JRE #735 – Peter Boghossian

12/14/2015

This podcast delves deep into the philosophical implications of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as a tool for critical thinking and aligning beliefs with reality. Provocative topics include the limitations of traditional martial arts, the dangers of fantasy-based systems, and the importance of “aliveness training.” Underlying themes explore the nature of belief revision, the importance of testing ideas, and the role of “corrective mechanisms” in personal growth.

1. The Corrective Mechanism of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

• Boghossian argues that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is unique because it forces individuals to confront their beliefs about their own abilities in a physically demanding way.
• The act of being “tapped” or submitted provides a tangible and immediate feedback loop, exposing the flaws in one’s techniques and belief systems.
• This constant feedback loop fosters a culture of critical thinking and a willingness to revise one’s beliefs based on tangible evidence, a key principle of rationality.
• Boghossian contrasts this with fantasy-based martial arts, where practitioners often engage in “kata” and drills that lack resistance, creating an illusory sense of mastery.

2. The Problem with Fantasy-Based Martial Arts:

• Boghossian criticizes traditional martial arts like Tae Kwon Do and Sticking Knife Fighting for relying heavily on forms and drills that lack real-world application.
• He argues that these systems often create a distorted perception of reality, leading practitioners to believe they are effective fighters when they may not be.
• The emphasis on tradition, master figures, and elaborate rituals serves to reinforce the delusion, creating a culture of blind acceptance.
• Boghossian draws a parallel with religion, suggesting that both rely on faith-based beliefs and rituals that prevent individuals from testing their ideas against reality.

3. The Importance of Aliveness Training:

• Boghossian advocates for “aliveness training,” a concept championed by Matt Thornton, which emphasizes training against resisting opponents.
• This method is crucial for developing genuine fighting skills and identifying what truly works in a combat situation.
• Boghossian highlights the difference between practicing techniques against a compliant partner and facing a willing opponent who actively tries to defend themselves.
• The “corrective mechanisms” inherent in aliveness training allow individuals to refine their techniques and avoid relying on illusory beliefs about their abilities.

4. The UFC as a Corrective Mechanism:

• Boghossian credits the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with revolutionizing martial arts by creating a platform for testing ideas in a real-world setting.
• The UFC’s mixed martial arts format allows for the integration of various disciplines, enabling fighters to test the effectiveness of different techniques against resisting opponents.
• This has led to a rapid evolution of martial arts, with new techniques constantly emerging and being tested in the crucible of competition.
• Boghossian argues that the UFC has provided a powerful corrective mechanism, exposing the flaws in traditional systems and accelerating the development of more effective techniques.

5. The Philosophical Implications of Jiu-Jitsu:

• Boghossian extends the philosophical principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to other aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, belief revision, and aligning one’s beliefs with reality.
• He suggests that practices like prayer and certain forms of meditation, while potentially beneficial for mental management, can create a false sense of progress if not grounded in reality testing.
• He argues that a willingness to question one’s beliefs and to revise them in light of new evidence is essential for personal growth and intellectual honesty.
• Boghossian concludes that the principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which demand a willingness to be proven wrong and a commitment to continual learning, can be applied to every aspect of life.

6. The Dangers of Dogmatic Thinking:

• Boghossian critiques the tendency of certain individuals and groups to hold onto beliefs without subjecting them to rigorous scrutiny.
• He highlights the dangers of “sacred” beliefs that become immune to revision, even in the face of contradicting evidence.
• Boghossian cautions against the pitfalls of ideological thinking, which often leads to closed-mindedness, intolerance, and a refusal to engage with opposing viewpoints.
• He argues that a commitment to critical thinking and open dialogue is essential for confronting dogma and promoting intellectual growth.

7. The Rise of the Regressive Left:

• Boghossian criticizes the “regressive left” for its embrace of rigid ideologies that seek to silence dissent and control discourse.
• He argues that their reliance on “safe spaces,” trigger warnings, and accusations of “microaggressions” stifle open inquiry and prevent meaningful conversation.
• Boghossian contends that their methods, which often involve shaming and ostracizing those who hold different views, are antithetical to the principles of free speech and academic freedom.
• He expresses concern that this trend is undermining the traditional role of universities as centers of open debate and critical inquiry, potentially leading to a decline in intellectual rigor.

8. The Problem with Identity Politics:

• Boghossian critiques identity politics for its tendency to reduce individuals to their race, gender, or sexual orientation, overlooking their unique qualities and experiences.
• He argues that this approach often leads to a false sense of victimhood, fueling resentment and division.
• Boghossian suggests that focusing on shared values and common goals, rather than emphasizing differences, is a more constructive approach to building a just and equitable society.
• He cautions against the dangers of “privilege” discourse, which often serves to create a culture of blame and guilt, hindering meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.

