The Dissenter

David Benatar, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town, dives into practical ethics and the moral dilemmas we face daily. He discusses the nuances of sexual morality, environmental responsibility, and the ethics of smoking and meat consumption. Benatar tackles the impact of language and the importance of using preferred pronouns, emphasizing context in moral discussions. With a touch of humor, he explores the ethics of humor itself, inviting listeners to reflect on their moral choices in a complex world.

Karl Friston, a leading theoretical neuroscientist and expert in brain imaging, delves into the fascinating intersection of culture and the free energy principle. He discusses how this principle shapes decision-making and belief systems, contributing to the formation of echo chambers. Friston also connects his theories to physics, exploring relationships with quantum mechanics and general relativity. Additionally, he examines the implications of the free energy principle on understanding mortality, revealing insights about human existence and the nature of reality.

Daniel Williams, a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Sussex, dives deep into the intricate world of misinformation. He explores its role as a symptom of societal issues, challenging the idea that it's simply a result of external campaigns. The conversation scrutinizes who is responsible for combating misleading information and addresses the rising influence of AI in this landscape. Williams also evaluates the efficacy of fact-checkers, revealing the complexities behind their impact on public understanding.

Costica Bradatan, a Professor of Humanities and author of "In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in Humility," dives deep into the transformative power of failure. He discusses four distinct types of failure, illustrating how personal and societal struggles can foster profound lessons. The conversation touches upon the dangers of striving for perfection, the allure of political movements, and the complex legacy of Yukio Mishima. Ultimately, Bradatan encourages embracing mortality and failure as vital elements for personal growth and humility.

In this engaging discussion, Menelaos Apostolou, an Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia and expert in evolutionary psychology, dives into the intricacies of singlehood. He distinguishes between voluntary and involuntary singles, illuminating the challenges of modern dating. Apostolou shares strategies for enhancing mate appeal, while also tackling fears around commitment and past relationship experiences. Ultimately, he examines the emotional implications of being single versus in a relationship, advocating for quality over quantity in connections.

Nandita Bajaj, Executive Director of Population Balance and a senior lecturer at Antioch University, dives deep into the pressing issue of overpopulation. She explores the historical context and ecological implications of human expansion, emphasizing the need for sustainable growth. The conversation also tackles the societal pressures of pronatalism and its impact on women's reproductive rights. Additionally, Nandita challenges the misconception that higher birth rates are necessary to support aging populations, advocating instead for a focus on elder care.

Join Lauren Ross, an Associate Professor at UC Irvine, as she unravels the complexities of causation and explanation in science. She discusses the various meanings of causation, from deterministic to probabilistic views, and how these concepts relate to scientific inquiry. Delve into the challenges of understanding causal relationships in psychiatry, where multi-causality complicates diagnosis. Ross also emphasizes the need for clear communication in science to enhance public understanding of causal relationships, fostering collaboration between scientists and philosophers.

João Cancela, a political behavior expert and professor at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, dives deep into the political landscape of Portugal. He discusses the complex attitudes towards institutions and democracy, revealing how historical events like the 2008 crisis shaped current sentiments. The rise of right-wing populism, especially the Chega party, is analyzed, alongside urban-rural voting differences that influence party support. Cancela unpacks party classifications and the evolving political ideologies, particularly highlighting gender trends among young voters.

Christopher Hoyt, an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University, dives into Wittgenstein's philosophy, exploring its ties to the philosophy of mind and religion. He discusses the significance of rituals and language games in shaping belief systems, emphasizing the nuanced understanding of religious dogma. The conversation also probes the cognitive science of religion, including evolutionary theories and their impacts on faith. Hoyt advocates for collaboration between Wittgensteinians and cognitive scientists to deepen insights into human cognition and spirituality.

Marc Steen, a senior research scientist at TNO and expert in Human-Centred Design, delves into the ethics of technology. He introduces a three-step approach for ethical reflection crucial for tech professionals. The discussion challenges traditional views on value in tech, critiques big tech’s alignment with societal interests, and tackles the complexities of ethical dilemmas like the trolley problem. Steen emphasizes the need for responsibility and proposes structured frameworks to foster informed discussions on technology's impact on society.