New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Heather Murray, a cultural and intellectual historian, discusses her book on the experiences of psychiatric patients in 20th-century America. She challenges common perceptions of patients as passive, revealing their active engagement with societal and personal issues. Topics include the impact of deinstitutionalization on mental health narratives, the philosophical implications of resignation, and how modernity shaped psychiatric institutions. Murray also reflects on post-war shifts in psychiatric understanding and its influence on identity and individualism.

Aimee Louise Middlemiss, an author and researcher specialized in reproductive politics and pregnancy loss, dives deep into the often overlooked emotional and social challenges surrounding second trimester pregnancy loss in England. She discusses the impact of legal frameworks on women's choices and the complex dynamics of healthcare encounters. The conversation also highlights how societal perceptions shape experiences of loss, emphasizing the importance of compassionate support and the amplification of women's voices in challenging reproductive norms.

Matthew Evangelista, author and expert on World War II, discusses the devastating impact of Allied bombing campaigns on Italian civilians. He reveals a paradox where more civilians died after Italy's armistice in 1943. The conversation dives into key figures like diplomat Myron Taylor and pacifist Vera Brittain, whose experiences highlight the complexities of wartime strategy and its human cost. Through personal stories and archival research, Evangelista sheds light on the often-overlooked civilian suffering amid military objectives.

Explore how capitalism shapes academia through metrics and the 'publish or perish' mentality. Discover the risks AI and EdTech pose to traditional education, pushing immediate labor demands over genuine learning. Unpack the corrupt nature of rankings in higher education and advocate for equity. Engage in a hopeful discussion about transformative practices rooted in community and cooperation. Reflect on the importance of integrating journalism with indigenous knowledge to foster inclusive learning environments.

Daniel Kahneman, a pioneering psychologist renowned for his insights in behavioral economics, teams up with legal scholar and behavioral economist Cass Sunstein to discuss the Exxon Valdez oil spill's aftermath. They explore the tactics Exxon employed, including funding research claiming jurors were irrational. The podcast dives into the implications of cognitive biases, showcasing the battle between corporate narratives and community resilience, highlighting the struggle against environmental devastation and accountability efforts.

Alice Mah, a Professor in Urban and Environmental Studies at the University of Glasgow, dives deep into the dark underbelly of the petrochemical industry in her book, 'Petrochemical Planet.' She highlights the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, such as those in Louisiana's Cancer Alley, and the psychological toll of living near industrial sites. Mah showcases grassroots activism, particularly in China, and emphasizes the urgent need for multi-scalar solutions and rethinking planetary politics to combat environmental crises and foster resilience.

Uri Bram, head of communications at GiveWell and CEO of The Browser, shares his expertise on effective charitable giving. He discusses how GiveWell rigorously evaluates and recommends high-impact charities, revealing the importance of data-driven criteria and ethical considerations. The conversation emphasizes the value of transparent, evidence-based philanthropy, with real-world examples showing how smart donations can create substantial benefits. Whether you’re a new donor or an experienced one, the insights on making contributions count are invaluable.

Dr. Andrew Denning, a scholar specializing in automotive infrastructure and its impact, highlights how cars and roads played a pivotal role in shaping colonial societies in Africa. He discusses the complexities of mobility and control, revealing that while automobiles were seen as solutions to the transport problem, they often exposed the weaknesses of colonial administration. The conversation delves into the labor dynamics of road construction, the interplay between automotive technology and imperialism, and the enduring effects on modern Africa.

In this lively discussion, Edward Shanks shares insights about his novel, which imagines a neo-medieval future in England. He explores how humanity adapts after civilization collapses, while Jeremy Tuft, a physics instructor frozen in time, grapples with the failures of his era’s ideals. They dive into themes of trauma, identity, and technological regression, reflecting on how these elements shape both Shanks' work and contemporary society. The conversation is rich with literary analysis and provocative thoughts on societal change.

Thomas A. Kerns, an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, and Kathleen Dean Moore, an advocate for environmental justice, delve into the intersection of human rights and climate change. They discuss the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal and its role in addressing fracking's environmental harm. Personal stories reveal the dire impacts on marginalized communities. The guests emphasize a rights-based approach to environmental issues, creatively linking moral witnessing with activism, while encouraging youth engagement and community action against climate despair.