The Dissenter

Norbert Peeters, a teacher at Wageningen University and a PhD student specializing in wilderness philosophy, dives deep into the intriguing world of botanic philosophy. He explores plant blindness and humanity's changing views on plants, from mere resources to valued life forms. The conversation highlights contributions from Humboldt and Darwin, emphasizing their revolutionary insights in botany. Carnivorous plants also take center stage, showcasing their fascinating survival strategies. The discussion reframes wilderness, encouraging a more nuanced appreciation of plant life and its ecological importance.

Blake Roeber, a philosopher at Notre Dame specializing in epistemology, dives into the complexities of political knowledge and humility. He discusses how cognitive biases skew belief formation in our polarized climate, stressing the importance of skepticism and open dialogue. Roeber also critiques common political identities, examines the perils of echo chambers, and promotes mindfulness to broaden perspectives. His insights challenge listeners to recognize the limits of their knowledge and engage more thoughtfully with political issues.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, dives into the complexities of free will and decision-making. He explores the biological foundations of our choices, the role of heuristics, and how our genes may influence behavior. The conversation challenges deterministic views, emphasizing that even single-celled organisms exhibit agency. Additionally, they tackle the ethical implications of human embryo editing, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of genetics and its impact on our lives.

Celebrate a significant milestone of seven and a half years in the realm of engaging interviews with thought leaders! The host shares heartfelt gratitude for the loyal audience and emphasizes the importance of achieving a monthly support goal of $920 on Patreon. With just $80 left to reach this target, listeners are encouraged to join and explore the benefits of membership. This fundraising push aims to ensure the sustainability of the channel, allowing for even more enlightening conversations in the future!

Alan Love, a distinguished philosopher and evolutionary developmental biologist, dives deep into the intricate connections between development and evolution. He discusses how developmental biology generates variations that evolution acts upon, while exploring new perspectives like evo-devo and epigenetics. Love highlights niche construction theory, revealing how organisms shape their own evolutionary paths. He also addresses the challenges of the extended evolutionary synthesis and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration in future research to unravel these complex dynamics.

Dr. Sam Carr, Reader in Education at the University of Bath and author of *All the Lonely People*, dives into the complex nature of loneliness. He highlights how personal narratives shape individual experiences of disconnect and explores the loneliness epidemic exacerbated by the pandemic. The conversation delves into loneliness in older adults, how grief after losing a partner intensifies feelings of isolation, and the emotional challenges surrounding aging. Carr advocates for empathy and open discussions about this universal yet deeply personal experience.

Agnes Callard, an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago and author of Open Socrates, explores the essence of a philosophical life. She delves into Socratic wisdom, contrasting it with Tolstoy's existential dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of asking 'why.' Callard promotes communal philosophical inquiry as key to addressing profound life questions. She also discusses ethics, the art of love, and the craft of politics, advocating for a reflective lifestyle that embraces inquiry and deep understanding.

Daniel Silverman, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Carnegie Mellon University, dives into the psychology of misinformation during war. He reveals how biased perceptions and manipulated narratives shape public belief, with critical examples from the U.S. drone campaign in Pakistan. The discussion explores why people cling to false narratives despite contrary evidence and emphasizes the impact of local experiences in conflict zones. Silverman advocates for elevating local voices to combat misinformation and highlights the emotional toll on both civilians and soldiers.

Jonathan Losos, a distinguished evolutionary biology professor, shares fascinating insights from his work on evolutionary change. He discusses how chance events, like the dinosaurs' extinction, shape evolution, alongside natural selection and genetic drift. The conversation dives into groundbreaking guppy studies on mate preference and colors, as well as the unpredictable nature of evolution, emphasizing that even genetically identical organisms can evolve differently. Losos also reflects on the improbability of Earth-like life forms elsewhere in the universe, challenging common sci-fi tropes.

Nicole Prause, a pioneering neuroscientist and founder of Liberos LLC, dives deep into the complex relationship between pornography, sexual behavior, and addiction. She challenges the notion of pornography as a mere superstimulus and discusses its real-world implications. The conversation also touches on the controversial NoFap movement, questioning its claims about semen retention. Additionally, Prause shares insights on the rare post-orgasmic illness syndrome, revealing the challenges researchers face in exploring these often-taboo topics.