Rationally Speaking Podcast

The podcast delves into parapsychology, discussing psychic phenomena like remote viewing and ESP. They explore challenges in estimating 'file drawer effect' and the limitations of classical statistics. The hosts also share upcoming event details and delve into the appeal of My Little Pony among educated adult men.

Guest Donald Prothero talks about the tactics of science deniers and the assault on science, covering topics like global warming, creationism, and vaccine safety. He discusses the history of denialists and their influence on public perceptions of truth. Prothero provides advice on engaging with denialists and debunking myths effectively.

Author Joseph Heath discusses debunking economic fallacies from both the right and left, emphasizing the importance of understanding incentives and rule-following in human behavior. He explores the government's role in providing insurance through social security and challenges myths about capitalism and overproduction. Finally, he recommends a book on the Soviet economic system.

The media is increasingly bombarding us with reports of advances in neuroscience which claim all sorts of amazing feats, like allowing us to read our thoughts and intentions. It sounds like neurobabble. Most of these reports though are either based on bad science, reach false conclusion, or are based on conceptual misunderstanding of how our psychology works. To be fair, much of this is manufactured by the popular media but, unfortunately, some of it comes from the neuroscience community itself. So, what information can we really get from fMRIs? As with the misunderstanding of what genes are (like whether there is a God or a conservative gene), are there really parts of the brain dedicated to categories of thoughts like some of these reports claim? And, perhaps more importantly, what are the ethical implications of this neurobabble, should we arrest people who we can tell, based on this research, will be committing a crime?

Eugenie C. Scott discusses the denialism of climate change and evolution. She highlights the techniques used by deniers, such as presenting scientific issues as unsettled and demonizing opposition. The underlying ideologies differ, with creationism being religious and climate change denial being political or economic. The episode explores the role of the skeptic community in science communication and advocating for science education.

Lou Marinoff, a philosophical counselor, discusses how philosophy can help in dealing with existential problems despite psychiatric medications. He explores case studies on decision-making, the intersection of philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and the relationship between psychology and philosophy through Freud and Hobbes. The podcast also covers the certification process for philosophical counselors and recommends a novel on a philosopher-counselor in Manhattan.

Exploring the hypothesis of extraterrestrial life, probability with the Drake Equation, likelihood of life on other planets, water bear resilience in space, the Great Filter, Fermi's Paradox, critiques of SETI, and insights from Ask a Mathematician, Ask a Physicist.

All of us who are involved in the skeptics movement are regularly confronted with one of two reactions when revealing ourselves as skeptics: either that we are cynics, or that, like the classic skeptics, we don't believe that anything is knowable. In this episode, Massimo and Julia take us trough the history of skepticism. From its roots in ancient Greece, to Descartes, the last rationalist, to David Hume, the father of modern skepticism, and to today's modern skeptic movement. Also, is anything really knowable? How do we know that we really exist and are not residents of a cosmic holodeck?

Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, a MacArthur Genius Award recipient and expert on Spinoza and Gödel, dives into their revolutionary ideas. She elaborates on Spinoza's unique conception of God and ethics, and how these philosophies intersect with literature. Goldstein also explores Gödel's profound influence on truth and free will. With insights into her novels and the philosophy behind them, she discusses the evolution of violence through reason and the complex views of human nature according to Hume. An engaging blend of philosophy and storytelling awaits listeners!

Exploring the effectiveness and credibility of practices like acupuncture, yoga, and chiropractic. Discussing personal experiences with meditation and challenges with clearing the mind. Delving into the history and theories of acupuncture, its impact on pain management, and the controversies of chiropractic. Highlighting the benefits and risks of yoga practices, emphasizing the need for caution. Exploring effective training techniques and intermittent rewards in shaping behavior.