Breaking beliefism

Looking back on season 3, where I spoke to scientists, academics, journalists, and a comedian. We discussed themes such as the shifting political landscape among young people, the decline of democracy, the significance of narratives, and why we hate the narrative of randomness so much.

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Dr. Paul Sagar, a Reader in Political Theory at King's College London. The two Pauls discuss philosophy and, in the context of Dr Sagar's tetraplegia from a climbing accident, why we don't like "shit happens" as an explanation.

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to neuroscientist Professor Tali Sharot to explore beliefs, emotions, and decision-making. They discuss why changing our habits could help us appreciate the small things more, and why lying becomes easier the more we do it. 

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Adam Kucharski, a mathematician and epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. They discuss how data can be used to understand epidemics, why evidence isn’t enough to persuade others, and how poker is the perfect gateway to maths. 

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to anthropologist Dr. Chris Kavanagh about secular gurus, how online platforms have amplified their influence, and how easily confidence can be mistaken for knowledge. 

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Professor Cass Sunstein, the father of the “nudge” theory, who served as part of the Obama administration. They discuss why adaptation is part of the human condition, and how we could all become famous.

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to author Chloe Combi, an expert on Generations Z and A. They discuss generational differences, the impact of social media on young people's lives, and gender differences in beliefs.

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to journalist Fraser Nelson, the Times columnist and former editor of The Spectator. They discuss religion, the impact of family structure on child outcomes, the obsession with formal education, and how Covid changed our relationship with the state.