The Good Fight

In a lively discussion, Jacob Mchangama, an advocate for free expression, Renée DiResta, a misinformation specialist, and Jonathan Rauch, a governance expert, tackle the complexities of free speech today. They address the impact of hypocrisy on discourse and emphasize the importance of institutions in safeguarding rights. The panel dissects the pressures of the Biden and Trump administrations on social media platforms and debates the nuances of cancel culture. They also analyze the implications of Section 230 and the EU Digital Services Act on online moderation.

Quentin Skinner, a distinguished intellectual historian and Emeritus Professor at Queen Mary University, delves into the concept of liberty with Yascha Mounk. They explore the difference between negative liberty as non-interference and the republican notion of liberty as independence from arbitrary power. Skinner highlights how institutions shape freedom and critiques modern approaches to human rights. He warns against overlooking silent forms of domination, such as workplace power and surveillance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights in a democratic society.

In this discussion, historian and journalist Justin Marozzi dives deep into the complex history of slavery in the Islamic world. Marozzi explores how pre-Islamic practices evolved under Islamic texts and laws. He highlights the role of concubinage, the ethics of manumission, and the stark realities faced by enslaved individuals. The conversation addresses how war, religion, and economics shaped slave sourcing, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa as a primary region. Marozzi emphasizes the importance of recovering enslaved voices and urges a more nuanced understanding of this often-neglected topic.

David Bau, an Assistant Professor and expert on deep generative networks, joins Yascha Mounk to dive into the complexities of AI. They discuss the critical need for understanding behind AI technologies and the implications of many not grasping their workings. Bau clarifies the distinction between generative models and classifiers, explaining how neural networks are constructed. He highlights the transformative role of transformers and shared insights on training methods, emphasizing the importance of moral alignment in AI development.

In this insightful discussion, Katie Herzog, an author and journalist, shares her journey through alcoholism and the limitations of traditional recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. She reveals how her solitary drinking escalated into dependence and the societal pressures that enabled her behavior. Herzog explores the Sinclair Method and the use of medication-assisted treatment, detailing her experience with naltrexone. She emphasizes the importance of redefining one’s relationship with alcohol and the challenges faced in recovery without total abstinence.

Join Francis Fukuyama, a political scholar known for his insights on democracy, and Sabina Ćudić, a Bosnian parliament member advocating for rule of law, alongside Dan Williams, a philosophy professor examining misinformation. They dive into the implications of Trump’s prosecutor firings for U.S. democracy and the troubling normalization of violence in politics post-Charlie Kirk's assassination. The discussion also critiques RFK Jr.'s controversial autism claims and explores the impact of misinformation in a polarized political landscape.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers and author of 'Why Fascists Fear Teachers', dives into the critical role of education in democracy. She argues that civics education is essential to combat polarization and tyranny. The conversation explores the impact of social media on learning and challenges in teaching civics amidst political backlash. Weingarten also highlights how demagogues target schools to suppress critical thinking, and discusses innovative approaches to student engagement and resource allocation.

Fraser Nelson, a notable political journalist and former editor of The Spectator, joins Helen Joyce, an advocate for free speech and author, for a vibrant discussion. They tackle Britain's political turmoil and the rise of populism, with insights on immigration’s role in societal angst. The conversation dives deep into the challenges facing free speech today, highlighting troubling legal issues and comparing the U.S. and UK approaches. With real-life examples, they paint a stark picture of the current climate surrounding freedom of expression.

In this enlightening discussion, Steven Pinker, a Harvard psychologist and acclaimed author, delves into the vital role of common knowledge in society. He explains why it's the psychological cornerstone often overlooked, and how it shapes social dynamics through examples like the Emperor's New Clothes. Pinker also reveals why authoritarian regimes fear public acknowledgment and how shared outrage can ignite collective action, using poignant historical events. His insights spark critical reflections on communication, cooperation, and societal resilience.

Damon Linker, a senior lecturer in political science at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Notes from the Middleground,' dives into the chilling implications of Charlie Kirk's assassination. He discusses the rise of political violence fueled by divisive narratives, especially on social media. The conversation highlights distressing parallels with historical conflicts, emphasizes the urgent need for civil discourse, and explores pathways to heal an increasingly polarized America. Linker warns of the consequences of extreme rhetoric and the vital importance of civic responsibility.