Giving the Devil His Due: In Defense of Free Speech w/ Michael Shermer
Aug 20, 2024
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Michael Shermer, an author and speaker renowned for his advocacy of free speech and skepticism, dives into the vital importance of defending diverse viewpoints. He discusses the dangers of censorship, particularly in academic settings, and reflects on cancel culture's impact during the pandemic. The conversation touches on how stories shape societal norms and proposes unique governance models for Mars. Shermer also explores the balance between the value of life and safety measures in academia, revealing insights into the intertwining of science, spirituality, and existential purpose.
Censorship poses a threat to freedom, as limiting one person's speech could lead to broader restrictions on everyone else's voices.
The internet democratizes information access, yet the overwhelming volume of content can lead to procrastination and hinder creativity.
Effective communication and mentorship in teaching are crucial for fostering student engagement and shaping aspiring thinkers' futures.
Cancel culture raises concerns about self-censorship in academia, which undermines open debate and hinders intellectual growth.
Deep dives
The Nature of the Devil and Free Speech
The concept of the 'devil' is explored as anyone who opposes or disagrees with us, highlighting the necessity of granting free speech to all, even those whose views we find objectionable. This perspective emphasizes that imposing censorship laws can be dangerous, as they may eventually be turned against us when we find ourselves in a minority position. The podcast discusses how technological developments can sometimes be perceived as magical, suggesting that advancements can blur the lines of understanding. The importance of protecting free speech is underscored, especially when considering the historical context where dissenters have faced persecution.
The Paradox of Reading Addiction
Reading is addressed as both a source of knowledge and a potential distraction from creativity, referred to as 'reading addiction.' The participants share their experiences of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of available content online, leading to procrastination and a lack of productivity. Despite the need for discipline to balance reading and work, there's an acknowledgment that much of the available content is of high quality, offering diverse perspectives that were harder to access prior to the internet. This democratization of information encourages the development of more voices and opinions, contributing to a richer intellectual landscape.
The Role of the Writer and Pedagogy
The discussion transitions into the realm of pedagogy and the influences on one's writing style, emphasizing the necessity of effective communication in teaching. The speaker's impressive background, including multiple bestselling books and contributions to notable publications, sets the stage for insights into the intersection between writing and teaching. Teaching is likened to a labor of love, with the importance of connecting with students to foster a safe and engaging learning environment. The conversation hints at the transformative power of mentorship, inspiring the next generation of thinkers and writers.
Personal Experiences and Perception of Reality
The podcast includes a fascinating personal story involving a cycling race and an extraordinary experience that led to a temporary perception of reality shift. This anecdote serves as an illustration of how powerful personal experiences can shape beliefs, regardless of their objective validity. It brings to light the concept that individuals may truly believe in their experiences, even if those experiences defy conventional explanations. The dialogue reinforces the idea that personal narratives, no matter how improbable, carry significant weight in shaping one's worldview and convictions.
The Importance of Free Speech and Censorship
A nuanced dialogue on the evolution of free speech laws reflects the concern that current societal shifts could be reminiscent of historical censorship efforts. Legal precedents, such as the early 20th-century Schenck case, are examined to illustrate how free speech rights have been curtailed under the guise of protecting societal interests. Comparisons are drawn to major historical movements like the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing the recurring theme that the suppression of opposing viewpoints can lead to societal regression. The podcast advocates for a fundamental commitment to free speech principles, stressing that dissenting views should be subject to open dialogue rather than censorship.
The Interplay of Politics and Science
The complex relationship between science and politics is explored, particularly in the context of public debates surrounding controversial issues. The podcast touches on the challenges faced by scientists in expressing their views amid political pressures and societal norms. It argues for the necessity of fostering an environment where open debate is encouraged, particularly regarding deeply polarizing topics. The conversation underscores the pivotal role that free speech plays in facilitating scientific inquiry, discourse, and the evolution of societal values.
Censorship and Cancel Culture
The phenomenon of cancel culture and its impact on public discourse is critically examined, suggesting that self-censorship is a growing concern in academic settings. Participants reflect on how norms governing speech have evolved, leading to a climate where individuals fear backlash for sharing unpopular opinions. The dialogue raises awareness about the stifling of open debate in educational institutions, arguing that this undermines the foundations of learning and intellectual growth. There is a call for resilience against the pressures of conformity, advocating for robust discussions that embrace diverse perspectives.
The Value of Myths and Tradition
The podcast highlights the enduring significance of myths and traditions, framing them as valuable sources of wisdom that can inform contemporary values and societal norms. Through an exploration of ancient beliefs and modern interpretations, it acknowledges the potential for these narratives to provide insight into human experiences. The conversation emphasizes that while these stories may not always align with empirical evidence, they carry moral weight and can enrich collective understanding. This approach encourages a balanced perspective, appreciating the intersection of culture, history, and human behavior in shaping our lives today.
If we can censor one person, we can censor everyone.
Our freedom is strongly linked to other people's freedom ... Even those with whom we disagree.
This idea has been explored in great detail by Dr Michael Shermer in his book Giving the Devil His Due. I had the pleasure of reading the book and discussing it with Michael in the early days of the pandemic. So here is a little throwback episode for you!
Enjoy.
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Key Takeaways:
00:00:00 Intro
00:05:01 Abducted by aliens
00:11:51 Judging a book by its cover
00:22:36 Free speech and campus culture
00:32:20 How should we govern Mars?
00:42:31 Science, religion, and mortality
00:55:19 Scientists as public figures
01:03:16 Challenges of teaching at a university level
