Michael Shermer on the Evolution of Morality and the Future of Humanity

Ever wondered where our sense of right and wrong comes from? Joe Rogan dives deep into the fascinating world of morality, science, and skepticism with Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine and a renowned science historian. This episode explores everything from the evolutionary roots of ethics to the dangers of political tribalism and the potential of technological advancements. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges your assumptions about what it means to be human.

TL;DR

Morality isn’t divinely inspired but evolved through social cooperation and reciprocal altruism.
Political polarization is driven by tribal instincts and can be mitigated by understanding its evolutionary roots.
Technological advancements, like CRISPR, hold immense potential for improving humanity but also present significant ethical challenges.
Scientific skepticism is crucial for navigating misinformation and making informed decisions in a complex world.
The arc of history bends towards progress, but vigilance against regression is essential.

Key Topics Covered

The Evolutionary Basis of Morality

Shermer argues that morality isn’t handed down from on high but is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. He explains how cooperation, empathy, and reciprocal altruism were essential for survival in early human societies. These behaviors, which promote group cohesion and well-being, gradually became ingrained in our social fabric and evolved into our modern moral compass. What I found particularly interesting was the discussion about how our brains are wired to recognize fairness and injustice, suggesting that moral intuitions are not simply learned but are, in part, innate.

The discussion touches on the role of oxytocin in promoting social bonding and trust, further highlighting the biological underpinnings of morality. Shermer emphasizes that understanding the evolutionary basis of morality doesn’t diminish its importance but, rather, provides a more nuanced and grounded perspective. He contrasts this with the idea of divinely ordained morality, which he argues is often arbitrary and prone to subjective interpretation.

“Morality is a set of behaviors that promote social cooperation.” – Michael Shermer

Political Tribalism and Polarization

Joe and Michael delve into the alarming rise of political polarization and its detrimental effects on society. Shermer attributes this phenomenon to our innate tribal instincts, which evolved to promote loyalty to our in-group and suspicion of outsiders. He explains how these instincts can be easily manipulated by political leaders and media outlets, leading to echo chambers and a lack of empathy for those with opposing viewpoints. One thing that really stood out was Shermer’s analysis of how social media algorithms exacerbate this problem by feeding us information that confirms our existing biases.

The conversation explores potential strategies for mitigating political tribalism, such as promoting critical thinking skills, encouraging exposure to diverse perspectives, and fostering a greater sense of shared humanity. Shermer emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our political opponents are not necessarily evil but simply hold different values and beliefs, often shaped by their own unique experiences and circumstances.

“The problem with tribalism is that it makes you stupid.” – Michael Shermer

The Promise and Peril of Technological Advancements

Shermer and Rogan explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly CRISPR gene editing, to address a wide range of human challenges, from curing genetic diseases to enhancing cognitive abilities. However, they also acknowledge the significant ethical concerns that accompany these advancements. The discussion highlights the potential for unintended consequences and the need for careful regulation to prevent misuse.

The conversation touches on the philosophical implications of altering the human genome, raising questions about what it means to be human and who gets to decide the future of our species. Shermer emphasizes the importance of engaging in open and informed public discourse to navigate these complex ethical dilemmas and ensure that technological advancements are used for the benefit of all humanity. He expresses cautious optimism about the future, believing that human ingenuity and adaptability will ultimately prevail, but stresses the need for constant vigilance and ethical reflection.

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Shermer shares a personal anecdote about his experience attending a Flat Earth convention. This story highlights the importance of scientific skepticism in combating misinformation and the challenges of engaging with individuals who are deeply entrenched in conspiracy theories. He explains how he tried to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, but ultimately found it difficult to break through the layers of confirmation bias and distrust of mainstream science.

Another compelling story involves Shermer’s recounting of the history of scientific progress, emphasizing that many groundbreaking discoveries were initially met with skepticism and resistance. This underscores the importance of open-mindedness and willingness to challenge established paradigms, even when it means going against the prevailing consensus. It also shows us that progress often requires us to have uncomfortable conversations and consider alternate points of view.

Conclusion

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience offers a fascinating and insightful exploration of morality, science, and the future of humanity. Michael Shermer’s expertise and engaging storytelling make complex topics accessible and thought-provoking. This episode is particularly recommended for anyone interested in evolutionary biology, political science, philosophy, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Give it a listen!