unSILOed with Greg LaBlanc

Anastasia Berg, an assistant professor of philosophy at UC Irvine and co-author of 'What Are Children For?: On Ambivalence and Choice', dives into the complexities surrounding childbearing. She explores how societal anxieties and shifting priorities have transformed parenthood from a certainty into a choice. Their discussion spans the historical perspectives on motherhood, the ethical dilemmas posed by modern crises like climate change, and the evolving ideals of feminism. Berg emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of parenting and societal roles.

Margaret Heffernan, a Professor of Practice at the University of Bath and author of 'Embracing Uncertainty,' dives into the transformative power of accepting the unknown. She argues that fear of uncertainty can limit potential and innovation. The conversation highlights the value of dissent in fostering creativity and how rigid predictability can stifle happiness. Heffernan also stresses the need for open-mindedness in business decision-making and the importance of balancing structure with creative freedom for growth and adaptability.

David A. Mindell, a renowned MIT professor and author, delves into the pressing need for a cultural shift towards valuing industrial systems. He explores what a modern industrial enlightenment could look like and its parallels with the 18th century. Mindell discusses the evolving relationship between automation and labor, debunking myths about job replacement. He emphasizes the essential role of human factors in engineering and advocates for educational reforms that prioritize practical skills to prepare for a technologically advanced future.

Leslie Valiant, a Harvard professor known for his work on artificial intelligence and educability, dives into what it means to learn. He discusses the unique aspects of human intelligence and how our educability sets us apart from AI. Valiant challenges conventional definitions of intelligence and explores the shortcomings of traditional IQ tests. He also emphasizes the need for innovative teaching methods that focus on meaningful learning for both humans and machines, while pondering the future of human-AI collaboration.

In this engaging discussion, Randy E. Barnett, a constitutional law scholar and professor at Georgetown University, shares his fascinating journey from a prosecutor to a leader in the originalism movement. He explores landmark Supreme Court cases, including the medical marijuana challenge and the Affordable Care Act. Barnett delves into the motivations behind justices' decisions and the challenges faced within legal academia. His memoir reveals profound insights about constitutional interpretation and the ideological shifts that shape the legal landscape.

Frank Furedi, an Emeritus professor at the University of Kent and director of MCC Brussels, dives deep into the relationship between contemporary culture and historical awareness. He challenges the notion of presentism and critiques how identity politics distort historical narratives. The discussion highlights the dangers of a culture overly focused on safety, examining the decline of educational rigor and practical wisdom. Furedi emphasizes the importance of understanding history for personal identity, warning against the risks of neglecting our past.

Melissa B. Jacoby, a Law Professor at UNC Chapel Hill and author of 'Unjust Debts', explores the complexities of the U.S. bankruptcy system. She discusses how specialized courts affect both personal and corporate bankruptcies, often entrenching existing inequalities. The conversation highlights disparities faced by low-income communities, the influence of the consumer credit industry, and the ethical concerns surrounding how wealthy families navigate bankruptcy. Greg and Melissa also examine the long-lasting impacts of these laws on justice and fairness.

Carrie Gress, a fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center and author of 'The End of Woman', discusses the lasting impacts of feminism on modern women. She challenges the notion of autonomy championed by feminists, arguing it diminishes the importance of motherhood and family. Gress traces the historical roots of feminist movements and critiques their alignment with socialist ideals, revealing how these have shaped societal issues like mental health and women's identities today. Her insights spark a reconsideration of the narratives surrounding womanhood.

Michael W. Clune, a professor at Case Western Reserve University and author of A Defense of Judgment, dives into the precarious balance between expert aesthetic judgment and marketplace-driven valuations. He critiques the modern shift towards egalitarianism in art, arguing it undermines traditional expertise. Clune explores the intertwining of literary criticism and creation, emphasizing how analysis can enhance appreciation. Their discussion also highlights the historical shifts in literary education and the critical role it plays in shaping personal taste and understanding.

Dr. Gad Saad, a marketing professor at Concordia University and author of 'The Consuming Instinct', delves into the fascinating interplay between evolutionary psychology and marketing. He discusses the skepticism faced by evolutionary psychology in academia, illustrating its critical role in understanding consumer behavior. Gad highlights how noble ideas can morph into harmful ideologies, emphasizing the balance between empathy and truth. This discussion sheds light on the often contentious relationship between marketing strategies and innate human instincts.