The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

154. Abandon Ideology | Gad Saad

Feb 14, 2021

Gad Saad, a Canadian-Lebanese evolutionary psychologist and author of The Parasitic Mind, discusses the concept of ideas as parasites affecting societal norms and common sense. He critiques postmodernism and social constructivism for their assault on truth, emphasizing the need for critical thinking. The conversation navigates the challenges within gender ideologies, academia's ideological shifts, and the influence of irrational beliefs stemming from both left and right ideologies. Saad advocates for a balanced approach to understanding knowledge and truth.

02:03:46

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\"Gad Saad\"

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Episode notes

Intro

5min

The Parasitic Nature of Ideas and Their Impact on Human Behavior

5min

Embracing Entrepreneurial Spirit in the New Year

2min

Infectious Ideas: The Parasitic Nature of Ideologies

30min

Navigating Gender Ideologies and Cultural Relativism

2min

The Ideological Shift in Academia

25min

The Parasitic Nature of Complex Ideas

2min

Navigating Complexity in Philosophy and Science

15min

Unraveling Evolutionary Psychology

16min

10.

The Epistemology of Truth vs. Postmodernism

18min

11.

Reflections on Recent Publications and Meaningful Conversations

2min

12.

Exploring the Intersection of Biological Roles and Ideals

2min

This episode was recorded on January 18, 2021.

Gad Saad and I discuss, among other topics, ideas as parasites, postmodernism, social constructivism, applying evolutionary thinking to understand humans’ consummatory nature, epistemic humility, nomological networks, the degrees of assault on truth, and more.

Gad Saad is a Canadian-Lebanese evolutionary psychologist, professor, and author. He is best known for his work applying evolutionary psychology to marketing and consumer behavior. His most popular book is The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense. He is currently a professor at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.

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