

Minds Almost Meeting
Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson
Imagine two smart curious friendly and basically truth-seeking people, but from very different intellectual traditions. Traditions with different tools, priorities, and ground rules. What would they discuss? Would they talk past each other? Make any progress? Would anyone want to hear them? Economist Robin Hanson and philosopher Agnes Callard decided to find out.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
Plato's Republic (Robin Hanson & Agnes Callard, with Arnold Brooks)
Dive into the rich philosophical contrast between Plato and Aristotle, exploring how their ideas shape our understanding of society and governance. Examine the balance of individual and state loyalty within modern organizations and grapple with Plato's thoughts on censorship and the role of poetry. Discover insights on how wealth influences societal stability and the complexities of household dynamics through a Platonic lens. This engaging dialogue bridges ancient philosophy with contemporary issues, making ancient ideas relevant to today's world.

40 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ritual (Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson)
Dive into the fascinating contrast between ritual and sincerity, exploring how rituals shape our social interactions and relationships. Discover the risks of rigid sincerity in modern life and the importance of ambiguity in rituals. The discussion reveals how rituals serve as vital social constructs, linking beliefs with communal experiences. Delve into the impact of fundamentalism on our understanding of rituals and the evolution of emotions tied to beliefs. Unpack the complex journey of rituals in a rapidly changing world, balancing tradition with innovation.

Apr 3, 2025 • 57min
Bullsh*t (Robin Hanson & Agnes Callard)
Minds Almost Meeting: Season 10, Episode 11.View the transcript for this episode here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com/episodes/bsImagine two smart curious friendly and basically truth-seeking people, but from very different intellectual traditions. Traditions with different tools, priorities, and ground rules. What would they discuss? Would they talk past each other? Make any progress? Would anyone want to hear them? Economist Robin Hanson and philosopher Agnes Callard decided to find out.Visit the Minds Almost Meeting website here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 1min
Kafka's 'The Castle' (Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson)
Minds Almost Meeting: Season 10, Episode 10.View the transcript for this episode here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com/episodes/kafkas-the-castleImagine two smart curious friendly and basically truth-seeking people, but from very different intellectual traditions. Traditions with different tools, priorities, and ground rules. What would they discuss? Would they talk past each other? Make any progress? Would anyone want to hear them? Economist Robin Hanson and philosopher Agnes Callard decided to find out.Visit the Minds Almost Meeting website here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 12min
Fertility again (Robin Hanson & Agnes Callard, with Lyman Stone)
Lyman Stone, an expert in empirical fertility research, dives deep into the nuances of declining fertility rates and their societal impacts. He discusses Japan's historic shifts in fertility policies and how state-driven initiatives spurred growth during modernization. The conversation also highlights the unique fertility trends among the Leichtadians and contrasts them with more separatist groups like the Amish. Stone explores the vital intersections of cultural values, economic implications, and the role of climate change in shaping fertility norms, all while emphasizing the need for innovative solutions.

7 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
On woke (Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson, with Werner Zagrebbi)
Minds Almost Meeting: Season 10, Episode 8.View the transcript for this episode here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com/episodes/on-wokeImagine two smart curious friendly and basically truth-seeking people, but from very different intellectual traditions. Traditions with different tools, priorities, and ground rules. What would they discuss? Would they talk past each other? Make any progress? Would anyone want to hear them? Economist Robin Hanson and philosopher Agnes Callard decided to find out.Visit the Minds Almost Meeting website here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com

5 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
Two Cultures again (Robin Hanson & Agnes Callard, with Alok Singh)
In this engaging discussion, Alok Singh, an expert in economics and philosophy, joins Robin Hanson and Agnes Callard to explore the cultural divide between STEM and the humanities. They tackle how different intellectual traditions shape perceptions and values. The trio debates the integration of both fields, highlighting the need for a balance between technological progress and human values. They also delve into the challenges of evaluating academic excellence, reflecting on the subjective nature of grading in contrast to quantifiable STEM assessments.

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 6min
Open Socrates (Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson)
Minds Almost Meeting: Season 10, Episode 6.
View the transcript for this episode here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com/episodes/open-socrates
Imagine two smart curious friendly and basically truth-seeking people, but from very different intellectual traditions. Traditions with different tools, priorities, and ground rules. What would they discuss? Would they talk past each other? Make any progress? Would anyone want to hear them? Economist Robin Hanson and philosopher Agnes Callard decided to find out.
Visit the Minds Almost Meeting website here: https://mindsalmostmeeting.com

34 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 59min
Perfection vs. greatness (Robin Hanson & Agnes Callard)
Two intellects collide as they grapple with the tension between perfectionism and greatness. The discussion dives into how educational norms may stifle creativity and the effects of conformity in various fields. They explore whether strict procedures enhance or hinder success, using reality TV as a vivid example. A critical look at the burden of perfection reveals its impact on innovation and true achievement. Ultimately, they question how cultural uniformity can both aid communication and suppress creative thought.

15 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 2min
Fighting vs. arguing (Agnes Callard & Robin Hanson)
Dive into the clash between fighting and arguing, exploring their roles in shaping beliefs and values. Discover how personal identities and social dynamics intertwine in debates. The conversation reveals the ethical complexities of honesty versus deception and the motivations that guide our interactions. Slogans are dissected as rigid principles, while mental systems in ethical reasoning highlight the struggle between dogma and adaptability. This engaging dialogue challenges perceptions and encourages deeper reflection on navigating conflict.