JRE #1888 – Michael Shermer

by

26-Oct-22

“`html






This podcast features Dr. Michael Shermer, a renowned skeptic and author. Shermer, the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and host of the podcast "The Michael Shermer Show," delves into the complex world of conspiracy theories, offering insights into why rational individuals often fall prey to irrational beliefs. The podcast also explores the JFK assassination, the UAP phenomenon, and the philosophical implications of technological advancements. Underlying themes explore the nature of evidence, the role of rationality, the limitations of human cognition, and the allure of grand narratives.

Major Topics

  • The Rise and Perpetuation of Conspiracy Theories:
    • Shermer argues that the term "conspiracy theory" gained negative connotations around the time of the JFK assassination.
    • He posits that it’s not entirely irrational to believe conspiracy theories because some are true, and missing real ones can be costly.
    • He suggests that our inherent tendency towards suspicion and paranoia, rooted in our evolutionary history, can fuel the acceptance of conspiracy theories.
    • He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, separating real conspiracies from mere speculation.
  • The JFK Assassination:
    • Shermer expresses his belief that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, citing extensive evidence supporting this conclusion.
    • He highlights the vast number of conspiracy theories surrounding the event, with over 140 individuals and hundreds of organizations implicated.
    • He raises concerns about the government’s continuous delays in releasing documents related to the assassination, fueling public suspicion.
    • He acknowledges the argument from proportionality, suggesting that the magnitude of the event might lead people to seek an equally significant cause.
  • The UAP Phenomenon:
    • Shermer expresses skepticism towards claims of extraterrestrial visitation, citing the lack of conclusive evidence.
    • He suggests that some UAP sightings might be attributed to advanced drones or misinterpretations of blurry footage.
    • He highlights the Galileo Project, an initiative at Harvard to collect high-resolution data on UAPs.
    • He discusses the Fermi Paradox, questioning the apparent absence of extraterrestrial civilizations given the vastness of the universe.
  • The Limits of Human Cognition and Science:
    • Shermer acknowledges the fallibility of science, pointing to the replication crisis in psychology and medical research, where many studies fail to be replicated.
    • He discusses the problem of falsified studies, such as those underlying Alzheimer’s drug development, demonstrating the potential for fraud within scientific communities.
    • He emphasizes the importance of transparency and open data sharing to mitigate these issues.
    • He highlights the need for a rigorous scientific approach, emphasizing critical thinking and the constant pursuit of evidence.
  • The Allure of Grand Narratives and Moral Panics:
    • Shermer discusses the tendency towards grand narratives, particularly in relation to events like the JFK assassination and 9/11, where individuals seek to explain complex situations with simple, overarching explanations.
    • He explores the phenomenon of moral panics, such as the satanic panic of the 1980s, where unfounded fears and suspicions spread rapidly.
    • He highlights the role of social contagion and pluralistic ignorance, where individuals conform to perceived social norms even if they disagree.
    • He discusses the impact of media narratives and the way certain stories can be sensationalized or misinterpreted.
  • The Role of Religion and Morality:
    • Shermer acknowledges the potential moral scaffolding provided by religion for some individuals, but also points to its limitations and historical biases.
    • He suggests that the quest for moral progress often involves challenging religious dogma and seeking alternative sources of ethical guidance.
    • He discusses the rise of Christian nationalism and the potential for religious extremism to undermine social progress.
    • He highlights the concept of protopia, suggesting that gradual, incremental progress is a more realistic and sustainable goal than utopia.
  • The Impact of Technological Advancements:
    • Shermer explores the potential for technology to alter human evolution, pointing to innovations like Neuralink and the possibility of a symbiotic relationship between humans and technology.
    • He discusses the implications of artificial intelligence, questioning whether sentient AI would possess the same motivations as biological organisms.
    • He suggests that technological advancements could lead to significant societal changes, impacting everything from communication to morality.
    • He emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and responsible development as we navigate these rapidly evolving technologies.
  • The Power of Psychedelics and Altered States of Consciousness:
    • Shermer explores the potential of psychedelics to alter consciousness, acknowledging the profound experiences reported by many users.
    • He discusses the challenges of understanding and measuring these experiences, questioning whether they offer a glimpse into another reality or merely represent altered brain chemistry.
    • He acknowledges the potential for psychedelics to promote personal growth and self-discovery but also raises concerns about the potential for negative experiences.
    • He suggests that these experiences raise fundamental epistemological questions about the nature of truth and reality.
  • The Evolution of Human Consciousness and the Search for Meaning:
    • Shermer explores the ongoing evolution of human consciousness, highlighting the potential for future developments that may surpass our current understanding.
    • He discusses the challenge of reconciling the vastness of time and the universe with the brevity of human life and the search for meaning.
    • He argues that while a cosmic perspective might suggest the insignificance of individual actions, our actions still hold meaning within the context of human relationships and societal progress.
    • He concludes that the journey of human evolution and consciousness remains ongoing, with many unanswered questions and the potential for profound discoveries.

5 Memorable Quotes

  • "The term conspiracy theory got thrown about. The first introduction of it into the Zeitgeist was during the Kennedy assassination, correct?" – Joe Rogan, inquiring about the origins of the term "conspiracy theory" and its association with the JFK assassination.
  • "The problem is that there’s no convergence of evidence to any other one than Lee Harvey Oswald acting alone, and all the evidence points to him." – Shermer, expressing his conviction that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the JFK assassination, citing the overwhelming evidence.
  • "I think it’s an idea that it feels like we’re not alone. And when you think about the narratives from different religions, that there’s something, an agent, a person, a being, of something, not just matter, not just the laws of nature." – Shermer, suggesting that the belief in extraterrestrial visitation might stem from a religious impulse and a desire to feel connected to something greater than ourselves.
  • "I think we’re stuck with both, right? So we have to engineer it culturally from the bottom up by changing norms. I think that is happening." – Shermer, suggesting that moral progress is achieved through a combination of cultural evolution and changing social norms, highlighting the ongoing process of societal change.
  • "So whether it’s real or whether it’s an imagination or a hallucination, the profundity, the profound nature of the experience is the same. So I don’t know if it’s real or not real." – Shermer, acknowledging the profound nature of psychedelic experiences, but questioning whether they offer a glimpse into another reality or merely represent an altered state of consciousness.



“`

 

Leave a Comment