Patterson in Pursuit

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 55 - Are Science and Religion Incompatible? | Dr. Peter Harrison Apr 30, 2017

Show notes

How fundamental is the conflict between science and religion? Is it true that the history of the church is filled with anti-intellectualism and the suppression of scientific inquiry? Is religious fundamentalism to blame for the tension between science and religion?

I've got my own suspicions about these questions, but I decided to ask Dr. Peter Harrison, who teaches History at the University of Queensland. He specializes in the topic of "Science versus Religion".

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Data versus Anecdotes: From Ghosts to Levaquin Apr 28, 2017

Show notes

Rationalists are far too quick to dismiss anecdotes as being "non-scientific." They are also too quick to accept all official-looking "data" that comes from scientists - when, in fact, anecdotes might sometimes be more trustworthy than scientific data.

On the other hand, many people are far too likely to accept the theoretical claims of anecdotal evidence - rather than accepting the data while remaining skeptical of any theoretical claims.

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Ep. 54 - Psychedelic Experience: Ayahuasca | The World Wanderers Apr 23, 2017

Show notes

For thousands of years, people have ingested psychedelic drugs in order to alter their consciousness. They report having profound experiences - many of which are life-changing. But is this just simple delusion? Can you really learn important truths while on drugs? I think it's a grave mistake to dismiss the possibility out of hand.

To help me answer, I'm joined by the World Wanderers: Ryan Ferguson and Amanda Kingsmith, who have traveled to more than 45 countries together. While in Peru, they both had an ayahuasca experience that they consider to be life-changing in a positive way.

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The Social Hierarchy Apr 20, 2017

Show notes

Continuing the commentary on hierarchy from last week.
Seeking status, wealth, and prestige - for their own sake - is not a recipe for happiness or human flourishing. It's a recipe for pettiness and division.
Playing power games within a social pecking order is an attempt to compensate for a lack of self-confidence.

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Ep. 53 - One Year, 10 Countries | What I've Learned Apr 15, 2017

Show notes

A year ago, I started Patterson in Pursuit. Ten countries later, I want to share some thoughts about what I've learned.

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People Love Hierarchy Apr 13, 2017

Show notes

Regardless of where people fall on the social hierarchy, they like and reinforce the system. They seek camaraderie with other people in social classes - even if they're in the bottom class.

This is a difficult part of human psychology for me to deal with. For those of us who don't like this system, it can be difficult to opt-out.

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Ep. 52 - Are Some Infinities Bigger Than Others? | Dr. Toby Meadows Apr 09, 2017

Show notes

Does infinity really come in multiple sizes? According to mathematical orthodoxy, some infinities are bigger than others - but that's awfully hard to wrap your mind around.

So, I've asked Dr. Toby Meadows from the University of Queensland to help me out. He specializes in the philosophy of mathematics and set theory.

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Ep. 51 - Feminist Philosophy | Dr. Michelle Boulous-Walker Apr 02, 2017

Show notes

Why is the history of ideas dominated by male thinkers? Is it because women are discouraged from intellectual life - or is it because women tend to choose other careers?

If we go even deeper: why do women (and men) make the choices they do? Is it because they are influenced by overwhelming societal pressures - or are they acting freely?

These are the questions I've asked Dr. Michelle Boulous-Walker, who teaches at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

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The Metaphysics of Fiction Mar 31, 2017

Show notes

Can we say true and false things about Harry Potter? If so, does that mean he exists? If not, then how can we talk about a non-existing thing?

I've gotten different answers to these questions in my interviews so far. Here are some of my thoughts on the topic.

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Ep. 50 - Argumentation Ethics | Stephan Kinsella Mar 26, 2017

Show notes

If we choose to argue, have we presupposed an ethical framework? Is "self-ownership" a concept that cannot coherently be doubted?

To help me answer these questions, I'm joined by Stephan Kinsella, who is one of the most prominent supporters of "argumentation ethics." He claims that ownership is inescapable.

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