The Dissenter

Karl Friston, a renowned theoretical neuroscientist and authority on brain imaging, delves into the Free Energy Principle and its implications for understanding cognition. He unpacks concepts like active inference, the Markov blanket, and how these relate to perception and learning. The conversation explores self-organization in biological systems and touches on the evolution of brain research methods. Friston also discusses the relevance of these ideas to psychiatric conditions like depression, emphasizing belief updating as a means to navigate mental challenges.

Dr. Tobias Gerstenberg, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Stanford, delves into the intricacies of causal cognition and moral responsibility. He discusses counterfactual thinking and how we attribute causality, touching on dilemmas like causation by omission versus commission. The conversation explores moral assessments using real-world scenarios, revealing how intentions and outcomes shape our ethical judgments. Gerstenberg's insights merge philosophy with psychology, providing a fascinating look at our cognitive processes and their implications for accountability.

Dr. Timothy Weaver, a Professor of Anthropology at UC Davis, dives deep into human evolution and the Neanderthals' fascinating history. He discusses the evolution of the human cranium and pivotal changes from early hominins to H. sapiens. The role of fire in enhancing diet and brain development is explored, alongside the genetics of Neanderthal interactions with modern humans. Weaver challenges misconceptions about Neanderthal extinction and examines the impact of diet on our cranial evolution, providing a nuanced view of our ancient relatives.

Dr. Sheri Berman, a political science professor at Barnard College and expert on political ideologies, dives into the evolution of the left, discussing socialism, communism, and social democracy. She examines the decline of labor movements and how they shaped contemporary leftist thought. Berman also tackles the rise of right-wing populism in Europe post-2008, exploring how discontent fuels political shifts. Additionally, she clarifies the distinctions between fascism and populism, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of today's political landscape.

Robin Gregory and Brooke Moore, both experts in teenage decision-making, dive into their book focused on empowering youth. They discuss the transition from relying on others to making personal choices, emphasizing autonomy and mentoring. The guests unpack decision traps like cognitive biases that hinder sound judgment and offer practical strategies to overcome them. They advocate for aiding teens in aligning choices with their values and viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth, enhancing the overall decision-making process.

Nadine Strossen, a prominent legal scholar and former ACLU president, dives deep into the intricate debates surrounding pornography and free speech. She contrasts anti-porn feminist arguments with pro-censorship stances, advocating for evidence-based dialogue. Strossen addresses the impact of censorship on sexual expression and sex workers, stressing the need for individual rights and safety. Her insights challenge societal norms and encourage listeners to consider diverse feminist perspectives on pornography and its implications for women's autonomy.

In this enlightening discussion, Louis Bachaud, a PhD student studying the sociology of science, dives into the troubling misuse of evolutionary science within the manosphere. He unpacks the ideologies surrounding male solidarity and misogyny, questioning the narratives about female sexuality and 'alpha males.' Bachaud explores the motivations behind manosphere content creation and its ties to economic exploitation. He emphasizes the need for responsible scientific communication and critiques the oversimplified portrayals of masculinity that continue to pervade these online communities.

Peter Etchells, a Professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University, dives into the complex world of screen time. He addresses societal fears surrounding new technologies and their real effects on mental health and sleep. Etchells emphasizes the importance of balancing the positive and negative aspects of screen use, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of individual experiences. He critiques the simplification of digital addiction and promotes mindful engagement with technology, highlighting the need for better design from tech companies.

Jerald Mosley, a former supervising deputy attorney general and advocate, dives into the worlds of sex workers and their clients. He highlights the need to amplify the often-overlooked perspectives of both parties. The conversation explores the complexities of sex work, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding it. Mosley discusses the effects of decriminalization, revealing how it can improve public health and safety. He also addresses the nuances of exploitation versus empowerment, advocating for greater understanding and support for the rights of sex workers.

Kostas Kampourakis, an expert in science and author of 'Ancestry Reimagined', dives deep into the myths of genetic ethnicities. He challenges common misconceptions around DNA testing and discusses how social constructs like race and ethnicity often mislead our understanding of ancestry. Kampourakis highlights the high genetic diversity within Africa and critiques the oversimplification of identity based on genetics. His insights encourage a more nuanced appreciation of our shared human heritage, blending science with cultural understanding.