The Dissenter

Daniel Fessler, a Professor of Biological Anthropology at UCLA, shares intriguing insights into human behavior. He delves into physical formidability, revealing how perceptions of strength influence social dynamics and risk-taking. Fessler discusses cultural portrayals of male muscularity, highlighting the disconnect between men's and women's preferences. The conversation explores moral parochialism and how social context shapes moral judgments, along with the evolutionary significance of disgust linked to pathogens.

Miguel Segundo Ortín, a philosophy researcher at Universidad de Murcia, and Vicente Raja, a post-doctoral researcher at the same institution, dive into ecological psychology. They discuss the relationship between perception and action, emphasizing how environments influence cognitive processes. The duo explores affordances, explaining how we perceive interaction opportunities without complex thought. They also touch on the link between ecological psychology and neurosciences, advocating for ecologically valid experiments, and reflect on the community's role in advancing this innovative field.

Philip Nitschke, an Australian humanist and founder of Exit International, passionately explores the nuances of assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia. He shares his journey advocating for the right to die, highlighting the importance of personal autonomy. Discussion centers on his groundbreaking 'Peaceful Pill' concept, the ethics of the controversial suicide pod, and how technology may reshape the future of assisted dying. Nitschke also examines the stark disparities in assisted suicide laws globally, advocating for informed choices in end-of-life decisions.

Daniela Rodrigues, an assistant professor at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, explores gestural communication in apes and its ties to human language. She discusses the complexity of gestures among chimpanzees, focusing on their greeting rituals and social interactions. The conversation highlights how arousal levels influence communication in primates and parallels with human behavior. Daniela also touches on how child-directed communication transcends cultures, offering insights into the evolutionary bridges between humans and apes.

In this discussion, Deena Emera, an evolutionary biologist and writer-in-residence at the Buck Institute, dives deep into the evolutionary history of the female body. She explores fascinating topics like the origins of breasts, the unique biology of menstruation, and the evolutionary significance of the female orgasm. Emera also discusses the complexities of love, motherhood, and the intriguing aspects of menopause, challenging conventional views and shedding light on the surprising adaptations that have shaped female reproductive strategies.

Pascal Boyer, a distinguished professor of Psychology and Anthropology, dives deep into the fascinating realm of informal belief systems and their cultural roles. He discusses the allure of 'wild traditions' and their interplay with organized religions. The conversation shifts to the psychology behind rituals and compulsive behaviors, linking them to mental health. Boyer also explores complex themes like ownership psychology, victim-blaming, and societal perceptions of misfortune, offering thought-provoking insights into human behavior and morality.

Join Anna Ivanova, an Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech, as she explores the intricate connection between language and cognition. Discover how advanced brain imaging techniques like fMRI reveal language processing in the brain. Ivanova discusses the capabilities and limitations of large language models, questioning whether they truly understand language like humans do. She also compares programming languages with natural languages, shedding light on how they activate different brain networks. This conversation dives deep into the fascinating world of language and AI!

Peter Adamson, a Professor of Philosophy at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and King's College London, discusses the profound impact of Avicenna on Islamic philosophy. He unpacks Avicenna's contributions to logic and metaphysics while analyzing the tensions between Muslim philosophical traditions and critiques from contemporaries like Al-Ghazali. The conversation also explores the preservation of Islamic texts and the significance of 'para-philosophers' in 12th and 13th-century thought, highlighting how these ideas influenced Western scholasticism.

In this conversation, Stephen Morris, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at The College of Staten Island, dives into his provocative book, "Moral Damages: The Case for Abolishing Morality." He challenges the idea of objective moral truths and discusses moral abolitionism as a remedy for the harmful fallout of traditional morality. Morris explains how morality can justify violence, influence politics negatively, and affect personal well-being. He argues for non-moral resources in fostering cooperation and examines alternatives to moral frameworks that might promote happiness and societal stability.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Safron, Research Fellow at the Allen Discovery Institute, delves into the intricate nature of consciousness. He explores various theories, advocating for a multifaceted understanding crucial for AI development. Adam highlights the importance of embodiment in AI and its applications, particularly in elder care. The conversation also touches on the transformative effects of psychedelics on consciousness and selfhood, revealing exciting potential for therapeutic uses and their connection to advancements in artificial intelligence.