Alex Tsakiris: Evil, Objective Morality, and the Limits of Materialism

Alex Tsakiris joins Curt Jaimungal to examine the nature of evil, objective morality, and post‑modernism, using Curt’s documentary Better Left Unsaid as a focal point. The conversation also explores Alex’s book “Why Evil Matters,” critiques rationalist and humanist ideologies, and delves into topics from consciousness to the Horseshoe Theory.- 00:00:00 - Introduction- 00:01:21 - Alex’s introduces Better Left Unsaid (trailer)- 00:03:01 - Comments on Alex's book "Why Evil Matters"- 00:04:56 - Curt's theoretical background- 00:07:21 - Discussion on Donald Hoffman- 00:13:30 - The problem in Academia- 00:13:21 - Alex’s on "why are we here?"- 00:15:21 - The problem with rationalists (quote from Hildegard De Bingen)- 00:21:01 - Humanists ideologies... What do they believe?- 00:22:01 - Is Curt a Christian?- 00:23:21 - If values are a social construction, then what happens to morality?- 00:25:21 - Consciousness is an illusion- 00:28:21 - Near death experiences- 00:34:27 - Alex on Dennett and Dawkins being part of a conspiracy- 00:37:01 - "No, you didn't meet Jesus."- 00:41:21 - Alex's breakdown of Curt's film Better Left Unsaid- 00:42:29 - On utilitarianism- 00:43:26 - Curt on his own "destructiveness"- 00:46:21 - Who will you be judged by?- 00:48:07 - Unbounded forgiveness- 00:50:21 - What does "Psy-Ops" mean?- 00:53:51 - Feminism was co-opted by the CIA (Gloria Steinem story)- 00:57:21 - A bit more on Alex's Book "Why Evil Matters"- 00:58:01 - Love vs Power (a Jungian perspective)- 00:58:40 - Is the world supposed to be unintelligible? Should we not know all the answers?- 01:02:59 - Why does this world exist at all?- 01:03:47 - Kierkegaard on what it means to be a Christian- 01:04:36 - Doubt and faith as essential in spirituality- 01:06:58 - What is Better Left Unsaid's target audience?- 01:08:41 - The Horseshoe Theory- 01:12:44 - Curt's fasting -- why does he do it?- 01:17:21 - Alex's / Curt's meditation -- what do they do? (Wim Hof)- 01:23:14 - Where to find Better Left Unsaid?RESOURCES:- YouTube link: https://youtu.be/xrkQumFzwS0- Alex Tsakiris is the host of Skeptiko (a podcast with guests such as Donald Hoffman, Michael Shermer, and others. It's can be found here): https://www.youtube.com/user/skeptiko- The film Better Left Unsaid can be followed here: http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com- Patreon for conversations on Theories of Everything, Consciousness, Free Will, and God: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal- Help support conversations like this via PayPal: https://bit.ly/2EOR0M4- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/better-left-unsaid-with-curt-jaimungal/id1521758802- Pandora: https://pdora.co/33b9lfP- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e- Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Id3k7k7mfzahfx2fjqmw3vufb44 Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science. SPONSOR: I subscribe to The Economist for their science and tech coverage. As a TOE listener, get 35% off! No other podcast has this: https://economist.com/TOE FOLLOW: Substack | Spotify | YouTube | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices