The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins cover image

The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins

A good-humored conversation between Michael Shermer and Richard Dawkins

Dec 19, 2023
Michael Shermer, science writer and executive director of The Skeptics Society, discusses religious loyalty, defining a true religion, and polygamy. They also explore excommunication, belief in God, patterns in pi, and the correlation between periodical cicadas and prime numbers. The podcast touches on ayahuasca, induced spiritual experiences, shifting moral values, the fear of eternity, evolution without interspecies reproduction, tribalism, global culture, and the concept of illusion in consciousness.
01:33:34

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Moral progress is not tied to religious beliefs but reflects the changing attitudes of society as a whole.
  • Atheists find purpose and fulfillment in personal relationships, accomplishments, and contributing to society.

Deep dives

The Shifting Moral Zeitgeist

The shifting moral zeitgeist is a phenomenon observed through history where societal morals and values change over time. What was considered acceptable or moral in one century may be seen as unacceptable in another. This shift is driven by various factors such as conversations, legal decisions, media, and cultural influences. For instance, attitudes towards slavery, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights have evolved significantly over time. This indicates that moral progress is not tied to religious beliefs, but rather a reflection of the changing attitudes of society as a whole.

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