Conversations with Peter Boghossian
David Deutsch, Peter Boghossian, & Reid Nicewonder Talk Fermi Paradox, Ideological Contagion, & More!
Mar 5, 2024
David Deutsch, a philosopher and theoretical physicist, joins Peter Boghossian and Reid Nicewonder, President of Street Epistemology International, for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the contagious nature of ideologies, particularly how social justice narratives affect open discourse and peer-reviewed literature. Delving into the Fermi Paradox, they question why we haven't discovered extraterrestrial life. The trio underscores the need for reason, courage, and critical thinking in navigating ideological conflicts and fostering meaningful dialogue.
01:30:39
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Quick takeaways
- The contagious nature of ideologies, akin to mind viruses, often obscures critical thinking and leads to intellectual pitfalls in discourse.
- Postmodernism is framed as a significant threat to Western civilization, undermining objective truth and eroding foundations of rational thought.
Deep dives
The Ideology of Wokeness
The episode discusses the phenomenon of individuals embracing ideologies like wokeness, which can be likened to a mind virus. Participants often enter these belief systems voluntarily, believing that they are expanding their understanding and awakening to truths previously unknown to them. This subjective feeling of enlightenment can create a disconnect, as individuals might not recognize the limitations imposed by their newfound ideologies. This dynamic mirrors that of cults, where adherence to belief systems is often built on social pressures and fear of losing personal relationships.
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