On the edges of knowledge | Michael Shermer vs Rupert Sheldrake
Dec 12, 2023
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Renowned scientists, Michael Shermer and Rupert Sheldrake, engage in a head-to-head debate on accessing scientific knowledge. They discuss the limits of human understanding, rationality, materialism, prejudice, integrating alternative theories of physics, and the burden of proof in scientific debates.
Rupert Sheldrake calls for the investigation of ordinary phenomena and criticizes skeptics for promoting censorship in science.
Michael Shermer emphasizes the importance of strong evidence and replication before accepting alternative theories.
Deep dives
The Debate: Accessing Scientific Knowledge
This podcast episode features a debate between radical scientist Rupert Sheldrake and skeptic Michael Shermer on the topic of accessing scientific knowledge. Sheldrake questions the limits of science and criticizes skeptics for promoting censorship. He argues for the investigation of ordinary phenomena such as the sense of being stared at or telephone telepathy, claiming that there is compelling evidence for these experiences. Shermer, on the other hand, argues for a scientific and rational approach, stating that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. He emphasizes the importance of replication and the need for strong evidence before overthrowing established scientific theories. The debate revolves around the burden of proof, the role of evidence, and the influence of prevailing scientific paradigms.
The Challenges of Scientific Understanding
The conversation delves into the challenges of scientific understanding and the struggle to determine what constitutes knowledge. Both Sheldrake and Shermer recognize the value of evidence, reason, and argumentation in scientific inquiry. However, they differ in their perspectives. Sheldrake argues that science should explore topics that are currently ignored or deemed taboo, such as the mysteries of everyday life. He criticizes skeptics for maintaining a fixed belief system and engaging in confirmation bias. Meanwhile, Shermer takes a more conservative approach, highlighting the necessity for strong evidence and the need to replicate findings before accepting alternative theories. They discuss the sociological aspects of science and the process by which ideas become accepted within the scientific community.
Scientific Paradigms and Evolving Knowledge
The episode highlights the influence of scientific paradigms and prevailing beliefs on the acceptance of certain ideas. Sheldrake argues that materialistic views of the mind limit scientific exploration in understanding consciousness and phenomena beyond the brain. He calls for a broader worldview that includes the study of consciousness as an essential aspect of reality. Shermer acknowledges the existence of alternative theories and the importance of open-mindedness, but also emphasizes the necessity for strong evidence to challenge established scientific theories. They discuss historical examples where unconventional ideas eventually gained acceptance, illustrating the evolving nature of scientific knowledge.
The Intersection of Science and Society
The debate touches upon the intersection of science and society, addressing the implications of different worldviews on various fields, such as medicine. Sheldrake suggests that a more holistic worldview, incorporating alternative therapies, could emerge, benefiting from comparative effectiveness research. He critiques the skepticism and lack of funding towards alternative and complementary medicine. Shermer raises concerns about the reliability and replicability of alternative theories, urging caution before incorporating them into mainstream scientific understanding. They acknowledge the social and political factors that can influence scientific paradigms and foresee potential shifts in consciousness driven by environmental concerns and the need for a more balanced relationship between humanity and nature.
What is it possible to know? Is the physical universe all there is, or is the immaterial part of reality too? Join radical scientist, Rupert Sheldrake, and world-leading sceptic, Michael Shermer, as they go head-to-head on where the edges of knowledge lie. Güneş Taylor hosts.
Michael Shermer is a famous science writer, historian of science, founder of The Skeptics Society, and editor-in-chief of its magazine 'Skeptic'.
Rupert Sheldrake is an English scientist whose research into parapsychology and evolution led to the theory of morphic resonance, expounded in the book A New Science of Life. The theory posits that "memory is inherent in nature" which makes it possible for "telepathy-type interconnections between organisms." Other topics he has written and spoken on include precognition, the relationships between spirituality and science and the psychic staring effect. Sheldrake's most recent book is Science and Spiritual Practices (2017).