J. McKenzie Alexander

J. McKenzie Alexander, a Professor of Philosophy at LSE, dives into the critical vulnerabilities confronting open societies today. He discusses how populism from both the left and right threatens liberal democracies, transforming societal virtues into perceived vices. The conversation explores vital topics like immigration, the balance between transparency and privacy, and the complex dynamics of cancel culture. Alexander emphasizes the importance of reviving the concept of the Open Society and calls for robust dialogues to navigate these challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Jason McKenzie Alexander, Head of Philosophy at the London School of Economics, delves into decision-making and the cognitive biases that cloud our judgment. He challenges listeners to understand how evidence and intuition interact, highlighting pitfalls in reasoning illustrated by medical testing examples. The conversation also explores the complexities of coincidences and how they impact perception, alongside a fascinating case of gender bias in university admissions. Alexander emphasizes the role of narratives in shaping our decisions, exposing the flaws in human reasoning.