unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Eric A. Posner, a law professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'The Demagogue's Playbook', dives into the rise of populism and demagoguery in American politics. He contrasts the emotional tactics of leaders like Trump and Andrew Jackson with Lincoln's reasoned approach. The discussion reveals the historical tension between elites and populist movements, and Posner explores contemporary challenges in antitrust laws and labor markets. He also highlights the potential for political recovery after controversial leadership, drawing on lessons from history.

Ilya Shapiro, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of 'Lawless,' discusses the shifting landscape of legal education and the deepening politicization of judicial appointments. He highlights the influence of cancel culture, emphasizing the challenges of fostering free speech in law schools. Ilya critiques the ideological biases permeating legal academia and proposes reforms for a more balanced educational system. Their engaging conversation touches on the implications of these trends for the legal profession and the broader society.

Scott E. Page, a professor at the University of Michigan and author of 'The Model Thinker,' dives into the power of diverse perspectives in decision-making. He argues that incorporating varied models enhances outcomes, especially in complex scenarios. The conversation explores how AI can facilitate this diversity, promoting collaborative and inclusive environments. Page emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity over mere demographic representation and discusses how effective organizational cultures can emerge from embracing a rich tapestry of ideas.

Helena Rosenblatt is a professor at CUNY and an author specializing in liberalism's history. She dives into the shifting meanings of liberalism, discussing its evolution from character-driven concepts to modern rights-focused interpretations. Helena highlights the historical tension between liberalism and religion, and the impact of civic education on democracy. She emphasizes the need for rethinking liberal values in contemporary society, addressing influences from historical thinkers and the dangers of consumerism on citizenship.

Greg M. Epstein, Humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT, explores the intersections of technology and humanism. He argues that technology functions as a modern religion, reshaping our lives and beliefs. The discussion dives into the ethical implications of widespread tech integration and the need for a reformation, akin to past religious movements. Epstein also examines effective altruism in tech culture, revealing the psychological motivations driving Silicon Valley elites and warns against the addictive devotion to technology that can overshadow genuine human connections.

Ward Farnsworth, a law professor and former dean at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into the intricate ties between philosophy, rhetoric, and law. He argues that the Socratic method is more than a teaching tool—it's a vital way of thinking that cultivates critical analysis in legal education. Farnsworth emphasizes the importance of deeper dialogues, self-awareness, and the impact of Stoicism in modern thought. He also discusses the challenges posed by AI in education and advocates for reviving interactive learning to foster genuine understanding and civic responsibility.

Rochelle Gurstein, an esteemed intellectual historian and critic, discusses the evolution of what defines a classic in art. She dives into the historical obscurity of masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the shifting perceptions surrounding iconic works. The conversation explores how societal taste influences the appreciation of art, with highlights on the Elgin marbles and the Venus de Medici. Gurstein also reflects on the complex standards of artistic judgment and the role of critics in shaping cultural values over time.

Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, and Bob Goodson, founder of Quid, delve into the creation and cultural impact of the ubiquitous 'like' button. They recount the serendipitous journey behind its invention, and discuss how it transformed user-generated content and social interactions. The duo reveals how this simple piece of code shaped online behavior, influenced advertising strategies, and even affected offline socializing. Their insights challenge traditional narratives of innovation, highlighting the collaborative nature of tech advancements.

Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin and author of 'Hate the Game,' shares her insights on applying economic principles to life’s toughest decisions. She discusses how game theory can influence career choices, relationship dynamics, and real estate investments. Daryl also tackles the complexities of the housing market, including bidding wars and commission structures. Additionally, she highlights the emotional aspects of homeownership and the importance of communication in balancing love and financial stability, making economics deeply personal.

Julian Baggini, a renowned philosopher and author, discusses how to make philosophy accessible and relatable. He explores the interplay of dietary choices and philosophical thought, advocating for systemic change over individual perfection. The conversation delves into the importance of cognitive empathy and the role of attention in ethical decision-making. Baggini also introduces 'technophronesis,' a term for practical wisdom in technology use, prompting a reevaluation of our relationship with food and tech in modern society.