Context with Brad Harris

Influential lecturer C. P. Snow discusses the knowledge gap between scientists and cultural elites, the dangers of mistrust and rejection of science, misconceptions about chemicals and raw water consumption, and the need to bridge the gap between scientists and literary intellectuals. The chapter also explores the consequences of rejecting science and the spread of ignorance in the 21st century.

Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway discuss the tactics used by influential physicists to prevent regulation on issues like smoking, acid rain, ozone hole, and global warming. They explore the role of the tobacco industry in disguising scientific evidence on smoking and cancer. The podcast also highlights the Reagan administration's doubt on acid rain and the success story of science-based regulation addressing the ozone hole. It touches on the role of Cold War heroes in the climate debate and emphasizes the need for unbiased science.

If civilization collapsed, and our descendants could rediscover a single work to get humanity back on track scientifically and technologically, Peter Atkins’ Galileo’s Finger: The Ten Great Ideas of Science, would be a contender. If there are miracles, Atkins would argue that they are not found in the surreal conjectures of things unexplained, but in the tangible power of our otherwise small minds to achieve cosmic insights through experiment and mathematics. Here, he distills his choices for the most profound of those insights. Support Context and access bonus content at https://www.patreon.com/context Learn more at https://bradharris.com 

Challenging traditional evolution views, the podcast explores symbiosis and cooperation in human-microorganism co-evolution. It delves into the cultural and philosophical influences on evolutionary theory, highlighting symbiotic interpretations and the Russian perspective on evolution. The discussion includes redefining evolution through symbiotic interpretations, the significance of symbiogenesis in evolution and human health, and obstacles in science communication.

The podcast explores the impact of diseases throughout history, including their influence on the rise and fall of empires such as the Roman and Aztec Empires. It discusses how diseases have shaped human civilization and spread as populations grew. The podcast also covers the devastating effects of plagues on Mediterranean lands, including the collapse of the Roman Empire. Additionally, it examines the role of diseases in the overwhelming of Native Americans by Europeans and how it influenced European dominance.

In 1493, Charles Mann shows us how Europeans emerged at the center of a modern, globalized world by establishing the Columbian Exchange; a system they created but could not control, and with consequences none of them could imagine. Support Context and access bonus content, including a 20-minute interview with author Charles Mann himself, by supporting the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/context or through the website at https://bradharris.com.

Genghis Khan was so influential that, to understand how Europe began to shake off its medieval provincialism, how the Islamic world lost much of its momentum, and how China's unparalleled technology trickled beyond its borders and reshaped the fortunes of the West, it's well worth studying the legacy of this single Mongolian man. To support Context and access bonus episodes, visit patreon.com/bradcoleharris Learn more at https://bradharris.com 

Thomas Kuhn, a prominent philosopher of science and author of a groundbreaking book, discusses his transformative ideas about scientific progress. He critiques the conventional narrative, emphasizing that knowledge isn't linear but rather complex and multifaceted. Kuhn explains the cyclical nature of paradigms and how crises can trigger scientific revolutions. He also delves into 'creative destruction,' illustrating how new discoveries can challenge established theories, reshaping our understanding of the world.

Margaret Jacob, an author and historian, delves into how scientific knowledge shaped European culture during the 1600s and 1700s. She highlights the pivotal role of Britain in the Industrial Revolution, powered by its unique integration of science and society. Jacob explores philosophical shifts from Descartes to Bacon, emphasizing the importance of empirical methods. Additionally, she discusses the English Revolution's impact on modern science and how Newtonian principles democratized knowledge, fueling innovation and economic success.

Author David Landes explores how European society's unique cultural values of curiosity, novelty, and private property propelled it to lead the modern world. Topics include the impact of Protestant Reformation on economic growth, factors shaping European dominance post-Roman Empire, Europe's technological innovation contrasted with other societies, and Portugal's decline versus the Netherlands' maritime ventures.