The Dissenter

After six and a half years of broadcasting, the host expresses heartfelt gratitude to guests and supporters. Exciting updates reveal a new website and Goodreads account featuring a complete book list from the show. They detail the increased costs associated with moving to Zoom for recording, emphasizing the need for ongoing financial support. Aiming for a Patreon goal of $920/month, the host highlights the importance of listener contributions for sustaining the podcast and ensuring future content.

Monte Johnson, a professor from UC San Diego specializing in Greco-Roman philosophy, dives deep into the legacies of Aristotle and Democritus. He discusses Aristotle's methodologies and the distinction between his lost works and their impact. The conversation also touches on Aristotle's views on life's meaning and the balance of mechanistic and teleological explanations. Johnson highlights Democritus' pioneering atomism and its influence on ethics and democracy. Fans of ancient wisdom won't want to miss these fascinating insights!

Dr. Robert Vinten, a postdoctoral research fellow with a focus on Wittgenstein and the cognitive science of religion, dives deep into how philosophical and cognitive perspectives intertwine in understanding belief. He discusses whether religion can be seen as a natural phenomenon and critiques reductionist approaches that oversimplify complex mental processes. Vinten also addresses epistemic injustice, considering how marginalized voices have a unique insight into their experiences. His insights challenge listeners to rethink the relationship between philosophy and cognitive science.

Iris Mauss, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, dives into the intricate world of emotions and happiness. She explains the vital role of emotions in mental health and how they intertwine with cognition. The conversation tackles emotion regulation, highlighting cultural and gender differences. Mauss also discusses the paradox of seeking happiness, revealing how an obsession with happiness can lead to disappointment. Instead, she emphasizes finding joy through meaningful connections and emotional acceptance.

Tuomas Tahko, a Professor of Metaphysics of Science at the University of Bristol, delves into the fascinating realm of meta-metaphysics. He elucidates how this field distinguishes itself from traditional metaphysics and examines the connections to epistemology and philosophy of science. Tahko explores the nature of reality versus perception, emphasizing the distinction between mind-independent entities and their implications. He also considers the concepts of fundamental kinds and the philosophical significance of grounding and essence, all while drawing on ideas from Kant and Plato's allegory of the cave.

Sofia Forss, an Ambizione Group Leader at the University of Zurich, dives into the fascinating connections between neophobia, curiosity, and intelligence in apes and humans. She discusses how wild orangutans respond to new stimuli, revealing the impact of environment on their behavior. The conversation shifts to the evolutionary implications of curiosity and social learning, shedding light on how these traits shape cognitive development. Forss also explores creativity in both apes and humans, underscoring the importance of safe environments for fostering innovation.

Philip Ball, a distinguished science writer and former editor at Nature, dives deep into the essence of life itself. He explores the intriguing concept of agency in biology, discussing how living systems pursue goals. The episode challenges traditional metaphors, arguing that genes alone don't determine outcomes; context is crucial. Additionally, Ball unravels the dynamic role of proteins in cellular processes, shedding light on their impact on evolution and medicine. He also touches on ethical dilemmas in synthetic biology, leaving listeners with much to ponder.

Andrew Khoury, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Philosophy at Arizona State University, delves into the intricate world of moral philosophy, focusing on responsibility, punishment, and forgiveness. He questions if blameworthiness is limited to morally wrong actions and explores the role of luck in culpability. The conversation challenges traditional punishment theories, introduces the controversial penal lottery, and navigates the evolving nature of moral character. Khoury deftly examines how forgiveness intertwines with moral responsibility, leaving listeners pondering deep ethical dilemmas.

Vinod Goel, a psychology professor at York University and author of 'Reason and Less', dives deep into the intriguing connections between food, sex, and politics. He breaks down how rationality is influenced by our emotions, challenging traditional views on decision-making. Goel introduces the concept of a 'tethered mind', explaining how our instincts and feelings shape choices. The conversation also tackles the complexities of belief systems, particularly regarding political issues, and how social norms affect personal convictions.

Joseph LeDoux, a renowned neuroscientist and author, discusses his groundbreaking theory in The Four Realms of Existence. He critiques mind-brain dualism and explores insights from split-brain studies that challenge our understanding of consciousness and free will. LeDoux delves into the interplay between cognition and emotion, revealing how narratives shape human behavior. He also examines the four realms—bodily, neural, cognitive, and conscious—and their evolutionary relationships, providing new perspectives on the complexities of identity and mental health.