The Dissenter

Dr. Sam Carr, Reader in Education at the University of Bath and author of *All the Lonely People*, dives into the complex nature of loneliness. He highlights how personal narratives shape individual experiences of disconnect and explores the loneliness epidemic exacerbated by the pandemic. The conversation delves into loneliness in older adults, how grief after losing a partner intensifies feelings of isolation, and the emotional challenges surrounding aging. Carr advocates for empathy and open discussions about this universal yet deeply personal experience.

Agnes Callard, an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago and author of Open Socrates, explores the essence of a philosophical life. She delves into Socratic wisdom, contrasting it with Tolstoy's existential dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of asking 'why.' Callard promotes communal philosophical inquiry as key to addressing profound life questions. She also discusses ethics, the art of love, and the craft of politics, advocating for a reflective lifestyle that embraces inquiry and deep understanding.

Daniel Silverman, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Carnegie Mellon University, dives into the psychology of misinformation during war. He reveals how biased perceptions and manipulated narratives shape public belief, with critical examples from the U.S. drone campaign in Pakistan. The discussion explores why people cling to false narratives despite contrary evidence and emphasizes the impact of local experiences in conflict zones. Silverman advocates for elevating local voices to combat misinformation and highlights the emotional toll on both civilians and soldiers.

Jonathan Losos, a distinguished evolutionary biology professor, shares fascinating insights from his work on evolutionary change. He discusses how chance events, like the dinosaurs' extinction, shape evolution, alongside natural selection and genetic drift. The conversation dives into groundbreaking guppy studies on mate preference and colors, as well as the unpredictable nature of evolution, emphasizing that even genetically identical organisms can evolve differently. Losos also reflects on the improbability of Earth-like life forms elsewhere in the universe, challenging common sci-fi tropes.

Nicole Prause, a pioneering neuroscientist and founder of Liberos LLC, dives deep into the complex relationship between pornography, sexual behavior, and addiction. She challenges the notion of pornography as a mere superstimulus and discusses its real-world implications. The conversation also touches on the controversial NoFap movement, questioning its claims about semen retention. Additionally, Prause shares insights on the rare post-orgasmic illness syndrome, revealing the challenges researchers face in exploring these often-taboo topics.

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.