loader from loading.io

Evolving Toward a Better Future with David Sloan Wilson

AMSEcast

Release Date: 08/28/2024

Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand show art Finding Balance Between Tightness & Looseness with Dr. Michele Gelfand

AMSEcast

Dr. Michele Gelfand is a cultural psychologist and author of Rule Makers, Rule Breakers. She joins us to discusses how “tight” and “loose” cultures shape societies. Tight cultures, like Japan’s, respond to threats with strict rules and order, while looser ones, like the U.S., allow greater flexibility. Gelfand suggests a balanced “Goldilocks” approach, adjusting strictness and flexibility to suit each environment's needs, from families to organizations. She also explores online accountability, recommending "nudges" to promote civility, and sees AI as a potential tool for managing...

info_outline How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists show art How Windell Oskay is Inspiring a New Generation of Mad Scientists

AMSEcast

In this episode, Alan talks with Windell Oskay, co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories. Windell discusses updating Make: The Annotated Build-it-Yourself Science Laboratory, a childhood favorite of his, to inspire today’s young scientists. They highlight the importance of hands-on learning, creativity, and safety, especially in electrical experiments. Windell is also the author of Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components, which explores the hidden beauty inside electronics, showcasing intricate cross-sections of devices from vacuum tubes to smartphones. Additionally, he...

info_outline AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo show art AMSE Science Report with guest Luis Elizondo

AMSEcast

Welcome to the AMSE Science Report. Are we alone in the universe? Many people are now taking a fresh look at that question thanks to recent revelations about unidentified aerial phenomena or UAPs, and those revelations have been spearheaded by the important work of Luis Elizondo. Lue recently joined me on our podcast, AMSEcast, to talk about his New York Times bestselling book, Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. In a truly incredible, candid, eye-opening conversation, we spoke about several characteristics that distinguish these seemingly inexplicable vehicles. Here is part of...

info_outline AMSE Science Report Sava Sobel show art AMSE Science Report Sava Sobel

AMSEcast

Dava Sobel is an American writer of popular expositions of scientific topics. Her books include , about English clockmaker ; , about 's daughter ; and The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars about the . Taken from Wikipedia

info_outline AMSE Science Report with Ian McNeely show art AMSE Science Report with Ian McNeely

AMSEcast

Welcome to The AMSE Science Report. I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Ian McNeely, about his fascinating book titled Reinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the Internet.  At our institutions in Oak Ridge we focus every day on the collection and use of knowledge, so it was fascinating to talk with Ian about how knowledge has been viewed and transmitted throughout the ages.  

info_outline The Many Technological Advancements of Asad Madni show art The Many Technological Advancements of Asad Madni

AMSEcast

Alan Lowe sits down with the renowned Dr. Asad Madni. Dr. Madni shares his extraordinary journey as an engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur, detailing his groundbreaking contributions to fields like digital signal processing, MEMS technology, and artificial intelligence. From revolutionizing the Naval fleet with the Transline Analyzer to advancing automotive safety with MEMS gyroscopes, Dr. Madni's innovations have left an indelible mark on modern technology. Listen in as he discusses career insights, the future of AI, and the importance of creativity, ethics, and continuous learning in...

info_outline On the Hunt for UFOs with Lou Elizondo show art On the Hunt for UFOs with Lou Elizondo

AMSEcast

Alan is joined by Lou Elizondo, former military intelligence officer and author of Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. Lou shares his journey from joining JROTC to his work in the Pentagon's classified UFO program. He describes Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) with extraordinary capabilities like hypersonic speeds and movement without visible propulsion, raising national security concerns. Lou explains that UAP sightings date back to the 1950s, and the government once stigmatized discussions to avoid panic. Now, bipartisan efforts push for transparency, supported by emerging...

info_outline The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge from the Dawn of the Atomic Age to the Present show art The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge from the Dawn of the Atomic Age to the Present

AMSEcast

Alan Lowe, director of the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) introduces a live audience to the first-ever AMSEcast Conversation. Held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the event featured a panel of experts discussing the historical significance of the Military Industrial Educational Complex and the book Critical Connections. The panel, which included Lee Riedinger, Ray Smith, and William Bugg, explored the development of Oak Ridge and the University of Tennessee (UT) during the 1940s.     Guest Bios Lee Riedinger has held numerous leadership positions during his distinguished...

info_outline AMSE Science Report with author Seirian Sumner show art AMSE Science Report with author Seirian Sumner

AMSEcast

Seirian Sumner speaks to us about her terrific book Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps.  In this Science Report we learn why wasps often have a bad reputation. 

info_outline AMSE Science Report Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds show art AMSE Science Report Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds

AMSEcast

The growing understanding of electricity over the past 200 years has dramatically changed our understanding of the universe, including, you might say, the universe inside our bodies.  I had the pleasure of speaking on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Sally Adee, author of We Are Electric: Inside the 200 Year Hunt for Our Body’s Bioelectric Code, and What the Future Holds.  In this fascinating book, Sally explores the ways our bioelectrical makeup is central to our lives.  Still, our understanding of the electricity in our bodies, and how the nervous system works, are relatively...

info_outline
 
More Episodes
Alan talks with David Sloan Wilson, renowned biologist and author, to explore the broader applications of Darwin's theory beyond genetics to cultural and personal evolution. Wilson argues against conflating evolution with Social Darwinism and highlights cooperation as a crucial trait for societal progress. He emphasizes the need for experimental and inclusive decision-making and discusses how failure drives improvement, the impact of cultural interventions, and the role of religion in fostering community. Wilson also critiques traditional economic models and explains his aim to integrate evolutionary science into global cooperation.
 
 
Guest Bio
David Sloan Wilson is a distinguished evolutionary biologist with a doctorate from Michigan State University. His impressive academic career spans institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Washington, and the State University of New York Binghamton, where he is now Distinguished Professor Emeritus. David founded the Evolution Institute and co-founded the nonprofit ProSocial World, including the New Paradigm Coalition Initiative. He is an award-winning author known for his influential works, including This View of Life, Evolution for Everyone, The Neighborhood Project, and his novel Atlas Hugged. David’s research and writing explore the applications of evolutionary theory to society and culture.
 
 
Show Notes
  • (2:21) - What the evolution paradigm is
  • (4:22) - How the evolution paradigm is seen in cultures and how it differs from Social Darwinism
  • (6:56) - The special conditions necessary for the evolution paradigm to be effective
  • (11:51) - The importance of a common goal for cooperation to work when people have conflicting opinions
  • (14:11) - How failure is handled under the evolution paradigm
  • (16:16) - Applying the evolution paradigm to education
  • (26:17) - How the evolution paradigm applies to faith and religion
  • (37:13) - How the cooperative approach works when it comes to national economics
  • (39:20) - How individuals express themselves when they don’t agree with the larger group
  • (44:07) - Wilson’s novel, Atlas Hugged

 

Links Referenced