The Dissenter

Ana Drago, a researcher at the University of Coimbra with a PhD in Urban Studies, discusses her book on Portugal's tourism industry. She explores the relationship between tourism and national identity, highlighting how it can reinforce social classes and economic disparities. The conversation dives into the tourism, banking, and real estate triangle, detailing its environmental and social impact, including housing pressure and precarious jobs. Drago critiques the short-term focus of tourism policies and advocates for a more balanced economic strategy.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Walter Scheidel, a historian from Stanford University, dives into the complexities of ancient history. He highlights why the focus has been largely on Greece and Rome, exposing cultural biases from the 19th century. Scheidel argues for a broader, global perspective, emphasizing the interconnectivity of ancient societies and technologies. He critiques the fragmented academic approaches and champions collaborative studies to enrich understanding. The conversation reflects on the lasting influences of ancient innovations on our modern world.

Dr. Gabriel Zamosc-Regueros, an Associate Professor specializing in ethics and Nietzsche, dives deep into the philosopher's ideals. They explore 'becoming what one is,' emphasizing individual uniqueness and self-creation. The discussion covers sovereignty, where moral responsibility intertwines with feelings of guilt. Zamosc-Regueros also clarifies that wholeness goes beyond personal integration, aiming for a cultural elevation that fosters genius within society. Lastly, they examine Nietzsche's pathos of distance, which motivates self-improvement without contempt.

In this discussion, Jeff McMahan, Professor of Moral Philosophy at Oxford, dives deep into the murky waters of political violence. He defines its parameters, distinguishing it from war and questioning if actions like genocide qualify as such. McMahan examines whether political violence can ever be justified, highlighting cases like Palestinian resistance and the ethics surrounding political assassinations, including the controversial Charlie Kirk case. He also tackles the ramifications of celebrating murders and debates the consequences for those expressing radical political views, emphasizing context.

In this engaging discussion, Allen Buchanan, a distinguished professor of philosophy, delves into his latest work, exploring the dynamics of social change driven by hierarchs and resistors. He emphasizes the critical role of morality and ideology in mobilizing collective action. Buchanan also contrasts revolutionary contexts, assessing the implications of democracy versus fascism. He argues that ideologies can catalyze revolutions and highlights moral progress achieved through struggles against domination, all while addressing the complexities surrounding revolutionary ethics.

Dr. Alexander Rosenberg, a philosopher and distinguished professor at Duke University, dives into the complexities of economic theory. He argues that while economics may not meet the standards of predictive science, it remains a crucial tool for policymakers dealing with self-interested behavior. The discussion also explores the concept of homo economicus, game theory's role in market interaction, and the importance of economic structures in preventing exploitation. Rosenberg insists that despite limitations, economic theory is vital for designing effective institutions.

Aubrey de Grey, a pioneering biomedical gerontologist and author of *Ending Aging*, delves into the fascinating science of aging. He discusses his unique transition from AI to biology, highlighting aging as damage accumulation. De Grey defines the concept of 'longevity escape velocity' and reveals his seven types of aging damage, emphasizing innovative repair strategies. He also explores the promising potential of therapies like stem cells and metformin in the fight against aging, and addresses societal implications, such as overpopulation and universal basic income.

In this engaging discussion, Rafael Núñez, a Cognitive Science Professor at UC San Diego, delves into the fascinating world of embodied cognition. He explains how our minds process time and space using bodily experiences and gestures. Núñez highlights cultural differences in conceptualizing time, revealing how languages shape our understanding. He also explores the development of numerical cognition, emphasizing the role of cultural practices in shaping mathematical concepts. Overall, this conversation unravels the interplay between our physical existence and cognitive processes.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Herman Pontzer, a Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University and author of 'Adaptable,' delves into the complexities of human biological variation. He argues that race is socially constructed and biologically meaningless. Pontzer also explores how height varies due to genetics and environment, and he examines the nuances of sexual development and the distinction between sex and gender. Additionally, he discusses the evolution of human diets and the importance of understanding transgender identities as part of our biological diversity.

Join Dr. Michael Huemer, a philosophy professor and author of Progressive Myths, as he tackles controversial topics like systemic racism and the gender pay gap. He challenges common media portrayals of crime and policing, advocating for case-by-case analysis. Huemer also critiques the implicit association test and discusses whether gender is a social construct. With an insightful take on wealth origin and the impact of misinformation, he argues for rational civic responsibility in understanding political beliefs.