Reading Room Archives

Skeptic Interviews Frans de Waal

Skeptic | November 29, 2024

Frans de Waal, renowned primatologist, discusses animal emotions, behavior, and cognition, exploring the similarities between human and animal expressions of feeling. Through observations on apes, he delves into how animals experience complex emotions, challenging long-standing beliefs that feelings like empathy and disgust are uniquely human. His insights reveal a deeper understanding of animal consciousness and its implications for our treatment of animals.

Insect on the Menu: Separating Fact From Fiction

Arnold van Huis | November 8, 2024

Arnold van Huis explores the potential of edible insects as sustainable food, addressing common misconceptions and cultural barriers. While the West has shown resistance, citing health and safety concerns, the nutritional and environmental benefits of insects position them as a viable future food source. Could a shift in perception make insects a staple in Western diets?

When Dolphins Network

Lee Dugatkin | November 1, 2024

Explore the fascinating world of dolphin social networks, where these intelligent creatures display complex social interactions and even partner with humans to hunt. This article delves into groundbreaking research on dolphin behavior, revealing how dolphins form “small-world” social networks that enhance survival and cooperation across species.

The Lost Bird

Gísli Pálsson | October 25, 2024

Gísli Pálsson reflects on the extinction of the great auk, a flightless bird hunted to extinction in 1844, and examines its historical, scientific, and ethical significance. Through personal narrative, museum artifacts, and the quest for de-extinction, the essay raises questions about humanity’s role in species extinction and potential resurrection efforts.

Known Knowns

Skeptic | October 18, 2024

In her review of Knowing What We Know by Simon Winchester and Informatica by Alex Wright, Michelle Ainsworth explores how these books delve into the history of knowledge transmission, from ancient practices to modern technologies. The review highlights each book’s strengths in presenting interdisciplinary narratives, balancing compelling storytelling with in-depth analysis of how information systems have evolved to cope with today’s digital age.

Expelled! The True Story Behind Ben Stein’s Anti-Evolution/Pro-Intelligent Design Film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Kevin Miller | October 11, 2024

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed revealed a supposed conspiracy to suppress Intelligent Design (ID) within academia. The article reflects on the film’s production, its controversial use of deception, and the author’s shift from supporting ID to embracing open scientific inquiry. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue over division in the science versus religion debate.

Identity Politics and Its Discontents

Christopher Rufo and Yascha Mounk | October 4, 2024

This article features two thought-provoking interviews with Christopher Rufo and Yascha Mounk, both critiquing identity politics and its effects on modern society. Rufo explores the rise of Critical Race Theory (CRT), its Marxist roots, and the growing influence of DEI policies. Mounk discusses the dangers of cultural appropriation debates, identity politics in institutions, and the risks of left-wing authoritarianism.

Blue, Green, Black, and White: Identity Politics in History, from Byzantium to Sri Lanka

Jens Kurt Heycke | September 27, 2024

Explore how ancient sporting rivalries in Byzantium and modern identity politics in Sri Lanka reveal the deep dangers of tribalism. This historical analysis sheds light on how seemingly trivial divisions can fuel violence and highlights the consequences of identity politics in shaping society, governance, and conflict.

Cancelling the Pop Culture of Yesteryear

John D. Van Dyke | September 20, 2024

John D. Van Dyke examines how modern standards are applied to older entertainment, often leading to censorship. From Disney films to 1980s comedies, the article argues that removing offensive scenes erases history, making it harder to understand societal evolution. It promotes contextual viewing as a tool for learning rather than censorship.

Witch-Hunting: A Culture War Fought with Skepticism and Compassion

Leo Igwe | September 13, 2024

Witch-hunting persists in Africa, particularly Malawi, where hundreds face persecution, torture, and death each year due to witchcraft accusations. Leo Igwe explores the socio-cultural, religious, and political factors fueling these brutal practices and highlights advocacy efforts to end witch-hunting by 2030, led by organizations like the Advocacy for Alleged Witches.

What Type of Social Justice Do We Want?

