Decoding the Gurus26 Feb 2022

Interview with Virginia Heffernan on Edge, the dangers of Scientism, & Culture Wars

On this week's show we have a broad ranging discussion with the well known journalist and author Virginia Heffernan. Virginia has written a bunch on the topic of technology, social media, scientism, and especially the Edge organisation. We discuss her research into Edge and related figures but also range further afield to cover debates in academia, the culture war and gurus, anthropology debates in the 90s, race & IQ rationalists, and other such topics.

One short service note is that Matt is incognito for part of the conversation as he had a prior appointment so you will have to endure Chris functioning on his own but do not fear our intrepid psychologist re-emerges to offer some words of wisdom at the end. Also, the conversation with Virginia was recorded in advance of the events in Ukraine so no recent events are discussed (which is probably for the best).

For those who want to do a bit more digging on the topics discussed, below are a bunch of related articles and you can also follow Virginia on Twitter (@page88) and check out her new podcast 'This is Critical' which encourages people to look critically at a wide array of topics, which is quite on brand for us!

Links

Virginia's piece on Edge & John Brockman
Virginia's essays on Wired
Virginia's Substack piece on Jordan Peterson
Virginia's Substack piece on Peter Thiel
Virginia's Website
Virginia's book: Magic & Loss- The Internet as Art
Insider article on the sordid tale of Chris chan
Two articles Chris wrote on his ancient blog about the Captain Cook debate (part 1 and part 2)

This Week's Sponsor

Check out the sponsor of this week's episode, Ground News, and get the app at ground.news/gurus.

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(247)

Patreon Preview Malone & McCullough: Gurometer Ratings

This week a bonus Gurometer episode has sneaked out from behind the golden curtain of the DTG Patreon pay wall.We aren't out of the Rogan-verse yet. Our last task is to try and scientifically quantify...

28 Jan 202252min

Robert Malone & Peter McCullough: A litany of untruths

Matt and Chris return to the Joe Rogan-verse much quicker than they would have liked to take a critical eye to two recent episodes (6 more hours!!!) offering controversial takes on Covid 19 and the da...

13 Jan 20223h 17min

Patreon Preview Decoding Academia #2: False Positive Psychology

The New Year is upon us and the gurologists thought they should contribute to the holiday cheer in the only way they can... releasing a rambling podcast about academic minutiae!This is not a new guru ...

30 Dec 202159min

Joe Rogan: Just an average Joe?

Joe Rogan is a world famous podcaster, a martial artist, a stand-up comedian, a MMA commentator, co-founder of the Onnit supplement company, the ex-host of Fear Factor, a long term friend of Alex Jone...

18 Dec 20213h 7min

Special: Guru Right to Reply with Chris Williamson

Listeners might remember Chris Williamson from our episode on Gad Saad. He was the former love island contestant who interviewed Gad and appeared to have taken an IDW turn. So while Matt & Chris focus...

10 Dec 20211h 47min

Decoding Academia: Matt on his ENTIRE research career Patreon Sample

So, what even IS the deal with Matt? Is he a proper psychologist or does his past conceal something darker, aside from his bronzed skin-tone? Until now, he's been a mystery hidden in a enigma and wrap...

3 Dec 20211h 3min

Brené Brown: Matt and Chris courageously embrace their vulnerability

Brené Brown is an American professor, lecturer, author, storyteller researcher, and podcast host. She's made it her life's work to help people rise strong, brave the wilderness, and dare to lead - all...

26 Nov 20212h 10min

Decoding Academia: Chris on Religion & Ritual Patreon Sample

It had to happen eventually. As Matt and Chris listen week in and week out to the world's greatest gurus pontificating on the mysteries of the universe, it's only natural that the siren call of Galaxy...

23 Nov 202154min