Perry Zurn

What does curiosity look like in the brain, in society, and beyond? A neuroscientist and philosopher explore how questions connect ideas like paths through a forest, why some lines of inquiry get policed, and how curiosity can take different forms. Their conversation wanders from walking and Wikipedia to water, music, and the networks that shape what we know.

Dani Bassett, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, and Perry Zurn, a philosopher at American University, dive deep into the nature of curiosity. They explore its dual aspects—enhancing social connections but also leading to polarization. The duo categorizes curiosity into styles like the ‘busybody’ and ‘hunter,’ highlighting how these can influence collaboration. They also delve into curiosity's role in social justice, discuss academia's tension between curiosity and focus, and examine the neuroscience behind curiosity as a cognitive process.

Dani S. Bassett, a leading researcher in human learning at the University of Pennsylvania, and Perry Zurn, a philosopher exploring curiosity, delve into the multifaceted nature of curiosity. They discuss its historical archetypes like the busybody and hunter and how societal views shape our curiosity. The duo emphasizes adaptability in education, linking curiosity to creativity in science and the arts. They explore how curiosity connects new information with existing knowledge, enhancing learning and fostering innovation across disciplines.

Curiosity can look like casting a wide net, chasing one question, or leaping between ideas. Philosophers Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett explore how these styles connect us to people and knowledge, what social media does to our curiosity, and how classrooms can make room for different minds to learn.

Curiosity led Pandora to open a box, but what does being curious look like in our everyday lives? In episode 62, Ellie and David discuss the vilification of curiosity and the role of curiosity in the modern education system. To help, they talk with philosophy professor Perry Zurn and bioengineering professor Dani S. Bassett, twins who co-authored the book Curious Minds: The Power of Connection. Together, they consider how we can understand and cultivate different types of curiosity.   Works Discussed  Saint Augustine, The Confessions Francis Bacon, "Of Tribute" Barbara Benedict, Curiosity: A Cultural History of Early Modern Inquiry Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed Erich Fromm, Escape from Freedom Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan Richard Phillips, “Curiosity: Care, Virtue and Pleasure in Uncovering the New”  Alastair Reed, “Curiosity”  Joelle Thomas and David M. Peña-Guzmán, “Review of Vinciane Despret’s What Would Animals Say If We Asked the Right Questions?”  Perry Zurn, Curiosity and Power: The Politics of Inquiry Perry Zurn & Dani S. Bassett, Curious Minds: The Power of ConnectionSupport the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | [email protected] | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.