Michael Mills, Robert Maranto, and Richard Redding | September 6, 2024

What if the pursuit of social justice on college campuses was silencing free speech and stifling intellectual diversity? This provocative article delves into the rise of critical theories in academia, exposing a growing tension between traditional liberal values and a new, more radical approach to social justice. As professors increasingly use classrooms for political activism, students face a crucial dilemma: speak up or stay silent? Discover how this ideological shift is reshaping higher education and what it means for the…

Behavioral Science Needs to Return to the Basics

April Bleske-Rechek, Michael H. Bernstein, and Robert O. Deaner | August 30, 2024

In this thought-provoking piece, three behavioral scientists argue that the field has strayed from fundamental scientific principles in its pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals. They contend that an overreliance on “lived experience,” poor measurement practices, and confusion between correlation and causation have led to flawed research and misguided policies. The authors offer a critical examination of popular DEI concepts and suggest ways to get behavioral science back on track with rigorous, objective methods.

A Scientific Perspective on the Patriarchy: The Gender Pay Gap and Unequal Opportunity

Marc Defant | August 23, 2024

New research challenges common assumptions about the gender pay gap and women’s career advancement. This article examines economic studies revealing how factors like career choices, work hours, and job preferences contribute to wage disparities between men and women. It explores the “educational-gender-equality paradox” and questions the effectiveness of quotas in addressing workplace inequality. Marc Defant shares insights into the complex interplay of personal decisions, societal expectations, and labor market dynamics shaping gender differences in the workforce.

The New Archaeology Wars: How Cancel Culture and Identity Politics Have Corrupted Science

Elizabeth Weiss | August 16, 2024

This article explores the controversial debate surrounding repatriation laws and their impact on archaeological research. Dr. Elizabeth Weiss recounts her experiences facing academic censorship and professional retaliation after publishing a book critical of repatriation policies. She argues that prioritizing Native American oral traditions over scientific evidence hinders objective study of human remains and artifacts. The piece raises thought-provoking questions about academic freedom, the role of identity politics in science, and the future of anthropological research.

Tension Between Science & Ideology: Exploring Paths to Social Justice

Bradley Campbell | August 9, 2024

UCLA professor of sociology, Bradley Campbell, explores the tension between scientific and ideological approaches in sociology, particularly in the context of social justice efforts. It critiques critical theory’s dominance and argues for a more balanced, evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing social issues within liberal democratic frameworks.

What is Cancel Culture Anyway?

Carol Tavris | August 2, 2024

Carol Tavris explores the concept of cancel culture, its historical context, and its implications for free speech and open discourse, highlighting examples from academia, media, and public life, arguing that cancel culture stifles intellectual diversity and promotes conformity. The author emphasizes the need for understanding and engaging with differing perspectives to preserve the principles of free expression.

When It Comes to AI, Think Protopia, Not Dystopia or Utopia

Michael Shermer | July 26, 2024

Michael Shermer contrasts dystopian fears and utopian visions on artificial intelligence (AI), and proposes an intriguing alternative: “protopia.” What if we embrace a gradual and optimistic approach to AI, where each year brings incremental improvements to our lives? Can we harness the power of technology to amplify the good while mitigating the risks? Dive into the article and unlock the fascinating world of AI’s promises and challenges.

Framed? How Sensationalism Keeps New York City’s Most Controversial Defendants Innocent in the Eyes of the Public

John D. Van Dyke | July 19, 2024

Despite popular conspiracy theories, the evidence strongly supports the guilt of Bruno Richard Hauptmann in the Lindbergh kidnapping and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in espionage. Sensationalism and conspiracy theories persistently promote their innocence, but these narratives often ignore or distort substantial evidence against them.

Chatbots and the Pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence

Peter Kassan | July 12, 2024

Peter Kassan examines the hype and limitations of artificial intelligence chatbots and the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

AI Will Not Replace Artists. It Will Devalue Them.

Kate Brunotts | July 5, 2024

Brooklyn-based avant-pop music producer, Kate Brunotts, discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence on artists and the need for stronger protections for their intellectual property rights.

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