Maarten Boudry

Philosopher Maarten Boudry, an expert in critical thinking and cultural evolution, dives into the roots of Western anti-Western sentiment. He discusses Rousseau's views on the tension between scientific progress and moral decay. The conversation highlights the paradox of dissent in free societies and the complexities of self-criticism in modern contexts. Boudry critiques the paternalism of affluent nations regarding environmental policies, emphasizing their impact on developing countries. This thought-provoking dialogue navigates the balance between critique and confidence in society.

Philosopher Maarten Boudry, a doctoral researcher at Ghent University, joins to unpack the murky waters separating science from pseudoscience. He dives into the critical demarcation problem, illustrating how concepts like predictability and falsifiability challenge our understanding. Boudry shares insights from his recent book and humorously recounts his experience pranking theologians. The conversation also touches on intriguing examples like paranormal claims and academic hoaxes, revealing how the lines defining genuine inquiry can often become blurred.