The Dissenter

Pascal Boyer, a distinguished professor of Psychology and Anthropology, dives deep into the fascinating realm of informal belief systems and their cultural roles. He discusses the allure of 'wild traditions' and their interplay with organized religions. The conversation shifts to the psychology behind rituals and compulsive behaviors, linking them to mental health. Boyer also explores complex themes like ownership psychology, victim-blaming, and societal perceptions of misfortune, offering thought-provoking insights into human behavior and morality.

Join Anna Ivanova, an Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech, as she explores the intricate connection between language and cognition. Discover how advanced brain imaging techniques like fMRI reveal language processing in the brain. Ivanova discusses the capabilities and limitations of large language models, questioning whether they truly understand language like humans do. She also compares programming languages with natural languages, shedding light on how they activate different brain networks. This conversation dives deep into the fascinating world of language and AI!

Peter Adamson, a Professor of Philosophy at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and King's College London, discusses the profound impact of Avicenna on Islamic philosophy. He unpacks Avicenna's contributions to logic and metaphysics while analyzing the tensions between Muslim philosophical traditions and critiques from contemporaries like Al-Ghazali. The conversation also explores the preservation of Islamic texts and the significance of 'para-philosophers' in 12th and 13th-century thought, highlighting how these ideas influenced Western scholasticism.

In this conversation, Stephen Morris, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at The College of Staten Island, dives into his provocative book, "Moral Damages: The Case for Abolishing Morality." He challenges the idea of objective moral truths and discusses moral abolitionism as a remedy for the harmful fallout of traditional morality. Morris explains how morality can justify violence, influence politics negatively, and affect personal well-being. He argues for non-moral resources in fostering cooperation and examines alternatives to moral frameworks that might promote happiness and societal stability.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Safron, Research Fellow at the Allen Discovery Institute, delves into the intricate nature of consciousness. He explores various theories, advocating for a multifaceted understanding crucial for AI development. Adam highlights the importance of embodiment in AI and its applications, particularly in elder care. The conversation also touches on the transformative effects of psychedelics on consciousness and selfhood, revealing exciting potential for therapeutic uses and their connection to advancements in artificial intelligence.

In this engaging discussion, Patrícia Silva, an Assistant Professor at the University of Aveiro and editor of 'Portugal in the 21st Century,' explores Portugal's remarkable journey since the year 2000. She highlights the historic transition from dictatorship to democracy and delves into the lasting effects of the 2008 economic crisis. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Portuguese identity shaped by geography and culture, and challenges within its welfare state. Listeners gain insights into Portugal's unique political landscape and its role in the European arena.

Sybil Hart, Professor Emeritus at Texas Tech University, dives deep into the world of attachment theory and parent-offspring conflict. She discusses the critical importance of maternal bonds and breastfeeding, exploring how these relationships shape psychological development. Hart also examines the evolutionary pressures faced by infants, including undernutrition. Additionally, she sheds light on the evolving role of fathers in caregiving, emphasizing the complexities of parent-child dynamics in both historical and modern contexts.

Vicky Oelze, an Associate Professor in Anthropology and Director of the Primate Ecology & Molecular Anthropology Lab at UC Santa Cruz, dives into the diets of great apes and how they inform human evolution. She discusses innovative methods like isotope analysis used to study ancient diets, uncovering insights into our ancestors' eating habits. Oelze also reveals surprising dietary behaviors in apes and their implications for early human diets, from hunting to the impact of agriculture. A fascinating blend of biology and anthropology awaits!

Angela Potochnik, a philosophy professor and director at the Center for Public Engagement with Science, dives into the fascinating world of scientific methods. She discusses the crucial role of science in everyday life and the impact of public understanding on trust in scientific research. Potochnik explores the distinctions between experimental and non-experimental methods, emphasizing the importance of statistics and cognitive diversity in fostering robust inquiry. Her insights illuminate the interplay of science with social values and the creative process of scientific discovery.

Charlotte Blease, an interdisciplinary health researcher at Uppsala University and Harvard, discusses the intriguing nocebo effect, where negative expectations can lead to real health declines. She distinguishes it from the placebo effect, emphasizing the role of clinician communication in shaping patient outcomes. The conversation touches on the nocebo implications in psychotherapy and vaccine communications, revealing how expectations can skew perceived side effects. Blease also explores the potential of AI in enhancing patient care while addressing the psychological challenges faced by doctors today.