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What are the big ideas shaping our world now?Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Big societal ideas • Science and human behavior exploration • Impact of economics and technology • Philosophical inquiries • Challenges and advancements in health and environment • Psychological insightsThis podcast, titled "The Big Idea," explores a wide array of intellectual and societal topics, each episode delving into significant questions and cutting-edge research. The overarching theme centers around concepts and innovations shaping our world, with an emphasis on science, philosophy, economics, psychology, and anthropology. Through conversations with leading thinkers, it considers how these ideas impact both individual lives and broader societal structures.
Recurring topics in the podcast include the science of pandemics, addiction, sleep, and emotions, reflecting a keen interest in physiological and psychological phenomena. Each episode often scrutinizes the human condition and our understanding of it, as seen in discussions about consciousness, memory, and the teenage brain. Societal concerns are critically evaluated, particularly those about the influence of inequality, discrimination, and implicit biases on social cohesion.
The podcast also examines pressing global issues such as climate change, governance, and wealth disparities, presenting theories about why some nations thrive while others struggle. The role of technology and artificial intelligence is another prominent theme, with episodes discussing its impact on professions like medicine and its increasing involvement in everyday life.
"Social Physics" and other explorations into human interactions and city dynamics showcase how data and urban environments influence societal well-being. Additionally, thought experiments and philosophical discussions offer insights into concepts like morality, fairness, and choice. Overall, this podcast offers a multifaceted look at contemporary issues through the lens of diverse academic disciplines, encouraging listeners to reflect on the complexities of modern life.
| Episodes: |
Fighting pandemics2020-Dec-19 11 minutes |
The science of addiction2020-Dec-12 11 minutes |
The new normal2020-Dec-05 11 minutes |
Do cities need rules?2020-Nov-28 9 minutes |
The science of sleep2020-Nov-21 14 minutes |
The importance of fairness2020-Nov-14 12 minutes |
How do we spot rogue cops?2020-Nov-07 11 minutes |
Understanding emotions: Should we follow our hearts?2020-Oct-31 12 minutes |
Ubernomics2020-Oct-24 15 minutes |
Why living in the city could make you happier2020-Oct-17 13 minutes |
Why do we find things disgusting?2020-Oct-10 13 minutes |
The fragility of choice2020-Oct-03 9 minutes |
The truth about marriage2020-Sep-26 10 minutes |
How to topple a dictator2020-Sep-19 9 minutes |
Why do we laugh?2020-Sep-12 10 minutes |
The Afterlife2018-Sep-23 9 minutes |
Why Are Some Nations Rich?2018-Sep-16 9 minutes |
How does language work?2018-Sep-09 10 minutes |
A Future Without Doctors?2018-Sep-02 8 minutes |
The Intelligent Tree2018-Aug-26 9 minutes |
Consciousness: A Strange Theory2018-Aug-19 10 minutes |
The Teenage Brain2018-Aug-12 10 minutes |
How To Stop Murder2018-Aug-05 9 minutes |
Democracy and Famine2018-Jul-29 9 minutes |
Dimensions of Discrimination2018-Jul-22 11 minutes |
Inequality Makes Us Anxious2018-Jul-15 10 minutes |
Are We All Racist?2018-Jul-08 11 minutes |
The New Distrust2018-Jul-01 10 minutes |
Contact Theory2018-Jun-24 9 minutes |
Economics and Mosquito Nets2018-Jun-17 10 minutes |
Memory Wars2018-Jun-10 10 minutes |
A World Without Livestock?2018-Jun-03 9 minutes |
Outrage and Moral Conscience2018-May-27 9 minutes |
Friends2018-May-20 9 minutes |
Baby Boffins2018-May-19 9 minutes |
Super-Intelligence2018-May-17 9 minutes |
Social Physics2018-May-16 9 minutes |
The Growth Mindset2018-May-15 9 minutes |
Epigenetics2018-May-14 9 minutes |
Future Gazing2018-May-13 9 minutes |
Monkey Money2018-May-12 10 minutes |
The Big Preview: The Big Idea2018-May-11 2 minutes |