Converging Dialogues

Join David Edmonds, a Distinguished Research Fellow at Oxford and author renowned for exploring moral philosophy, as he delves into the intriguing world of thought experiments. He discusses the shallow pond scenario, critiquing its implications on altruism and moral responsibility. Edmonds contrasts intuitive moral dilemmas, like the trolley problem, with effective altruism's pragmatic approach to global issues. Touching on the influence of billionaires in philanthropy and the need for transparent giving, he emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to drive meaningful change.

Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale, unpacks the U.S. Constitution's evolution from 1840 to 1920. He argues for America as a 'creedal nation' rooted in equality while exploring the implications of the three-fifths clause on electoral processes. Amar discusses key historical figures like Lincoln and the significance of the Reconstruction Amendments, intertwining the narratives of slavery, civil rights, and women’s suffrage. His insights reveal how constitutional history shapes modern America and its identity.

Richard Bell, a British-born, American-trained historian and professor at the University of Maryland, delves into the American Revolution's global significance. He connects the Boston Tea Party to international trade and shares insights on varying British opinions, including anti-war sentiments. The discussion highlights the roles of Hessians and Indigenous peoples, illustrating complex alliances. Bell also details France's crucial naval support and Spain's overlooked involvement, emphasizing the Revolution's lasting influence on future independence movements.

Join Jochen Hellbeck, a distinguished history professor at Rutgers University and author of "World Enemy No. 1," as he delves into the complex relationship between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Hellbeck examines how anti-communism and antisemitism combined to fuel Nazi ideology and genocide. He reveals the propaganda tactics employed by the Nazis to frame Bolshevism as a Jewish threat. The conversation also explores post-war memories and their implications for understanding current conflicts. A thought-provoking dialogue packed with historical insights!

In this engaging discussion, political theorist Alex Zakaras, a professor at the University of Vermont and author of *Freedom For All*, explores the nuances of liberalism. He defines it as a freedom-centered ideology and argues for its importance in combatting authoritarianism. Zakaras critiques libertarian views, emphasizing the need for a robust understanding of freedom that includes responsibility. He also highlights the challenges facing liberal societies, such as economic exploitation and the erosion of civic equality, while advocating for grassroots mobilization and effective community engagement.

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Matthew Cobb about the life and work of Francis Crick. They discuss his upbringing, influences, x-ray crystallography, discovering the double helix of DNA with Watson, reception of his discovery in academia and public, personal misadventures in the 1960s, pivot to brain and consciousness research, legacy of Crick, and many other topics. Matthew Cobb is a professor emeritus at the University of Manchester He earned his PhD in psychology and genetics from the University of Sheffield. He is the author of seven books including: As Gods: A Moral History of the Genetic Age, The Idea of the Brain, Life’s Greatest Secret, and the most recent, Crick: A Mind In Motion. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Allan Horwitz about a history of the DSM. They discuss the origins of the DSM, DSM I & II, DSM III and its big changes, DSM-V and its massive overhaul, the future of the DSM, and many other topics. Allan Horwitz is the Board of Governors and Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Sociology and the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research at Rutgers University. He is the author of many books including, DSM: A History of Psychiatry’s Bible. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla. has a dialogue with Phillips O’Brien about war, peace, and power. They discuss the idea of great powers, why short, clinical wars do not really happen, size and population of countries, economics and materials, societal and structural elements for power, leadership, allies, and many more topics. Phillips Payson O’Brien is a professor of strategic studies and head of the School of International Relations at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is a regular contributor to Foreign Affairs and The Atlantic. He is the author of six books, including the most recent book, War and Power: Who Wins Wars and Why. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Caleb Scharf about the past and future dynamics of space exploration. They discuss astrobiology, why look for life in space, dispersal, how we got to the moon (and why we haven’t gone back?!), major obstacles for space travel, going to Mars, Jupiter, Venus, the Sun, the future of space exploration, and many more topics. Caleb Scharf received the 2022 Carl Sagan Medal while director of astrobiology at Columbia University and is currently the senior scientist for astrobiology at NASA’s Ames Research Center. He has written several previous trade books and is a frequent contributor to Scientific American and Nautilus magazine. He is the author of the book, The Giant Leap: Why space is the next frontier in the evolution of life. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Edward Watts about the 2,000 years of the Roman Empire. They provide an overview of the Roman Empire and the origins of the Romans, Greek influence and building institutions, Roman citizenship and identity, and the transition from Roman monarchy to Republic. They also talk about Cincinnatus, Carthage, transition from Republic to Empire, Marcus Aurelius, succession and Constantine, along with Christianity and rise of Islam. They also discuss Charlemagne, Macedonia, collapse of the Roman Empire, and many more topics. Edward Watts is an author and historian and holds the Alkiviadis Vassiliadis Endowed Chair and is professor of history at the University of California, San Diego He has BAs in Classics and Ancient and Medieval Culture at Brown University, and received his PhD in History from Yale University in 2002. His research interests center on the intellectual, political, and religious history of the Roman Empire and the early Byzantine Empire. He is the author of seven books, including the most recent, The Romans: A 2,000-Year History. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe