The Dissenter

In a lively discussion, Cara Ocobock, an Associate Professor at Notre Dame, dives into human energetics and adaptation to extreme environments, such as those experienced by reindeer herders. She critiques BMI as a health measurement and highlights fascinating gender dynamics in hunting, revealing that women often outpace men metabolically. Challenging traditional narratives, Ocobock uncovers women's historical roles in hunting and survival, and discusses hormone influences on athletic performance, pushing for a reevaluation of gender roles in both science and society.

Réka Blazsek, a PhD candidate at Central European University, delves into the interplay between cognitive science and social phenomena. She discusses how societal norms emerge from social minds and explains the intricate dynamics of ownership across different domains. The conversation also touches on the mental health struggles faced by PhD students, including imposter syndrome and the critical need for collaboration and support. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how individual cognition shapes shared beliefs and institutional frameworks.

Brian Leiter, a leading legal philosopher, and Jaime Edwards, a lecturer in political philosophy, delve into the life and ideas of Karl Marx. They explore Marx's intellectual evolution, from his early influences to the development of historical materialism. Key topics include class struggle and class consciousness, highlighting the disconnect between economic realities and collective awareness. They also discuss Marx's critiques of capitalism, envisioning potential futures for society. Their insights reveal the enduring relevance of Marx's theories in today’s socio-economic landscape.

Dr. Erica Cartmill, a Professor at Indiana University, delves into the fascinating evolution of gestures and their link to human language. She explores the complexities of ape communication, emphasizing how gestures extend beyond hands, involving various body parts. The discussion reveals the intentionality behind ape gestures and their potential role in early human communication. Cartmill highlights how gestures aid cognitive processes and learning, showing their significance in both human and non-human interactions. Join the exploration of this intricate dance of communication!

Gail Dines, Professor Emerita of Sociology and Women's Studies, talks about the profound societal impacts of pornography. She delves into its evolution, tracing its journey from Playboy to the internet, and discusses its links to sexual aggression and mental health issues. Dines critiques the idea of feminist porn, arguing it often fails to uphold true feminist values. She emphasizes the need for better sexual education and resources for those grappling with pornography's effects, highlighting a public health crisis in modern media.

Julia Hermann, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Ethics specializing in ectogestative technology, delves into the ethical implications of artificial wombs. The discussion covers how these technologies could redefine concepts like birth and parenting, challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms. Hermann highlights potential legal and moral ramifications, including the concept of 'gestateling'. The conversation also touches on technomoral revolutions, showing how past advancements have reshaped human rights and perceptions of family.

Walter Scheirer, Dennis O. Doughty Collegiate Professor of Computer Science at Notre Dame, delves into the intricate world of online fakery. He traces the evolution of storytelling from antiquity to digital media and examines how misinformation shapes our identities and political discourse. The conversation explores shock-content websites and the implications of deep fakes, raising critical questions about trust in the digital age. Lastly, Scheirer highlights the dual role of AI in both creating and understanding fake content, emphasizing its complex impact on society.

Aaron Lukaszewski, an Associate Professor in Psychology with a focus on evolutionary personality research, dives into the fascinating connections between personality traits and evolution. He discusses how traits like extraversion persist through natural selection and explores insights from diverse cultures, including traditional societies. The conversation touches on the complexities of social status, leadership dynamics, and the shifting perceptions of alpha males, emphasizing collaboration over dominance. Lukaszewski's work illuminates the intricate tapestry of human behavior through an evolutionary lens.

Lance Grande, a Distinguished Service Curator Emeritus at the Field Museum, delves into the intriguing interplay between evolution and religion. He explores how societies transitioned from supernaturalism to organized belief systems, highlighting the evolution of religious diversity. Grande discusses the agnostic approach to understanding religions, contrasts the abundance of faiths with the principles of natural selection, and examines the historical connections between major religions like Christianity and Islam. His insights shed light on the complexity of human religiosity and cultural influences.

Will Storr, a British author and journalist known for his works in Esquire and GQ Australia, dives deep into the concept of status in human societies. He explores how status influences behavior, mental health, and social media dynamics. Storr discusses gender differences in status competition, the psychological toll of low status, and the evolutionary roots behind these behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation and individuality in the pursuit of status, presenting it as a complex yet essential game in human interactions.