The Michael Shermer Show
Matt Ridley, Steven Pinker, and Michael Shermer Challenge Conventional Narratives
Sep 13, 2024
Join cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, known for his best-selling works on human nature, and author Matt Ridley, famous for his optimistic take on progress, as they tackle essential topics. They discuss the lessons from COVID-19 and the importance of data-driven public health decisions. The conversation delves into the debates surrounding DEI in academia, the dynamics of human behavior influenced by genetics, and the optimistic potential of artificial intelligence to enhance human rationality and innovation.
56:42
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights how historical perspectives reveal significant societal advancements in health and economic growth, particularly in African nations, despite contemporary challenges.
- The discussion critically addresses the ineffectiveness of COVID-19 lockdowns and urges a reevaluation of government responses based on nuanced data analysis.
Deep dives
The Illusion of Progress
The discussion emphasizes that while contemporary society faces numerous challenges, such as regional conflicts, pandemics, and political polarization, it is essential to evaluate historical contexts to gauge progress. Cognitive psychology suggests that our perception of risk is often skewed by availability bias, leading to an inflated sense of despair in today's troubles compared to the past. By analyzing statistics, such as battle deaths per capita over time, it becomes clear that many indicators of human welfare, such as longevity and decreased child mortality, have improved significantly over the decades. Thus, the argument is made that while problems persist, today's issues cannot overshadow the many advancements achieved by society.
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