Faithful Politics Marc J. Defant on Evolutionary Psychology, Feminist Studies, and the Limits of Academic Rigor
In this episode of Faithful Politics, we’re joined by Marc J. Defant, a professor of geology and geochemistry at the University of South Florida, to discuss his controversial peer-reviewed paper Evolutionary Psychology and the Crisis of Empirical Rigor in Feminist Studies.
Marc explains how his scientific training shaped his concerns about how some areas of feminist scholarship handle evidence, critique, and falsifiability. We walk through the core claims of evolutionary psychology, how it differs from social constructionism, and why Marc believes certain academic fields have shifted away from empirical methods toward ideological frameworks.
The conversation also explores academic peer review, cancel culture, emotional safety versus intellectual inquiry, and what universities lose when dissenting ideas are treated as harm rather than arguments. Along the way, Marc reflects on backlash to his work, the changing culture of higher education, and why he thinks truth-seeking requires discomfort.
- Marc's website: https://www.marcdefant.com/
- Article discuss: Evolutionary Psychology and the Crisis of Empirical Rigor in Feminist Studies https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s12119-025-10465-7?sharing_token=xhLL_kUU3AJoozWOStCtNPe4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY7qhjlkYrDnv0nFUr1VvYzTCYBHSTVW-yEPNQylsA981gK0c23F0a6k3aPlfqm7DyZEyCJfPpG8vxwrAaQNK1T4wUIgNwdfhLSIcCOOkeI5yj6S2np70SCryX2HcwsAUaQ%3D
Guest Bio
Marc J. Defant is a professor of geology and geochemistry at the University of South Florida. Trained as a physical scientist, his academic work spans volcanology, geochemistry, and evolutionary psychology. In recent years, he has published peer-reviewed research examining methodological weaknesses in feminist studies and critiques of evolutionary psychology. Marc has appeared on platforms including TEDx, The Joe Rogan Experience, and numerous academic and media outlets, where he focuses on e
🎧 Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, get in touch with the hosts, or suggest a future guest?
👉 Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com
📚 Check out our Bookstore – Featuring titles from our amazing guests:
faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore
❤️ Support the show – Help us keep the conversation going:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics
📩 Reach out to us:
- Faithful Host, Josh Burtram: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com
- Political Host, Will Wright: Will@faithfulpolitics.com
📱 Follow & connect with us:
- Twitter/X: @FaithfulPolitik
- Instagram: faithful_politics
- Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
- LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics
📰 Subscribe to our Substack for behind-the-scenes content:
faithfulpolitics.substack.com