Rationally Speaking Podcast
New York City Skeptics
Rationally Speaking is the bi-weekly podcast of New York City Skeptics. Join host Julia Galef and guests as they explore the borderlands between reason and nonsense, likely from unlikely, and science from pseudoscience. Any topic is fair game as long as we can bring reason to bear upon it, with both a skeptical eye and a good dose of humor!
We agree with the Marquis de Condorcet, who said that in an open society we ought to devote ourselves to "the tracking down of prejudices in the hiding places where priests, the schools, the government, and all long-established institutions had gathered and protected them."Rationally Speaking was co-created with Massimo Pigliucci, is produced by Benny Pollak, and is recorded in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village.
We agree with the Marquis de Condorcet, who said that in an open society we ought to devote ourselves to "the tracking down of prejudices in the hiding places where priests, the schools, the government, and all long-established institutions had gathered and protected them."Rationally Speaking was co-created with Massimo Pigliucci, is produced by Benny Pollak, and is recorded in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 9, 2014 • 53min
Rationally Speaking #103 - Neil deGrasse Tyson on Why He Doesn't Call Himself an Atheist
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson returns for this episode of Rationally Speaking, with a particular question to discuss: Should he call himself an atheist? The impetus is a recent dust-up over Neil's appearance on Big Think, in which he explained that he avoids the label "atheist" because it causes people to make all sorts of unflattering (and often untrue) assumptions. Julia and Massimo reply with some counterarguments, and along the way delve into the philosophy of language.
Feb 23, 2014 • 51min
Rationally Speaking #102 - Zach Weinersmith on His "SMBC" Webcomic
This episode features special guest Zach Weinersmith, author of "Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal," a popular webcomic about philosophy and science. Zach clarifies his position in the ongoing "philosophy vs. science" fight, poses a question to Julia and Massimo about the ethics of offensive jokes, and discusses BAHFest, his "Bad Ad Hoc Hypotheses" conference lampooning evolutionary psychology and his movie "Starpocalype." Somehow along the way, the three take a detour into discussing an unusual sexual act.
Feb 9, 2014 • 52min
Rationally Speaking #101 - Max Tegmark on the Mathematical Universe Hypothesis
Those among us who loathed high school calculus might feel some trepidation at the premise in this week's episode of Rationally Speaking. MIT Physicist Max Tegmark joins us to talk about his book "Our Mathematical Universe: My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality" in which explains the controversial argument that everything around us is made of math. Max, Massimo and Julia explore the arguments for such a theory, how it could be tested, and what it even means.
Jan 27, 2014 • 1h 19min
Rationally Speaking #100 - Live Q&A: Massimo and Julia Answer Everything!
On this episode, recorded live at the Jefferson Market Library in New York City, Rationally Speaking podcast celebrates its 100th episode! The show features a full hour of audience Q’s and Julia & Massimo’s A’s. Topics range from science, philosophy and the borderlands between the two. The questions push the hosts to think on their feet, and even to admit their ignorance on stage!
Dec 22, 2013 • 44min
Rationally Speaking #99 - Judith Schlesinger Exposes the Myth of the Mad Genius
Judith Schlesinger, a psychologist and jazz critic, debunks the 'mad genius' myth in this engaging discussion. She argues that the connection between creativity and mental illness is largely a romanticized fallacy rooted in misunderstanding and flawed research. Schlesinger explores historical perspectives on creativity, revealing how societal perceptions have distorted the true nature of artistic expression. By examining figures like Van Gogh, she invites listeners to appreciate art for its intrinsic value, rather than the troubled lives of its creators.
Dec 8, 2013 • 54min
Rationally Speaking #98 - Jerome Wakefield on Psychiatric Diagnoses: Science or Pseudoscience?
Jerome Wakefield, a professor of social work and psychiatry at NYU, dives into the controversies surrounding psychiatric diagnoses. He questions the objectivity of the DSM and the blurred lines between normal emotional responses and clinical disorders. The conversation highlights how cultural influences affect the classification of mental health issues, including the evolving definitions of grief and gender identity. Wakefield critiques the pharmaceutical influence on diagnoses and urges for a more nuanced understanding of mental health classification.
Nov 25, 2013 • 47min
Rationally Speaking #97 - Peter Singer on Being a Utilitarian in the Real World
Ethicist Peter Singer discusses his utilitarian arguments on how we should treat animals, why we have an obligation to give to charity, and whether infants count as 'people'. They also explore hedonistic vs preference utilitarianism, saving a drowning child, speciesism and animal rights, Singer's controversial reputation in Germany, and book recommendations.
Nov 10, 2013 • 52min
Rationally Speaking #96 - Sally Satel and Scott Lilienfeld on the Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience
It seems like a week can't go by without a news story about how neuroscience has discovered the neurological basis of love, morality, addiction, you name it. Yet how much explanatory power does neuroscience really have -- and are we putting too much trust in its findings? On this episode of Rationally Speaking, Massimo and Julia explore these questions with psychiatrist Sally Satel and professor of psychology Scott O. Lilienfeld, the authors of "Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience."
Oct 27, 2013 • 56min
Rationally Speaking #95 - Gerard O'Brien On the Computational Theory of Mind
Gerard O'Brien, a philosophy professor at the University of Adelaide, dives into the computational theory of mind. The discussion reveals fascinating insights into whether the brain functions like a computer, exploring the distinction between digital and analog processing. They unpack how visual perception influences cognition and challenge traditional ideas about intelligence versus consciousness. The potential for uploading human consciousness is also examined, alongside an engaging look at the implications of AI, including the Chinese Room debate.
Oct 3, 2013 • 1h
Rationally Speaking #94 - Maarten Boudry on Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem
Philosopher Maarten Boudry, a doctoral researcher at Ghent University, joins to unpack the murky waters separating science from pseudoscience. He dives into the critical demarcation problem, illustrating how concepts like predictability and falsifiability challenge our understanding. Boudry shares insights from his recent book and humorously recounts his experience pranking theologians. The conversation also touches on intriguing examples like paranormal claims and academic hoaxes, revealing how the lines defining genuine inquiry can often become blurred.
