Honestly with Bari Weiss
What We're Listening To: Richard Dawkins on UnHerd
Aug 31, 2023
Richard Dawkins, the influential evolutionary biologist and author, joins Freddie Sayers, host of UnHerd, for a stimulating conversation. They tackle a range of provocative topics including the skepticism surrounding science, the intersection of science and spirituality, and the implications of cancel culture. Dawkins also shares insights on the evolution of human beliefs and their connection to morality. The discussion dives into contemporary issues like vaccine trust during the COVID-19 pandemic and the intriguing possibility of extraterrestrial life.
58:18
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Quick takeaways
- Scientific authority and trust in science were damaged during the pandemic, highlighting the need for more modest claims, informed decision-making, and reevaluation of scientific systems.
- The world has seen a shift towards tribalism and nationalism, but biologist Richard Dawkins believes in promoting a global, cooperative society where rigid group identities are overcome.
Deep dives
The COVID era and the damage to scientific authority
During the COVID era, scientific authority and trust in science were damaged due to over-promised vaccine effectiveness, changing information about transmission, and heavy-handed mandates. The speed of vaccine development was a scientific triumph, but the messaging and evolving information created mistrust. The scientific community needs to be more modest in its claims and allow individuals to make informed decisions. The pandemic also highlighted issues with the peer review system, funding, and how universities protect their faculty. Constructive criticism and reevaluation of these systems are needed.
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