JRE #770 – Michael Shermer

This episode delves into Michael Shermer’s journey from ultra-endurance athlete to science writer and skeptic, exploring the intersection of skepticism with sports, conspiracy theories, and cultural phenomena. The conversation ranges from the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs in cycling to the allure of conspiracy theories, highlighting Shermer’s perspective on critical thinking and the limitations of human perception.

1. Michael Shermer’s Transition from Cycling to Skepticism:

• Shermer’s early career as a cyclist and his involvement in ultra-endurance races like Race Across America, exposing him to a unique subculture.
• His burnout from cycling and pursuit of a PhD in the history of science, leading to the founding of The Skeptics Society and Skeptic magazine.
• The growing prominence of Skeptic and the eventual shift to full-time writing and running The Skeptics Society, highlighting the niche market for skeptical investigation.
• The evolution of Shermer’s work, moving from investigating pseudoscientific claims to addressing contemporary issues like climate change denial and the dangers of misinformation.

2. Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Cycling:

• The historical context of blood doping and the transition to the use of EPO in the 1990s, emphasizing the ethical complexities and the culture of competitive advantage in professional cycling.
• Lance Armstrong’s role in pushing the boundaries of doping and the subsequent unraveling of the cycling world, highlighting the moral grey areas and the difficulty of achieving a level playing field.
• The risks associated with blood doping, including blood infections and the long-term consequences of pushing the limits of human physiology.
• The challenges of determining the true impact of doping on athletes’ performance and the ongoing debate about the ethics of seeking a competitive edge through artificial means.

3. The Allure of Conspiracy Theories:

• Shermer’s perspective on the appeal of conspiracy theories, suggesting that they offer a sense of control and empowerment by providing a seemingly “hidden truth” that makes people feel less fooled.
• The prevalence of conspiracy theories in the digital age, highlighting the ease of disseminating misinformation and the difficulty of discerning credible sources from unreliable ones.
• The role of confirmation bias in perpetuating conspiracy theories, where people tend to seek information that reinforces their existing beliefs, leading to a closed-loop of misinformation.
• The importance of critical thinking and skepticism in navigating a world saturated with conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need to evaluate evidence objectively and avoid jumping to conclusions.

4. The 9/11 Conspiracy Theories:

• The common arguments used by 9/11 conspiracy theorists, including claims about controlled demolition and the lack of a credible explanation for the collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
• Shermer’s rebuttal of these claims, highlighting the overwhelming evidence supporting the official account and the improbability of a complex and coordinated conspiracy.
• The role of cognitive dissonance in perpetuating these beliefs, where people struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the evidence, leading them to cling to explanations that confirm their biases.
• The potential dangers of these conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need to maintain a critical approach to information and to avoid spreading unfounded claims.

5. Overpopulation and Environmental Concerns:

• The debate over overpopulation and its impact on the environment, addressing claims by neo-Malthusians who argue that human population growth is unsustainable and will lead to resource depletion.
• Shermer’s perspective on overpopulation, arguing that population growth is naturally regulated by factors like economic prosperity, education, and access to birth control, countering the Malthusian thesis.
• The importance of addressing food distribution and poverty as key factors influencing population growth, advocating for solutions that empower women and promote sustainable development.
• The potential role of technology, such as synthetic meat, in mitigating environmental concerns related to food production and resource scarcity, exploring the potential for innovation to address these challenges.

6. The Ethical Considerations of Veganism:

• The ethical arguments for veganism, focusing on animal welfare and the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
• Shermer’s perspective on the feasibility of large-scale adoption of veganism, acknowledging the cultural and personal preferences that make it challenging for many to adopt a completely meat-free diet.
• The potential role of technological solutions, like synthetic meat, in reducing the need for animal agriculture and providing a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat consumption.
• The need for a multi-pronged approach to addressing the concerns of factory farming, including reducing population growth, promoting technological innovations, and encouraging behavioral changes.

7. The Fermi Paradox and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life:

• The Fermi Paradox, which questions why we haven’t yet encountered evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence despite the vastness of the universe and the seemingly high probability of its existence.
• Shermer’s perspective on the paradox, suggesting that the complexity of life and the immense number of evolutionary steps required to reach a technologically advanced civilization could explain why we haven’t found evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence yet.
• The importance of ongoing efforts like SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) in searching for signs of extraterrestrial communication and the potential for technological breakthroughs that could lead to new discoveries.
• The potential implications of encountering extraterrestrial intelligence, exploring the possibilities of advanced technologies, cultural exchange, and the challenges of communication across vast distances.

