Future Tense Civility, trash talking and more sociable cities
Jan 8, 2026
Dr. Keith Bybee, a professor of Law and Political Science, dives into the complexities of civility and its paradoxes, highlighting how it can both foster cooperation and perpetuate injustices. Rafi Kohan, a freelance writer, reveals the intriguing history and psychology behind trash talk, examining its strategic role in politics and sports. Dr. Saara Liinamaa discusses the Sociable Cities Project, advocating for urban designs that encourage positive social interactions. Finally, Dr. Eduardo Sandoval argues for civility in our interactions with AI, emphasizing its impact on human behavior.
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Episode notes
Civility Is Social Machinery Not Moral Purity
- Civility is outward conformity to social conventions, not necessarily moral virtue.
- Keith Bybee says civility lets diverse people interact without requiring shared values.
Don't Legalise Every Social Norm
- Turning civility into law risks killing social life by overregulation.
- Keith Bybee warns legal enforcement of manners would eliminate necessary flexibility.
The 'Golden Age' Of Civility Is A Myth
- Every generation laments declining civility but complains are constant.
- Keith Bybee argues there was no universal golden age of manners.
