Amor Mundi Podcast Special Series, Thinking the Plague: Thinking in Dark Times
Apr 16, 2020
auto_awesome
Coping Strategies for Internet Distractions, Creating Spaces for Conversations, Exploring the Consequences of COVID-19 on human dignity, The Bias of Experts and the Prejudice of Scientism, Personal Story of Work and Healthcare Dilemmas, Rise of Populism and Anti-Establishment Sentiment, Revitalizing Democracy Through Citizen Juries and Assemblies.
Physical spaces like cafes play a vital role in enhancing thinking and productivity by providing a conducive environment and a sense of accountability.
The focus on narrow problem-solving by experts can lead to unintended consequences and the neglect of essential aspects like human dignity and personal freedom.
The discontent towards the liberal elite and professional thinkers reflects the need for genuine efforts to bridge the gap and involve different perspectives to address the concerns of the disenfranchised majority.
Deep dives
The Importance of Physical Spaces for Thinking
The conversation in the podcast episode emphasizes the significance of physical spaces, such as cafes, for thinking and the generation of ideas. The speakers discuss how being in a cafe, away from distractions and surrounded by others, enhances their ability to read, write, and engage in intellectual pursuits. They highlight the importance of the public presence in a cafe and the accountability it brings to maintaining focus and productivity. The loss of such spaces, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has affected their thinking processes and productivity.
The Bias of Experts and the Narrow Focus of Problem-Solving
The podcast delves into the bias of experts, as discussed by Friedrich Hayek, and its implications. The experts, while proficient in solving specific problems and issues, tend to overlook the broader consequences of their actions. The speakers critique the narrow focus of problem-solving and how it may result in unintended repercussions. They argue that experts' inclination to solve one problem can lead to the neglect of other essential aspects, such as human dignity, community, and personal freedom.
The Rise of Populism and the Disenfranchisement of the Majority
The episode explores the rise of populism and the discontent expressed by a significant portion of the population towards the liberal elite and professional thinkers. It highlights the frustration of those who feel unheard or ignored by the system and experts. The speakers address the need for the system to genuinely acknowledge and address the concerns of this disenfranchised majority. They suggest that without a genuine effort to bridge the gap and involve different perspectives, the cycle of populism and discontent will likely persist for years or even generations.
The danger of experts failing to see reality
The podcast episode discusses the danger of professional thinkers and experts failing to acknowledge reality. The speaker mentions the Italian philosopher Georgi O'Gumbin, who argued that the COVID-19 pandemic is just the flu, and governments are using it as an excuse for disciplinary actions. The speaker disagrees with O'Gumbin, stating that he applied his theory without considering the actual facts. The episode emphasizes that experts often interpret facts to fit their theories, which can lead to a lack of objectivity. This failure to see reality is seen as a dangerous prejudice that prevents experts from understanding other perspectives.
The rebellion against experts and elites
The podcast explores the rising populism and the rejection of experts and elites. The speaker notes that a majority of people in the world do not share the views of the largely college-educated class who have dominated politics for the past 60 years. This class, which includes both left and right-wing ideologues, believes in internationalism, multiculturalism, and the idea that government can solve all problems. However, many people reject these views and feel that traditional institutions have failed them. The episode suggests that the current rebellion against experts is a global phenomenon, with populist leaders attracting followers who are distrustful of the established class.
This is episode 6,”Thinking in Dark Times.” It features the Arendt Center's Founder and Director Roger Berkowitz and Samantha Hill, Assistant Director of the Hannah Arendt Center, in a wide-ranging conversation about thinking during the time of the plague.
Podcast editing and music by Andy Evan Cohen. Additional narration by Janet Bentley.
Illustration by Grant Barnhart.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode