The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

Karleen Gribble, a dedicated researcher in breastfeeding and infant feeding during emergencies, delves into the ideological challenges facing science today. She shares her transformative journey from agriculture to nursing and highlights the necessity of clear language around sex and gender in maternal health. Gribble argues for using evidence in public health while navigating the complexities of inclusive language. She calls for courage in scientific leadership and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the face of societal pressures.

Dorian Abbot, a Professor of Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago, dives into the ideological challenges facing modern academia. He discusses the alarming state of free speech and the repercussions for faculty with divergent views. The conversation highlights the clash between scientific inquiry and ideology, as well as the impact of cancel culture on academic freedom. Abbot advocates for fostering an environment of intellectual diversity, emphasizing the necessity of open dialogue for the advancement of science.

Judith Suissa, a philosopher of education, and Alice Sullivan, a sociology professor, dive into the ideological battles affecting academia. They discuss the implications of diversity and inclusion initiatives on free inquiry and how these shifts can stifle open debate. The duo highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive topics like gender and the fear junior researchers face in expressing dissenting views. They advocate for academic freedom, calling for an environment where critical discussions can thrive without the fear of backlash.

Alex Byrne, a Lawrence Rockefeller Professor of Philosophy at MIT, and bioethicist Moti Gorin dive into the ideological challenges facing academia today. They tackle the contentious debates around gender-affirming care, examining its efficacy and the impact of academic freedom. The discussion highlights the philosophical complexities surrounding child identity and medical interventions, as well as the dangers of ideological conformity in scholarship. They advocate for transparency and open dialogue, emphasizing the need to reclaim free speech in academic settings.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Arthur Rousseau, a psychiatrist with a focus on mental health legislation, and Lauren Schwartz, a psychiatrist and former ballet dancer, tackle the complexities of gender-affirming care. They delve into the evolving standards in psychiatry, questioning the influence of organizations on treatment guidelines. The duo emphasizes the importance of informed consent for children and the need for evidence-based practices in mental health. Their insights call for accountability in medicine amidst changing societal norms.

Peter Boghossian, a philosopher known for his work on street epistemology, dives into the ideological corruption of science and the impact of social justice activism on academia. He discusses the erosion of free speech, the conflict between integrity and ideology in educational settings, and the troubling rise of practices like plagiarism. With personal anecdotes, he highlights the importance of ethical standards and advocates for a more rigorous approach to academic integrity, navigating through the challenges scientists face amidst a tense ideological landscape.

In this conversation, Roger Cohen, a physician focused on cancer drug development, and Amy Wax, a law professor, delve into themes from their book 'The War on Science.' They examine the ideological corruption in academia and the impact of social justice activism on scientific integrity. Topics include the effects of cancel culture on open debate, the challenges posed by DEI initiatives in medicine, and the political influences on research funding. Together, they advocate for a return to empirical evidence in educational reform and medical training.

In this insightful conversation, Alessandro Strumia, a theoretical particle physicist from Italy and contributor to 'The War on Science,' delves into the ideological challenges facing academia. He discusses the impact of social justice activism on scientific inquiry, sharing personal experiences at CERN that challenge claims of gender discrimination in STEM. Strumia also highlights the paradox of censorship, warning against the suppression of open discourse and exploring the political pressures affecting academic publishing. His unique perspectives urge a return to empirical evidence in scientific discussions.

Geoff Horsman, a passionate biochemist focused on academic freedom and free speech, dives into the intricate balance between scientific inquiry and ideological pressures. He shares gripping personal experiences that fueled his commitment to challenging prevailing norms. The discussion highlights the moral dilemmas scientists face amidst the integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion into research. With a critical eye, Horsman examines the implications of inclusion practices in academia and explores the urgent need for transparency and open dialogue.

Janice Fiamengo, a Canadian cultural commentator and retired English professor, delves into the war on scientific integrity in academia. She discusses the implications of equity hiring practices, sharing personal experiences that reveal the emotional struggles of being judged on gender rather than merit. Fiamengo critically examines the distinction between equality and equity, arguing that current policies can lead to new forms of inequality. She also addresses the challenges of maintaining academic standards amidst pressures from social justice movements.