Peter Boghossian & James Lindsay

Date: 2018-10-30 | Duration: 2h 2m

Episode Overview

Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay join the conversation to discuss their controversial project aimed at exposing flaws in certain academic fields, particularly within social justice and critical theory disciplines. They detail how they successfully submitted deliberately absurd papers—such as one on “rape culture and queer performativity in dog parks”—to peer-reviewed journals, revealing what they describe as a lack of rigorous standards and ideological bias in these publications. Their work highlights how some academic circles prioritize political agendas over genuine scholarship, often stifling dissent and creativity. The guests also explore the broader cultural implications of these trends, touching on topics like identity politics, power dynamics, and the rise of what they call “idea laundering” in academia. They share personal experiences of backlash and censorship, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who question prevailing orthodoxies. Throughout the discussion, Boghossian and Lindsay critique the increasing polarization in society, likening some academic and cultural movements to cult-like behavior driven by dogmatic beliefs. Their insights offer a provocative look at the intersection of academia, politics, and culture, encouraging listeners to critically examine the ideas shaping public discourse today.

About James Lindsay

James Lindsay is a multifaceted writer, political commentator, and mathematician renowned for his incisive analyses of contemporary sociopolitical issues. He is the co-author of the thought-provoking book "The Queering of the American Child," in collaboration with Logan Lancing, which delves into the complexities of gender and identity in today's society. Known for his critical stance on progressive ideologies, Lindsay has garnered attention for his articulate discussions on topics such as cultural Marxism and social justice, making him a sought-after voice in political discourse. As a podcaster and founder of New Discourses, he continues to engage audiences with his unique perspectives and rigorous arguments, compelling listeners to think deeply about the changing landscape of American culture.

About Peter Boghossian

Peter Boghossian is a philosophy instructor and full-time faculty member at Portland State University, known for his engaging approach to teaching critical thinking and philosophy. An outspoken advocate for atheism, he has authored several influential works, including "A Manual for Creating Atheists," which critiques contemporary belief systems and promotes rational discourse. Boghossian has gained recognition for his involvement in the "Grievance Studies" controversy, where he aimed to expose ideological bias in academia. His thought-provoking perspectives on faith, reason, and social justice make him a compelling figure in contemporary philosophical debates, as exemplified by his appearance on episode #735 of the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– Academic Publishing
– Critical Theory
– Social Justice
– Peer Review Process
– Ideology Laundering
– Political Correctness
– Race and Privilege
– Gender Studies
– Transphobia
– Cultural Appropriation
– Fat Acceptance Movement
– Free Speech
– Cancel Culture
– Sociology
– Postmodernism
– Academic Misconduct
– Social Media Influence
– Religious Belief and Secularism
– Identity Politics
0:02:29 – Explanation of the Boghossian and Lindsay hoax project
0:04:56 – Discussion on peer review as a gold standard
0:05:24 – Fake study on rape culture in dog parks
0:08:39 – Satirical fat bodybuilding category proposal
0:11:33 – Critique of stifling dissent in academia
0:13:45 – Rise of political correctness explosion
0:16:29 – Attempt to publish rewritten Mein Kampf excerpts
0:20:41 – Concept of idea laundering in academia
0:22:02 – Paper claiming straight men are generally transphobic
0:23:22 – Difficulty recruiting conservatives for interviews
0:25:46 – Introduction to the hoax paper writing process
0:30:41 – Backlash and enraged responses to their work
0:32:44 – Accusations of racism against critics
0:35:37 – Limits on expressing opinions about homosexuality
0:38:58 – Discussion of grievance jockeying and victimhood culture
0:41:49 – Society viewed as power dynamics mediated by language
0:46:18 – Postmodern critical theory foundations
0:49:55 – Academic money laundering metaphor
0:51:21 – Concept of being born with privilege
0:53:55 – Standards for academic argument and data falsification
0:56:13 – Decline of faith and rise of new ideological 'gods'
0:58:55 – Religious-like behaviors in ideological adherence
1:01:34 – Success infiltrating and publishing hoax papers
1:02:42 – Obesity as a medicalized narrative and power structure
1:07:08 – Institutional oppression of fat people
1:09:56 – Academic study of race and sociology critique
1:13:38 – Campus tensions and student activism with bats
1:18:01 – Rise of social media coinciding with speaker shutdowns
1:22:15 – Potential catastrophe from ideological polarization
1:30:23 – Comparison of ideology to cult behavior
1:31:19 – Conceptual penis as a social construct satire
1:35:23 – Critical whiteness studies journal controversy
1:37:10 – Starting independent podcast and Patreon for support
1:39:11 – Discussion of hundreds of sexual orientations
1:41:13 – Social justice movement eating itself
1:44:02 – Cultural appropriation and Halloween costume debate
1:48:32 – SAT math scores and race discussion
1:54:11 – Panic over political and social crises
1:57:31 – Where to find their videos and documentary footage

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Yeah, it's good stuff. Starting point is 00:00:14 Good to be here. Starting point is 00:00:24 whole project. Starting point is 00:00:37 That's right. Starting point is 00:00:59 Yep. Starting point is 00:01:21 That's primarily what I do. Starting point is 00:01:43 And it was translating into the real world. And so we collaborated. do something about this. It was just too ridiculous and it was translating Starting point is 00:02:13 Right. Starting point is 00:02:29 Well, let's explain what you guys did. Starting point is 00:02:56 And so they're really hard to write. They're supposed to be hard to get published. Starting point is 00:03:38 So the reviewers look at it, they try to figure out if the arguments are good, they try to figure Starting point is 00:04:23 And then when they accept it, that means the Starting point is 00:04:56 infect everybody with total silliness. So it's the gold standard peer review. Starting point is 00:05:24 Rape Culture. And Queer Performativity in Dog Parks in Portland, Oregon. queer performativity and was it rape culture rape culture and queer Starting point is 00:05:59 She's big time. Starting point is 00:06:16 Because it's bogus. Starting point is 00:06:38 And you asked them if they gendered their dogs? Starting point is 00:07:09 So you're basically raging against hetero normativity. Starting point is 00:07:31 rid of rape culture. Starting point is 00:07:41 Or to yank their leashes when they misbehave. Starting point is 00:08:00 So this journal's been doing this for 25 years. Starting point is 00:08:20 Oh, yeah. Starting point is 00:08:39 So they claim that there should be a category introduced in traditional bodybuilding called fat bodybuilding where people come and display their fat before the audience. Starting point is 00:09:05 like to high patient we published Starting point is 00:09:21 that's good. So if we wanted to make fun Starting point is 00:09:55 that they published they published that what was that...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1191?

Peter Boghossian & James Lindsay was the guest on JRE #1191. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1191?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1191 with Peter Boghossian & James Lindsay, topics include Academic Publishing, Critical Theory, Social Justice, and Peer Review Process.

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