Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 219 | Dani Bassett and Perry Zurn on the Neuroscience and Philosophy of Curiosity
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Nov 28, 2022 Dani Bassett, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, and Perry Zurn, a philosopher at American University, dive deep into the nature of curiosity. They explore its dual aspects—enhancing social connections but also leading to polarization. The duo categorizes curiosity into styles like the ‘busybody’ and ‘hunter,’ highlighting how these can influence collaboration. They also delve into curiosity's role in social justice, discuss academia's tension between curiosity and focus, and examine the neuroscience behind curiosity as a cognitive process.
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The Paradox of Curiosity
- Curiosity is often praised but not always supported in practice.
- Societal structures influence which curiosities are encouraged and which are not.
Connecting the Dots of Knowledge
- Curiosity is not just acquiring information, but connecting it.
- Connected knowledge creates a usable structure, unlike isolated facts.
Socratic Curiosity and Flexibility
- Socrates, known for his questioning, didn't seek answers but aimed to create gaps in knowledge.
- This 'aporia' fostered flexibility in thinking.
