Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
267 | Benjamin Breen on Margaret Mead, Psychedelics, and Utopia
Feb 26, 2024
Benjamin Breen, an associate professor of history at UC Santa Cruz and author of "Tripping on Utopia," dives into the intriguing connections between Margaret Mead, psychedelic drugs, and concepts of utopia. He discusses Mead's pioneering work in social anthropology, her collaborations with Gregory Bateson, and how their ideas shaped societal views on psychedelics. Breen also explores the moral complexities faced by scientists during the Cold War and examines the potential of psychedelics for enhancing creativity and consciousness.
01:13:11
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Quick takeaways
- Mead's pursuit of a utopia through scientific means challenged traditional ideologies.
- Exploration of altered states led to insights on social cohesion and transcendence.
Deep dives
Margaret Mead's Utopian Vision and Scientific Pursuits
Margaret Mead, a renowned anthropologist, was driven by an expansive vision of creating a science of expanded consciousness. Her work aimed at understanding and shaping humanity's evolution and potential for transcendence. She advocated for a concrete goal for scientists to work towards a vivid utopia devoid of traditional religious or communist influences. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Mead continued to promote her utopian ideals through her scientific endeavors.
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