Rationally Speaking Podcast

Rationally Speaking #63 - Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge

Jun 17, 2012
Can all knowledge truly be unified? This discussion dives into consilience, examining how biology, social sciences, and humanities intertwine. The speakers tackle the tension between rigorous science and postmodern skepticism. They also explore the allure of 'deepity' and the challenges of truly understanding complex phenomena. Unique perspectives from a consumer behavior conference reveal the spectrum of opinions on science's role. Finally, intriguing philosophical inquiries about superintelligence and aviation rules round out the conversation.
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INSIGHT

Consilience: Unity of Knowledge

  • Consilience, or the "unity of knowledge," suggests unifying different fields of explanation.
  • E.O. Wilson believes disciplinary boundaries are temporary and will eventually blur as knowledge unifies.
INSIGHT

Defining Explanation and Knowledge

  • The concept of consilience raises questions about the meaning of "explanation" and "knowledge."
  • It prompts discussion about knowledge as a homogenous category versus a fundamentally heterogeneous one.
ANECDOTE

Evolutionary Psychology Example

  • Evolutionary psychology attempts to provide an overarching theory for psychology by explaining behaviors through evolved mental modules.
  • Massimo Pigliucci expresses skepticism about its success, citing the example of explaining painters not using UV paint because humans cannot see UV light.
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