9. The Importance of Honesty and Vulnerability:

• Boghossian emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in interpersonal relationships.
• He suggests that a willingness to be open and authentic with others is essential for building trust and fostering genuine connections.
• He encourages individuals to embrace their flaws and to acknowledge their limitations, rather than hiding behind masks of perfection or pretending to be something they are not.
• Boghossian contends that honesty and vulnerability are essential for overcoming the barriers of social conditioning and for living a more fulfilling life.

10. The Importance of “Morally Triaging”:

• Boghossian argues that it is crucial for individuals to develop the ability to morally triage, prioritizing critical issues over trivial ones.
• He criticizes the “regressive left” for fixating on issues like gender pronouns and microaggressions, while ignoring more pressing problems such as nuclear proliferation and climate change.
• Boghossian emphasizes the need for a balanced and nuanced perspective on social issues, avoiding both excessive fear and complacency.
• He urges individuals to engage in thoughtful and informed decision-making, recognizing the importance of “proportionality” when addressing societal challenges.

11. The Limits of Institutional Solutions:

• Boghossian questions the effectiveness of institutional solutions to social problems, particularly in the context of university diversity initiatives.
• He argues that these initiatives, which often focus on achieving numerical representation, can undermine the principles of meritocracy and academic excellence.
• Boghossian suggests that focusing on creating equitable opportunities for all individuals, rather than engineering outcomes, is a more effective approach to addressing social inequality.
• He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality education and fostering a culture of open inquiry, rather than relying on quotas and affirmative action.

12. The Dangers of Victim Culture:

• Boghossian critiques the rise of victim culture, arguing that it can create a sense of helplessness and resentment, hindering personal growth and social progress.
• He suggests that focusing on individual agency and empowerment, rather than perpetuating a cycle of victimhood, is a more constructive approach to overcoming adversity.
• Boghossian encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives, to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and to avoid seeking validation or comfort in victimhood.
• He believes that fostering a culture of resilience and self-reliance is essential for building a strong and thriving society.

13. The Importance of Social Discourse:

• Boghossian emphasizes the crucial role of social discourse in promoting understanding and fostering progress.
• He argues that free speech and open inquiry are essential for challenging dogma, testing ideas, and arriving at truth.
• Boghossian criticizes those who seek to silence dissent and suppress alternative viewpoints, arguing that such actions hinder intellectual growth and stifle innovation.
• He believes that a commitment to free speech and open dialogue is essential for a healthy and vibrant society.

14. The Role of “Green Lights” in Social Dynamics:

• Boghossian introduces the concept of “green lights,” which he defines as social cues that encourage individuals to act in certain ways, even if they are not genuinely motivated to do so.
• He suggests that these “green lights” can create a culture of performative outrage, where individuals are rewarded for expressing anger and indignation, even over minor issues.
• Boghossian believes that this dynamic can hinder genuine dialogue and cooperation, fueling division and resentment.
• He encourages individuals to resist the temptation to play into these “green lights” and to focus instead on fostering a culture of understanding and empathy.

15. The Importance of “Moral Maturity”:

• Boghossian argues that “moral maturity” involves a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, to engage in difficult conversations, and to act with compassion and understanding, even in the face of disagreement.
• He suggests that true moral growth comes not from adopting rigid ideologies or seeking validation in victimhood, but from embracing the complexities of the world and seeking truth through open dialogue.
• Boghossian encourages individuals to develop a sense of empathy and to strive for a more just and equitable society, recognizing that progress requires a commitment to reason, honesty, and genuine human connection.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “Jujitsu is a corrective mechanism. It can help you align your beliefs with reality.” – Boghossian captures the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting its ability to challenge and refine our understanding of the world.
• “All of these combat-based martial arts… we know that they work because we can test them. We take two people of equal weight and we stick them in a cage and we see what works.” – Boghossian emphasizes the importance of testing ideas in a real-world setting, arguing that this is essential for discerning what is truly effective.
• “Common sense is irrelevant. What is relevant is what works.” – Boghossian challenges the reliance on tradition and dogma, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and a willingness to revise one’s beliefs based on what works in practice.
• “Life itself is that dojang. Life itself is that thing… You don’t wanna steal. You don’t wanna commit crimes against people. You don’t wanna do things to hurt people.” – Boghossian extends the concept of a sacred space to the world at large, arguing that we should treat each other with respect and strive to live in harmony.
• “It’s perfectly stated… That’s part of the problem, I think, with once we make ideas sacred. Yes, and it’s they become much more difficult, if not impossible, to revise.” – Boghossian warns against the dangers of making beliefs “sacred,” highlighting the importance of maintaining a critical and open-minded approach to life.