advancement.
#6896
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Darwin Economy
Liberty, Competition, and the Common Good
Robert H. Frank
In 'The Darwin Economy,' Robert H. Frank challenges the traditional libertarian view of economics by arguing that Charles Darwin's principles of natural selection provide a more accurate model for understanding economic competition.
Frank contends that the 'invisible hand' of Adam Smith often fails in cases where the value of goods is relative rather than absolute, leading to collective action problems and market failures.
He proposes policy changes, such as consumption taxes and 'sin taxes,' to address these issues and promote a more equitable distribution of wealth.
The book highlights examples of 'positional consumption' and how individual self-interest can harm the community as a whole, drawing parallels with biological phenomena like runaway sexual selection.
#449
• Mentioned in 45 episodes
Why Nations Fail
The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty
James A. Robinson
Daron Acemoglu
Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson argue that the success or failure of nations is determined by their political and economic institutions.
They present a comprehensive theory based on 15 years of research, using historical examples from the Roman Empire, the Mayan city-states, the Soviet Union, and various other regions to demonstrate how inclusive institutions foster economic growth and prosperity, while extractive institutions lead to poverty and stagnation.
The authors discuss critical questions such as China's economic growth, the future of the United States, and the most effective ways to help countries move from poverty to prosperity.
#134
• Mentioned in 107 episodes
The selfish gene
Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins
In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication.
The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms.
Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior.
The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today.
#7778
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Elbow room
Daniel C. Dennett
Daniel Dennett's "Elbow Room" is a philosophical exploration of free will and determinism.
Dennett argues for a compatibilist view, suggesting that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive.
He challenges the traditional notion of libertarian free will, which posits that our actions are not causally determined.
Instead, he proposes a more nuanced understanding of freedom as the ability to act according to one's reasons and beliefs, even within a deterministic framework.
The book explores the implications of this view for moral responsibility and the nature of human agency.
Dennett's work is known for its clarity and accessibility, making complex philosophical ideas understandable to a wider audience.
#4557
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
The spirit level
Richard Wilkinson
Kate Pickett
The Spirit Level, based on thirty years of research, demonstrates that more equal societies have better health outcomes, lower levels of violence, fewer teenage pregnancies, and higher education and well-being.
The authors show that income inequality is detrimental to everyone in society, not just the poor, and that it erodes trust, increases anxiety and illness, and encourages excessive consumption.
The book presents comprehensive data and analyses to support the argument that greater equality leads to a more sustainable and friendlier society.
#2202
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
The Master Switch
The Rise and Fall of Information Empires
Tim Wu
In 'The Master Switch,' Tim Wu explores the pattern of how new communications technologies are introduced by innovators and eventually coopted by major corporate interests, leading to centralized control and the loss of openness and freedom.
The book chronicles this cycle through various mediums such as radio, telegraph, telephone, and film, and questions whether the internet will follow the same path.
Wu advocates for a 'Separations Principle' to keep content, communications, and electronics industries separate to prevent monopolistic control and ensure the continued openness of the information economy.
#2803
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Rule Breakers and Rule Makers
null
David Gardner
In "Rule Breakers and Rule Makers," David Gardner outlines his investment philosophy centered around identifying and holding disruptive companies for the long term.
He details the characteristics he looks for in 'Rule Breaker' stocks, emphasizing factors like strong management, sustainable competitive advantages, and significant consumer appeal.
The book also includes case studies of his successful and unsuccessful investments, illustrating the principles of his strategy.
Gardner's approach prioritizes identifying companies poised for significant growth, even if they appear overvalued in the short term.
The book serves as a guide for investors seeking to replicate his long-term success.
#28057
Innovation Oasis
Not Available
Victor W. Hwang
No detailed description available for 'Innovation Oasis'.
However, Victor W. Hwang is known for his work on innovation ecosystems and has written influential books on the subject.
In this episode Curt Jaimungal talks with evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson about group selection, memes, and the challenges facing Western values. They explore how evolutionary theory intersects with politics, identity, and culture, and discuss the upcoming documentary Better Left Unsaid.
- 00:00:00 - Introduction
- 00:01:54 - Is "the West" losing its values? What are those values?
- 00:05:24 - Multi-level selection vs. Group Selection
- 00:11:10 - The political right vs left in terms of level of evolutionary selection
- 00:12:51 - Identity Politics framed in terms of group selection (plus a definition of Identity Politics)
- 00:15:04 - Why can't a propitious argument made FOR Identity Politics?
- 00:20:05 - How can we adopt a "whole Earth ethic" as a country, when others don't adopt it?
- 00:23:47 - What do humans need to behave "selflessly" when animals get along with doing so?
- 00:28:16 - Link between evolutionary theory and Buddhism
- 00:30:00 - Humans are built to cooperate in small groups (not large)
- 00:32:49 - We've selected ourselves for timidity
- 00:38:03 - A synoptic view of "This View of Life" and the need for encompassing values
- 00:38:32 - Classical economics (and some contemporary) is wrong and unadaptive
- 00:40:44 - If we've been selected for altruism, why is it difficult?