8. The Human Desire to Uncover Mystery:

• Shermer’s concept of “patternicity” – the human tendency to find patterns in both meaningful and meaningless data, often leading to superstition and magical thinking.
• The role of patternicity in shaping our perception of the world, explaining the appeal of conspiracy theories, UFO sightings, and other seemingly inexplicable phenomena.
• The importance of distinguishing between true mysteries and those that arise from flawed perception or confirmation bias, emphasizing the need to critically evaluate information and to avoid jumping to conclusions.
• The need for balance between skepticism and open-mindedness, acknowledging the potential for genuine mysteries while remaining critical of claims that lack credible evidence.

9. The Psychology of Belief Systems:

• The power of confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance in shaping our beliefs, explaining how people can hold onto beliefs despite contradictory evidence, particularly within the context of cults and conspiracy theories.
• The psychological allure of cults and belief systems, highlighting the sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning that they can provide, especially for individuals seeking connection and identity.
• The dangers of indoctrination and the difficulty of deprogramming individuals who have been deeply embedded in a belief system, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and exposure to alternative perspectives.
• The need to approach discussions about belief systems with sensitivity and respect while maintaining a critical perspective, acknowledging the complexities of human psychology and the power of group dynamics.

10. The Rise of Scientology:

• The origins of Scientology, tracing its development from L. Ron Hubbard’s science fiction writings to its emergence as a prominent and controversial religious organization.
• The internal practices and doctrines of Scientology, including the “Bridge to Total Freedom,” the use of the e-meter, and the concept of “going clear,” emphasizing the hierarchical structure and the emphasis on spiritual advancement through auditing and study.
• The controversies surrounding Scientology, including allegations of abuse, financial exploitation, and the suppression of dissent, highlighting the complex ethical and legal issues that have surrounded the organization for decades.
• The impact of Scientology on the lives of its members, exploring the personal experiences, sacrifices, and challenges associated with belonging to this unique and influential organization.

11. The Dangers of Medicalization and Misinformation:

• The debate over the medicalization of common human experiences, such as ADHD and autism, highlighting the potential for over-diagnosis and the over-reliance on medication.
• The dangers of misinformation and skepticism surrounding vaccines, addressing the anti-vaccination movement and the importance of evidence-based public health policies.
• The importance of critical thinking in evaluating medical claims, emphasizing the need to consult reputable sources and to avoid spreading unfounded or harmful information.
• The challenges of navigating a complex and rapidly evolving medical landscape, highlighting the need for ongoing research, transparency, and public education.

12. The Pursuit of Immortality:

• The transhumanist movement and its vision for achieving immortality through technological advancements, including genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and mind uploading.
• Shermer’s perspective on the ethical and philosophical implications of transhumanism, raising questions about the nature of identity, consciousness, and the potential for unintended consequences.
• The challenges of defining “self” and “personhood” in the context of artificial intelligence and mind uploading, exploring the complexities of biological and digital consciousness.
• The potential impact of transhumanism on the future of humanity, exploring the possibilities of enhanced capabilities, extended lifespans, and the ethical considerations associated with reshaping the human condition.

13. The Importance of Open Debate and Critical Thinking:

• Shermer’s emphasis on the importance of open debate and the need to engage with diverse perspectives, even those that are controversial or challenging.
• The dangers of echo chambers and confirmation bias, highlighting the importance of seeking out information from a variety of sources and engaging in critical analysis.
• The role of skepticism in fostering intellectual progress, encouraging a questioning attitude and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
• The importance of remaining curious, open-minded, and willing to change one’s beliefs in light of new evidence, emphasizing the ongoing nature of learning and the pursuit of truth.

14. The Power of Ideas and Creativity:

• The mystery surrounding the origins of ideas and the processes that drive creativity, exploring the roles of inspiration, intuition, and subconscious processing.
• The importance of knowledge, experience, and immersion in a field for generating new ideas, emphasizing the need for both deep understanding and the ability to think outside the box.
• The role of serendipity and unexpected discoveries in the process of innovation, highlighting the potential for inspiration to arise from seemingly unrelated sources.
• The significance of open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace uncertainty in the pursuit of new knowledge and creative expression.

15. The Evolution of Morality and Human Nature:

• Shermer’s perspective on the moral arc of history, tracing the progression of human values and the development of a more inclusive and equitable society.
• The challenges of addressing persistent social issues like racism, prejudice, and discrimination, acknowledging the complex interplay of individual biases, cultural norms, and historical legacies.
• The potential for ongoing moral progress through education, dialogue, and the pursuit of a more just and compassionate society.
• The importance of critical thinking and empathy in navigating a world grappling with ethical and moral dilemmas, emphasizing the need for understanding, compassion, and a commitment to building a better future.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “I’ve decided that all kinds of social subcultures have a handful of real weirdos.”
• “The unfortunate thing about conspiracies is that it’s not all cut and dry.”
• “If you wanna get a population lower, just make the people super prosperous, especially the women and it just happens naturally.”
• “We know that the planes hit the buildings. You can see it on video. You can see which floors they were at, the angle of the wings, and so forth.”
• “There’s a certain personality that gravitates toward those kinds of beliefs.”