Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

In this discussion, Thomas Goetz, a science journalist and author focused on medicine, dives into the complex reality of medications. He explores how modern diseases, like obesity and anxiety, may be products of our environment rather than just individual flaws. With a fascinating look at GLP-1 drugs, Goetz debates the societal implications of dependency on pills versus structural influences on health. He emphasizes the unintended consequences of medications and the evolving relationship between society and pharmaceutical solutions.

In this engaging discussion, philosopher and author Rebecca Goldstein dives into the concept of 'mattering'—the fundamental human need to feel significant. She explores how mattering underpins happiness, ambition, and even depression, linking unmet desires for significance to broader societal issues like polarization and extremism. Goldstein presents strategies for realizing one's mattering, illustrates with stories like that of Scott Joplin, and offers advice for individuals struggling to find their sense of worth. A thought-provoking conversation on what it truly means to matter!

David Spiegel, a Stanford psychiatrist and hypnosis expert, dives into the fascinating world of hypnosis, demystifying its clinical applications for pain, anxiety, and habit change. He explains how attention and expectation can reshape our experiences, revealing the brain’s pathways. Hypnosis is contrasted with meditation and flow states, emphasizing its intentionality. Spiegel discusses its proven effectiveness in medical settings, barriers to broader acceptance, and the potential of his Reverie app for accessibility in therapeutic hypnosis.

Explore the fascinating puzzle of selfhood and continuity in a constantly changing body. The ship of Theseus sparks a debate on identity amidst cellular turnover. Delve into how memories can shift our perception of self, revealing the instability of personal recollections. Consider thought experiments about age in an afterlife and the peculiar End-of-History illusion that leads us to underestimate future changes in beliefs and preferences. Join a journey through the fluid nature of identity and how we navigate our future selves.

Explore how medieval artwork misrepresented lions, revealing insights about memory construction. David Eagleman discusses the 'telephone game' analogy, illustrating how memories distort over time. Discover the impact of cultural schemas on narrative recall and the role of interference from new memories in memory fading. Hear about studies on eyewitness suggestibility and the surprising reliability of flashbulb memories like those from 9/11. The conversation dives into how these memory drifts affect our identities and personal narratives.

Joshua Greene, a Harvard psychologist and philosopher, dives into the intricacies of moral judgment. He explores why our instincts clash with modern dilemmas like pandemics and AI, shedding light on moral decision-making. Greene discusses how emotional impulses often override rational choices, using examples like trolley problems. He introduces 'moral technologies' designed to enhance charitable giving and discusses Tango, a game intended to reduce political polarization. This conversation reveals how understanding our moral brains can lead to more effective collective actions.

Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, known for his groundbreaking work on irrationality, dives into the fascinating world of misbelief. He discusses how misbeliefs can provide comfort amidst chaos and reveals the psychological ingredients behind their adoption, including stress and social factors. Ariely shares personal experiences that ignited his research and emphasizes the dangers of confirmation bias. He also proposes solutions for combating misinformation, advocating for intellectual humility over media literacy as a means to foster understanding and trust.

Andrew Mayne, a novelist, inventor, and former prompt engineer at OpenAI, explores the evolving role of humans in an AI-driven economy. He discusses how AI could redefine jobs, emphasizing the unique human qualities of trust and authenticity. Mayne highlights the shift from standardized roles to new types of work arising from technology. They also examine the impact of AI on fields like science and entertainment, arguing that personal stories and lived experiences will remain valuable. Finally, Mayne shares insights for students navigating the AI landscape.

Society's polarization can be tackled through shared goals, as seen in the New Deal and Apollo program. Natural disasters prompt cooperation and empathy, while creating collaborative projects proactively can prevent discord. Reframing social media algorithms to highlight common interests offers a pathway to rehumanization. Engaging with stories can foster perspective-taking and empathy, important in bridging divides. Understanding moral frameworks can help navigate misunderstandings, paving the way for deeper connections.

Explore how propaganda connects across history and the medial prefrontal cortex's role in dehumanization. Delve into the recurring patterns of societal polarization from the Civil War to modern conflicts. Learn about the neurological underpinnings of in-group favoritism and the impact of education as a defense against propaganda. Discover how our brains respond to political identities and the potential for rewiring towards empathy and cooperation. This captivating discussion weaves together science, history, and human behavior in fascinating ways.