JRE #846 – Michael Shermer

9/14/2016

Podcast Topics: #846 – Michael Shermer

This podcast with Joe Rogan and Michael Shermer dives into the fascinating world of skepticism, exploring a range of topics from the absurdity of flat-earth theories to the complexities of consciousness and the allure of self-help gurus. The conversation provokes deep thought about the nature of belief, the role of evidence in shaping our understanding, and the human tendency to seek meaning and belonging in various communities.

1. The Flat-Earth Phenomenon:

• The resurgence of flat-earth beliefs in the internet age.
• The potential for financial gain through YouTube views on conspiracy theories.
• The lack of critical thinking skills and the reliance on anecdotal evidence.
• The inherent human tendency to seek belonging in groups and the appeal of conspiracy theories.

2. The Nature of Belief and Extraordinary Claims:

• The difficulty of determining whether proponents of extraordinary claims genuinely believe them or are simply seeking attention or financial gain.
• The historical example of Alfred Russell Wallace, a brilliant scientist who fell prey to pseudoscientific beliefs.
• The allure of connecting oneself to famous figures or movements, even if the claims are dubious.
• The tendency of people to choose sides in arguments, often without critically evaluating the evidence.

3. The Hard Problem of Consciousness:

• The debate between neuroscientific and philosophical perspectives on consciousness.
• The difficulty of explaining subjective experiences (like the experience of redness) solely through neural processes.
• The idea that certain mysteries about consciousness may be inherently unresolvable due to the limitations of human cognition.
• The different philosophical positions on free will, including determinism, compatibilism, and libertarian free will.

4. Degrees of Freedom and Self-Control:

• The concept of degrees of freedom in engineering and its application to human behavior, with varying levels of agency based on factors like genetics, environment, and brain development.
• The influence of background and experience on decision-making, potentially impacting the range of choices available to an individual.
• The compatibleist argument that free choices can be made within a determined universe.
• The potential impact of factors like tumors and traumatic experiences on reducing an individual’s degrees of freedom.

5. The Allure of Eastern Wisdom and Deepak Chopra:

• Deepak Chopra’s philosophical views on consciousness and the “ground of being,” often perceived as “word salad” by Westerners.
• The potential benefits of practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, even without accepting the underlying philosophical framework.
• The evidence suggesting that meditation can have positive physiological effects, including reduced stress, inflammation, and even potential impact on telomeres.
• The ongoing debate about the efficacy of these practices, with skepticism surrounding the claims of “ground of being” and the scientific need for robust evidence.

6. The Role of Self-Help Gurus and Motivation:

• The temporary effects of motivational speakers like Tony Robbins, often resulting in a short-lived burst of energy followed by a return to previous behaviors.
• The potential benefits of motivational techniques for some individuals, particularly those seeking self-improvement.
• The importance of ongoing commitment and sustained effort for meaningful change in habits and behavior.
• The limitations of motivational approaches that lack a tangible impact on real-world problems, focusing solely on personal transformation.

7. The Science and Controversies of Addiction:

• The debate about the disease model of alcoholism, contrasting with the perspective that it is a behavioral choice or problem.
• The impact of genetics and environment on addiction, potentially influencing vulnerability and susceptibility.
• The effectiveness of 12-step programs like AA, with evidence suggesting that the social support and ritualistic aspects play a significant role.
• The limited scientific data on addiction, particularly regarding the success rates of various treatment methods and the role of individual willpower.

8. The Ethics and Practices of Doping in Sports:

• The historical evolution of doping practices from a survival necessity to a moral transgression.
• The debate about the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs, particularly regarding the distinction between “natural” methods like high-altitude training and more artificial interventions.
• The dangers of doping, including potential health risks and the difficulty of determining the long-term consequences.
• The ongoing arms race in doping, with athletes constantly seeking ways to gain an advantage and the challenges of detection and enforcement.

9. The Impact of USADA on Mixed Martial Arts (MMA):

• The success of USADA in reducing doping in MMA, leading to a shift in physiques, performances, and overall results.
• The ethical considerations of doping in combat sports, where physical harm to opponents is inherent to the competition.
• The potential impact of doping on the excitement and competitiveness of MMA fights, with some arguing that it can make fights more unpredictable and dangerous.
• The ongoing challenges of detecting and deterring doping, with athletes constantly seeking new ways to circumvent the rules.

10. The Evolution of Moral Progress and Social Norms:

• The long-term shift in social norms and attitudes towards violence, particularly regarding the treatment of women.
• The role of cultural influences and media in shaping perceptions of acceptable behavior.
• The gradual reduction in violence in modern society, attributed to factors like education, legal reforms, and increased awareness of social justice issues.
• The potential for continued progress towards a more equitable and peaceful society, though acknowledging that challenges and setbacks will continue to exist.

11. The Debate Over Safe Spaces and Microaggressions:

• The rise of “safe spaces” and sensitivity surrounding microaggressions on college campuses.
• The concern that excessive focus on these issues can create a stifling environment for open dialogue and intellectual exploration.
• The importance of distinguishing between legitimate grievances and instances of recreational outrage.
• The potential for oversensitivity to impede progress on addressing real social injustices by diluting the focus on serious issues.

12. The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Human Consciousness:

• The potential for a technological singularity, where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence.
• The debate about the implications of merging human consciousness with artificial intelligence, including the possibility of creating a new form of reality.
• The philosophical question of whether a computer simulation of consciousness would be indistinguishable from actual human experience.
• The ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, particularly the potential for misuse and the need for responsible development.

13. The Limits of Knowledge and the Afterlife:

• The human desire to understand the unknown and to find meaning in the face of death.
• The difficulty of proving or disproving theories about the afterlife, particularly those relying on spiritual or metaphysical concepts.
• The importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating claims about the afterlife, even those rooted in religious or philosophical traditions.
• The potential for various beliefs about the afterlife to provide comfort and solace, even if they are not scientifically verifiable.

14. The Role of Education and the Future of Work:

• The changing landscape of education and the need for critical thinking skills in a rapidly evolving world.
• The potential limitations of traditional education systems in preparing students for a future where work is increasingly automated and specialized.
• The importance of developing skills like problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability, which may be less emphasized in traditional education settings.
• The need to rethink the purpose of education, moving beyond simply preparing students for a specific job and embracing a more holistic approach to lifelong learning.

15. The Impact of Technology on Modern Life:

• The exponential growth of information and communication technologies, altering the way we interact with the world.
• The potential for technology to both enhance and disrupt human experiences, creating both opportunities and challenges.
• The need for responsible and ethical development of technology to ensure that it serves human needs and values.
• The ongoing debate about the potential risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, with concerns about job displacement, privacy, and the potential for misuse.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The reason why I wanted to bring this up is because I think there’s a lot of folks out there that are super gullible, and I think they’re being trolled.” – Joe Rogan highlights the potential for manipulation and misinformation in the online world.
• “It’s always questionable to deal with cranks because some of them are a little mentally deranged.” – Michael Shermer cautions against engaging with individuals who may be emotionally unstable or prone to irrational behavior.
• “The best argument on that case I know of is from a guy named Adrian Rain, who’s a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, who was the first to scan the brains of serial killers in prison.” – Shermer introduces a fascinating case study examining the neurological underpinnings of violent behavior.
• “You can’t go to the Lacosta Spa resort in Carlsbad, California for you at the beach and not feel good.” – Rogan humorously points out the potential for a placebo effect in relaxation and self-improvement practices.
• “We all love to sleep, but everyone’s afraid to die.” – Rogan shares a poignant observation about the human desire to escape the worries of life while simultaneously fearing the finality of death.