Alan Levinovitz: How Faith in Nature's Goodness Leads to Flawed Science || HPP Ep. 9

Alan Levinovitz: How Faith in Nature's Goodness Leads to Flawed Science || HPP Ep. 9

Author: HumanProgress.org August 10, 2021 Duration: 1:11:02

Dr. Alan Levinovitz illuminates the far-reaching harms of believing that natural means “good,” from misinformation about health choices to justifications for sexism, racism, and flawed economic policies.

Transcript: https://www.humanprogress.org/alan-levinovitz-the-human-progress-podcast-ep-8-transcript/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Natures-Goodness-Harmful-Science/dp/0807010871

Dr. Levinovitz focuses primarily on the relationship between religion, literature, and science, with particular attention to classical Chinese thought and comparative ethics. His most recent book, Natural: How Faith in Nature's Goodness Leads to Harmful Fads, Unjust Laws, and Flawed Science, examines the meaning of "natural" and argues that modern Western culture has divinized nature. He is currently working on another book project, The Gentleman and the Jester, which develops a binary typology of ethical education. Other interests include the tension between paratext (introductions, footnotes, etc.) and primary text, the significance of play, and the role of genre in ethical discourse.

Marian L. Tupy is the editor of HumanProgress.org, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, and coauthor of The Simon Project. He specializes in globalization and global well‐being and politics and economics of Europe and Southern Africa.

Learn more: https://www.cato.org/people/marian-l-tupy


Marian L. Tupy and Chelsea Follett of HumanProgress.org host The Human Progress Podcast, a series dedicated to exploring the often overlooked but measurable advancements that have shaped our world. This podcast delves into the data and stories behind improvements in human well-being, from rising life expectancy and declining poverty to technological innovation and expanding freedoms. Each episode features conversations with researchers, authors, and thinkers who examine the forces driving this progress, while also addressing common misconceptions and concerns about the future. The discussions are grounded in evidence, offering a nuanced counterpoint to prevailing narratives of decline. Listeners will find a thoughtful analysis of long-term trends across science and society, providing a deeper understanding of how far we’ve come and the challenges that remain. It’s an invitation to consider a more optimistic, fact-based view of human history and our potential. Tune in for a regular dose of informed perspective that goes beyond the headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 77

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