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Intelligence Squared

Julia Shaw and Rosamund Urwin on the Science Behind Humanity's Dark Side

Apr 19, 2019
Join Julia Shaw, a German-Canadian psychologist and author of "Making Evil", alongside journalist Rosamund Urwin from The Sunday Times, as they delve into humanity's dark side. They challenge societal narratives around masculinity and violence, question the nature of evil, and discuss the unsettling allure of aggression. The conversation highlights how AI mirrors societal biases and emphasizes the importance of compassion in understanding misjudged behaviors like creepiness and aggression. A thought-provoking exploration of morality and empathy awaits!
59:25

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Labeling individuals as 'evil' hinders our self-reflection on moral complexities and the capacity for wrongdoing within ourselves.
  • Our fascination with violence in media reflects an instinctual curiosity that allows us to confront fears without real-life consequences.

Deep dives

The Concept of Evil

The discussion centers around the provocative idea that the term 'evil' may not be a useful concept. Labeling someone as evil distances us from recognizing our own potential for wrongdoing. Instead of viewing evil as a binary state that separates individuals from ourselves, it is more productive to understand that humans are capable of both good and bad actions. This perspective encourages introspection and a willingness to confront our own moral complexities and potential failings.

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