The Dissenter

Dr. Laura Betzig, a renowned anthropologist, discusses her book, diving deep into human history and its ties to natural evolution. She explores intriguing topics like the role of eunuchs in the Roman Empire, their unique positions of power, and the complex dynamics of slavery. The conversation shifts to medieval Europe, highlighting societal changes due to the rise of royal bastards and the significance of women’s spaces. Betzig also examines the myths and realities of the American West, blending personal anecdotes with historical analysis.

Jonathan Ichikawa, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, dives into the concept of epistemic courage. He tackles the ethics of belief, emphasizing the struggle between skepticism and acceptance, while critiquing negative biases that shape societal perceptions. Ichikawa also sheds light on the impact of ideology in shaping cultural narratives, particularly regarding stereotypes and gender roles. The discussion covers the intersection of faith and doubt, especially in high-stakes issues like misinformation and sexual assault, calling for a reassessment of belief justification.

Dr. Manvir Singh, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at UC Davis and author of "Shamanism: The Timeless Religion," dives deep into the fascinating world of shamanism. He explores its historical roots and significance in modern society, particularly in industrialized cultures. Listeners will learn about his experiences with the Mentawe people of Siberut, the intricacies of shamanic rituals, and the relevance of trance states. Additionally, he challenges myths surrounding psychedelics and their role in shamanistic practices, offering new insights into this timeless tradition.

Karen Stollznow, a linguist and author at Griffith University, dives into the fascinating history of the word 'bitch.' She explores its origins as a term for female dogs and its evolution into a pejorative for women. Stollznow discusses the feminist reclamation of the word, challenging toxic masculinity, and highlights its dual role as both an insult and symbol of empowerment. The conversation delves into societal perceptions of ambition in women compared to men, showcasing how language reflects and shapes gender dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, Kostas Kampourakis, an author and educator at the University of Geneva, dives into his book 'Darwin Mythology.' He argues against the glorification of individual scientists, emphasizing that Darwin's ideas were shaped by a collective effort, not mere genius. The discussion debunks popular myths about Darwin's originality, his famed Galápagos expedition, and his rigorous empirical research. Kampourakis also navigates the historical context of Darwin's work, highlighting how collaboration and societal influences informed his evolutionary theories.

Cahal Moran, Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and creator of the YouTube channel Unlearning Economics, dives into pressing economic issues. He critiques austerity measures, arguing they worsen inequality. The conversation highlights the disparity in power between billionaires and millionaires, emphasizing the need for fair taxation and Universal Basic Income. Moran also explores systemic challenges in housing and landownership, calling for community-driven solutions to promote equity and address economic crises.

Robert Krueger, Distinguished McKnight Professor at the University of Minnesota, delves into the complexities of classifying mental disorders. He critiques traditional methods and advocates for the HiTOP model, which offers a more nuanced, dimensional perspective. The conversation also explores the evolution of personality disorder classifications and emphasizes the importance of subjective well-being in understanding mental health. Krueger shares insights on balancing academic engagement in a digital world and the significance of recognizing emotional nuances.

Cody Moser, a PhD candidate and Fletcher Jones Fellow at UC Merced, dives into fascinating topics about collective intelligence and cultural innovation. He unpacks how social networks influence the emergence of new ideas and the roles of diversity and inequality in innovation. Moser discusses the intricate dance between individual cognition and group dynamics, with insights from animal behavior and neural processes. He also highlights the process of cumulative cultural evolution and the unique aspects of infant communication, demonstrating how these concepts shape our social structures.

Agustín Fuentes, a Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University, explores the fascinating complexities of sex and gender. He discusses the evolution of sexual reproduction, challenging the binary view of male and female with concepts like isogamy and anisogamy. Fuentes emphasizes sex as a spectrum, highlighting the biological diversity among humans and other species. He also delves into the interplay of culture and biology in shaping gender identity, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of human diversity.

Join Mads Larsen, a postdoc researcher at the University of Oslo and author of 'Stories of Love from Vikings to Tinder,' as he dives into the complexities of modern dating. He discusses how evolving mating ideologies affect our societal structures and declining birth rates. With insights from history and literary analysis, Mads explores everything from courtly love to contemporary dating challenges. The conversation highlights the impacts of technology and cultural shifts on relationships, revealing how deeply intertwined love and society truly are.