Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic magazine and author on rationalism, discusses the rising tide of conspiracy thinking and its political roots. He argues against the narratives of well-known conspiracies and critiques how wokeness impacts science, compromising research integrity. Shermer emphasizes the need for open discourse in academia and reflects on the evolution of individual rights, particularly in contentious areas like sports and morality. He also sheds light on the phenomenon of UFO sightings, likening it to social contagion and misinterpretation.
53:25
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Departure from Scientific American
Michael Shermer discusses his departure from Scientific American after 214 monthly columns.
His columns on sensitive topics like race and childhood trauma were rejected due to editorial concerns about reader harm.
insights INSIGHT
Scientific American's Woke Shift
Scientific American's editor, Laura Helmuth, was dismissed due to tweets.
She shifted the magazine's content towards woke DEI-type content, including an editorial criticizing Star Wars' Jedi for being white, male, and using "phallic laser swords."
insights INSIGHT
No Longer Woke
Michael Shermer explains why he no longer identifies as "woke."
He believes the term has shifted from its original meaning of social awareness to a different, more radical ideology.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this book, Thomas Sowell explores the fundamental differences in visions of human nature that underlie many political and ideological disputes. He identifies two primary visions: the 'constrained' vision, which sees human nature as inherently self-centered and limited by systemic processes, and the 'unconstrained' vision, which views human nature as malleable and perfectible through societal intervention. Sowell argues that these visions shape opinions on a wide range of issues, from justice and equality to power and social institutions. The book blends history, economics, philosophy, and law to provide a comprehensive understanding of these conflicting visions and their implications for political thought and action.
The Blank Slate
Steven Pinker
Conspiracy
Ryan Holiday
In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.
The moral arc
Michael Shermer
"Even paranoids have real enemies," said the poet Delmore Schwartz, who was both clinically paranoid and definitely on to something, according to today's guest: Michael Shermer, the founder of Skeptic magazine, Substack superstar, and author of many best-selling books about rationalism, the evolution of morality, and pseudoscience.
He quotes Schwartz in his latest book, Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational, to drive home the point that big, world-changing secret plots happen all the time, but there are reliable ways for us to decide whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, 9/11 was an inside job, or vaccines cause autism. For the record, Shermer says yes, no, and no on those counts.
Reason's Nick Gillespie talks with Shermer about whether conspiracy thinking is on the rise, whether it's coded left or right, how wokeness poisons science, and whether the reelection of Donald Trump means free thought is ascendant. This interview was recorded at a live event in New York City in January. Sign up for invites to and news about Reason's New York events here.
The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie 