- 00:44:54 - Carl Jung and selfish acts being unselfish (because they harm you in the long-run)
- 00:50:24 - A $1000 suit isn't to look good, but to look BETTER than the guy with a $500 suit
- 00:53:00 - How good is altruism as a motivational agent for behavior?
- 00:55:54 - Tribalism is the answer, not the problem
- 00:57:05 - Problems with Social Constructionism
- 00:59:18 - Postmodernism and David Sloan Wilson's issues with it
- 01:03:28 - Women's studies / LGBTQ studies / etc. utilizing "tribal circuitry"
- 01:06:53 - The "Ultimatum Game" in evolutionary psychology
- 01:09:55 - On this "tribal circuitry" again
- 01:17:40 - On the Nordic countries and the "homogeneity" argument
- 01:23:58 - Is communism more adaptive than capitalism?
- 01:28:31 - "Tight and loose" compared to totalitarian systems (existential security)
- 01:31:38 - Which memes are prius to liberalism?
- 01:36:28 - Are the Inuit less adapted than the White Europeans who invented centralized heating?
- 01:42:37 - Is virtue as "honesty / forthrightness / generosity" a human universal given most studies are done on Westerners?
- 01:45:10 - Is David Sloan Wilson a moral relativist?
- 01:47:38 - The effects of arcane disciplines in Universities spreading outward to the culture
- 01:49:47 - Evolutionary theory as a unifying language for the disparate fields of science
- 01:54:05 - "When does the left go too far?"
- 01:56:18 - Memes that last so long they affect our evolution
- 01:57:26 - Dawkin's concept of "gene" was problematic, and thus so is "meme"
- 02:00:06 - Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore on memes and Jung
- 02:02:10 - Chomskyan grammar and Pinker's language instinct is wrong
- 02:04:06 - On Victor Huang's "innovation oasis"
RESOURCES:
- YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3fG96gvgLU
- https://twitter.com/David_S_Wilson
- http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com
- 00:00:00 - Introduction
- 00:01:54 - Is "the West" losing its values? What are those values?
- 00:05:24 - Multi-level selection vs. Group Selection
- 00:11:10 - The political right vs left in terms of level of evolutionary selection
- 00:12:51 - Identity Politics framed in terms of group selection (plus a definition of Identity Politics)
- 00:15:04 - Why can't a propitious argument made FOR Identity Politics?
- 00:20:05 - How can we adopt a "whole Earth ethic" as a country, when others don't adopt it?
- 00:23:47 - What do humans need to behave "selflessly" when animals get along with doing so?
- 00:28:16 - Link between evolutionary theory and Buddhism
- 00:30:00 - Humans are built to cooperate in small groups (not large)
- 00:32:49 - We've selected ourselves for timidity
- 00:38:03 - A synoptic view of "This View of Life" and the need for encompassing values
- 00:38:32 - Classical economics (and some contemporary) is wrong and unadaptive
- 00:40:44 - If we've been selected for altruism, why is it difficult?
- 00:44:54 - Carl Jung and selfish acts being unselfish (because they harm you in the long-run)
- 00:50:24 - A $1000 suit isn't to look good, but to look BETTER than the guy with a $500 suit
- 00:53:00 - How good is altruism as a motivational agent for behavior?
- 00:55:54 - Tribalism is the answer, not the problem
- 00:57:05 - Problems with Social Constructionism
- 00:59:18 - Postmodernism and David Sloan Wilson's issues with it
- 01:03:28 - Women's studies / LGBTQ studies / etc. utilizing "tribal circuitry"
- 01:06:53 - The "Ultimatum Game" in evolutionary psychology
- 01:09:55 - On this "tribal circuitry" again
- 01:17:40 - On the Nordic countries and the "homogeneity" argument
- 01:23:58 - Is communism more adaptive than capitalism?
- 01:28:31 - "Tight and loose" compared to totalitarian systems (existential security)
- 01:31:38 - Which memes are prius to liberalism?
- 01:36:28 - Are the Inuit less adapted than the White Europeans who invented centralized heating?
- 01:42:37 - Is virtue as "honesty / forthrightness / generosity" a human universal given most studies are done on Westerners?
- 01:45:10 - Is David Sloan Wilson a moral relativist?
- 01:47:38 - The effects of arcane disciplines in Universities spreading outward to the culture
- 01:49:47 - Evolutionary theory as a unifying language for the disparate fields of science
- 01:54:05 - "When does the left go too far?"
- 01:56:18 - Memes that last so long they affect our evolution
- 01:57:26 - Dawkin's concept of "gene" was problematic, and thus so is "meme"
- 02:00:06 - Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore on memes and Jung
- 02:02:10 - Chomskyan grammar and Pinker's language instinct is wrong
- 02:04:06 - On Victor Huang's "innovation oasis"
RESOURCES:
- YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3fG96gvgLU
- https://twitter.com/David_S_Wilson
- http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices