Breaking beliefism

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan discusses the nature of consciousness with Professor Anil Seth. They discuss free will and the case of the multi-coloured dress.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elaine Lin Hering, a negotiation expert and author of Unlearning Silence, shares insights on the importance of speaking up in decision-making. She discusses how learned silence hinders effective dialogue and explores the power dynamics affecting who gets heard in organizations. Elaine advocates for designing inclusive environments that encourage diverse perspectives, emphasizing cognitive diversity in the workplace. She highlights the need for leaders to promote open communication and the value of embracing disagreements as opportunities for growth.

Karthik Ramanna, a Professor at Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government and author of The Age of Outrage, dives into the issue of societal outrage and polarization. He discusses the need for new managerial skills to effectively handle public anger and the decline of civility in workplaces. Karthik identifies key drivers of modern outrage, including fear and low trust in institutions, and presents a five-step framework to manage responses. He emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue and listening to dissent as crucial leadership qualities.

Leor Zmigrod, a political psychologist and neuroscientist, explores how neuroscience illuminates the roots of our beliefs and ideologies. She argues that ideologies can limit our freedom, prompting a provocative debate with host Paul Dolan. They discuss how cognitive flexibility influences ideological rigidity and the role of neuroplasticity under stress. Leor advocates for re-evaluating ideologies to protect democratic values while addressing the paradox of tolerance. Their conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of belief, identity, and cognitive science.

In a captivating discussion, Sami Timimi, a seasoned child and adolescent psychiatrist and author of "Searching for Normal," dives into his bicultural upbringing and its influence on his journey into psychiatry. He critiques the rising trend of diagnostic labels like ADHD, highlighting their commercialization and questioning their validity. Sami emphasizes the importance of relational care over technical fixes in mental health, linking the societal shift towards individualism to the commodification of distress. His insights challenge listeners to reconsider the complexities of mental health.

Dan Ariely, a behavioral economics professor at Duke University, shares his unique insights shaped by his recovery from severe burns. He discusses how pain management informs his research and the need for better healthcare practices for terminally ill patients. The conversation delves into the meaning of living fully amidst illness, self-acceptance, and the ethical dilemmas of assisted dying. Ariely also challenges traditional views on legacy, urging a focus on present connections and the importance of dialogue in understanding diverse beliefs.

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East and former Government minister, shares her journey from academia to politics, highlighting her focus on fairness and autonomy. She discusses the challenges of nuanced political discourse in an age of performative politics and why wellbeing metrics often take a backseat to GDP-focused policy. Dodds also reflects on her controversial resignation over defense funding, the importance of cross-party collaboration, and the impact of social media on serious political debates.

Looking back on season 3, where I spoke to scientists, academics, journalists, and a comedian. We discussed themes such as the shifting political landscape among young people, the decline of democracy, the significance of narratives, and why we hate the narrative of randomness so much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Paul Sagar, a Reader in Political Theory at King's College London, shares his insights on philosophy and political equality, shaped by his experience with tetraplegia after a climbing accident. He delves into the often-misunderstood works of Adam Smith, advocating for a nuanced interpretation. The discussion touches on the complex interplay of hope and acceptance following tragedy and the importance of personal choice in life and death matters. Sagar also examines the challenges of democracy in increasingly tribal societies, calling for greater inclusivity and understanding.

In this engaging discussion, Tali Sharot, a neuroscientist renowned for her work at UCL and MIT, delves into the intersection of emotion and decision-making. She explores how our habits shape our ability to appreciate life's small joys. The conversation turns to the psychology of lying—how repetition makes it easier—and highlights the role of social media in fostering narcissism. Sharot also examines the comfort of deep-rooted beliefs, even in the face of scientific evidence, and offers insights on navigating complex relationships with humor.