Michael Shermer

Date: 2016-09-14 | Duration: 3h 0m

Episode Overview

Michael Shermer returns to the Joe Rogan Experience to explore a wide range of topics centered on skepticism, science, and human behavior. The conversation opens with a critical look at flat Earth theories, where Shermer explains the historical and scientific evidence for a spherical Earth, including observations of lunar eclipses and the curvature visible through simple surveying techniques. He highlights how conspiracy theories latch onto figures like Darwin or Wallace, despite overwhelming scientific consensus, illustrating the challenges skeptics face in public discourse. The discussion then shifts to free will and determinism, with Shermer unpacking how neuroscience and psychology intersect with philosophy. He shares vivid examples, including violent behavior and how self-awareness can influence choices even within a determined universe. Shermer also delves into the benefits of meditation and sensory deprivation tanks, citing research on stress reduction and brain health, while maintaining a skeptical stance on mystical claims. Later, the conversation touches on societal issues such as education, morality, and cultural shifts, including debates around political correctness and changing social norms. Throughout, Shermer blends scientific insight with personal anecdotes, offering a thoughtful critique of modern beliefs and behaviors.

About Michael Shermer

Michael Shermer is a prominent science writer and historian of science, best known as the founder of The Skeptics Society and Editor in Chief of its magazine, *Skeptic*. With a Ph.D. in the history of science, he has dedicated his career to dissecting pseudoscientific claims and promoting critical thinking. Shermer is also a prolific author, with several books including *Why People Believe Weird Things* and *The Moral Arc*, where he explores the intersection of science, belief, and morality. His engaging approach to debunking myths and championing rational inquiry makes him a compelling figure in the realm of skepticism and science communication.

Key Moments

– Flat Earth Theory
– Lunar Eclipses
– Scientific Skepticism
– Free Will and Determinism
– Neuroscience of Behavior
– Meditation and Health
– Addiction and Sobriety
– Self-Help and Motivation
– Firewalking
– Bodybuilding and Fitness
– Aging and Longevity
– Simulation Hypothesis
– Language and Swearing
– Social Morality and Progress
– Concussion and Brain Injury
– Doping in Sports
– Child Medication
– Education and Trade Schools
– Campus Culture and Identity Politics
– Domestic Violence and Consent
0:00:23 – Discussion on flat earthers and their beliefs
0:01:58 – Explanation of Earth's shadow during lunar eclipses
0:04:25 – Using sticks and telescopes to demonstrate Earth's curvature
0:05:05 – Letters to Royal Geographical Society about Alfred Russell Wallace
0:08:59 – Exploring free will in a determined universe
0:12:24 – Example of violent behavior and determinism debate
0:16:25 – Self-awareness and controlling violent temper
0:18:44 – Trying to understand Deepak Chopra's worldview
0:20:53 – Meditation's effect on blood pressure and health
0:24:48 – Critique of mystical explanations for societal problems
0:25:46 – Sensory deprivation tank as a meditation method
0:31:14 – Discussion of Esalen Institute and mental health
0:35:42 – Effectiveness of self-help books and seminars
0:36:33 – Netflix documentary on Tony Robbins' influence
0:40:13 – Rehabilitation process for addiction recovery
0:46:59 – Challenges of maintaining sobriety
0:51:49 – Historical absence of alcohol in Native American culture
0:54:08 – Skeptical approach to firewalking
1:00:07 – Questioning isolated muscle group training in fitness
1:06:20 – Limits of human lifespan and aging
1:12:29 – Theory that humans might create the universe
1:14:06 – Origins and impact of the word 'cuck'
1:39:40 – Moral progress and decline of violent behaviors
1:44:46 – Discussion of concussion awareness in sports
1:49:19 – Doping practices and controversies in sports
2:03:36 – Concerns about overmedication of children
2:06:21 – Value and stigma of trade schools
2:14:00 – Melissa Click controversy in academia
2:18:15 – Explaining LGBTQ+ terminology and identity politics
2:25:06 – Advice on campus behavior and speech
2:30:11 – Complexities of false rape accusations
2:34:42 – Rolling Stone story on reversed roles in abuse
2:40:01 – Criticism of diversity officers and busy work
2:43:38 – Discussion on race and blackface controversies
2:46:24 – Critique of fight choreography in TV shows
2:49:59 – Book about Saved by the Bell and actor careers

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Three, two, one, boom! Michael Shermer is here, ladies and gentlemen, again, and we've been talking about silly people for the past 15 minutes. Starting point is 00:00:23 they're saying, Jamie, the flat earthers? We're going to talk about the flat earthers for one reason. The reason why I wanted to bring this up is because I think there's a lot of folks out Starting point is 00:00:57 and a lot of these videos on all sorts of different conspiracies Starting point is 00:01:39 The ancients knew, the Greeks knew, Columbus knew, everyone knew then that it was round. Starting point is 00:01:58 If you see an eclipse, like a lunar eclipse, you can see the Earth's shadow on the moon. Starting point is 00:02:31 You know, now their explanation, the flat earthers, is that, yeah, it's round like a pizza, but a round, flat pizza, and all the continents are on the one flat face side up. Starting point is 00:02:59 can't help but think, okay, they don't believe it. Starting point is 00:03:20 And, you know, it's hard to tell. Starting point is 00:03:49 That's good. Starting point is 00:04:25 and if you put these little sticks in the ground with markers on them and you get a little telescope like a um a surveyor's scope and you line it up you can see that it bends so at each point the Starting point is 00:05:05 And I found these letters that this guy wrote to the Royal Geographical Society about Alfred Russell Wallace. Starting point is 00:05:36 And they can attach themselves to someone like Wallace or Darwin or anybody else. Starting point is 00:06:04 And they're going to join in. Starting point is 00:06:17 Because he's the guy. Starting point is 00:06:36 so many people who are actual scientists want to debate Deepak. Starting point is 00:07:11 It's not for public consumption. Starting point is 00:07:26 a quote from Vendanta, Starting point is 00:07:37 he's on to something. Starting point is 00:07:53 And that quote can be interpreted a bunch of different wa...

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Michael Shermer was the guest on JRE #846. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

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On Joe Rogan Experience #846 with Michael Shermer, topics include Flat Earth Theory, Lunar Eclipses, Scientific Skepticism, and Free Will and Determinism.

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