Why We Believe In Conspiracy Theories with Michael Shermer

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  • Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
  • Why do rational people believe irrational things? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice break down media literacy, the psychology behind conspiracy theories, and how to combat our cognitive biases with author and founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine, Michael Shermer.
    No one joins a cult thinking they’re wrong, so why does it happen? We talk about what it means to be a skeptic. Was 9/11 an inside job? Was the moon landing a hoax? Was the 2020 election rigged? Learn why popular conspiracy theories gained traction, what their fundamental problems are, and how to argue against them. Does the media make us more susceptible to conspiracies?
    What cognitive biases stop intelligent people from making intelligent choices? Discover proportionality bias, confirmation bias, and hindsight bias. How do you know what to believe? If a conspiracy theory was a criminal trial, could you get enough evidence? What questions could we ask ourselves to avoid being biased? What would it take to change your mind?
    Why do we often accept the supernatural but not real science? Why are there so many vaccine skeptics, but no antibiotics skeptics? Should internet gatekeepers censor misinformation? Does being more educated make you less susceptible to conspiracy? All that, plus, is there such a thing as being too skeptical?
    Thanks to our Patrons Zachary Vex, Alexandru Dolipschi, Chris Knopp, Gianni Gaetano, and D'Angelo Garcia for supporting us this week.
    NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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    About StarTalk:
    Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
    #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson
    00:00 - Intro: Why do people believe conspiracy theories?
    10:02 - Does the media aid conspiracy theories?
    14:38 - Our cognitive biases
    22:00 - How to break down a conspiracy
    25:14 - Government Trust & Disinformation
    29:15 - Can we avoid being biased?
    37:40 - Pseudoscience & The Supernatural
    42:55 - Should we censor misinformation?
    45:58 - How much does education help?
    49:19 - Psychology of admitting you’re wrong
    52:02 - Can you be too skeptical?
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2 тис.

  • @Mozokuni
    @Mozokuni Рік тому +19

    We need to add a Critical Thinking class to the US education system. The class would focus on using the scientific method to test and validate information and evidence.

    • @OlgaAlyce
      @OlgaAlyce Рік тому

      They use to have that class in one of my local colleges. That was 35+ years ago. I don’t know if any still do. It should be a class in junior high and on that, civics classes should be brought back too. IMO

    • @robertruggles5584
      @robertruggles5584 Місяць тому

      Man, you SAID it !! For Real !!!!
      Would that have helped my step-son with his parroting of all the crazy stuff out there? He believes the Clintons killed Jeffrey Epstein and the covid vaccine causes football injuries. I guess some people are beyond help. Sorry to say that but........

    • @Steve-nu1md
      @Steve-nu1md 29 днів тому

      Republican efforts to destroy education in this country is coming to fruition...there is the conspiracy in your face.

    • @chesterwilberforce9832
      @chesterwilberforce9832 9 днів тому +1

      But! But! They've "done their research"! We should be grateful to them for digging through the copious amounts of information (that agrees with their confirmation bias) and enlightening us. They are the critical thinkers! (according to them).

  • @bazookallamaproductions5280
    @bazookallamaproductions5280 Рік тому +81

    to be fair, people DO sometimes conspire.
    however its important to have a solid logical and evidentiary framework on which you test your hypotheses and base your conclusions

    • @chadd990
      @chadd990 Рік тому +20

      oh ok. They only explained this in the video, but go ahead and write the comment too.

    • @iamrangertv1724
      @iamrangertv1724 Рік тому

      Nope. Everyone is good and were all fine.

    • @riffsthatkill2180
      @riffsthatkill2180 Рік тому +1

      @@chadd990 lol came to say the same thing.

    • @ScottWaring
      @ScottWaring Рік тому +2

      So true, but a hypothesis is merely an educated guess. So...even a child can have one on familiar subject to them.

    • @wolfiemuse
      @wolfiemuse Рік тому +1

      Your comment seems a hair irrelevant. They didn’t say that there is no such thing as a real conspiracy, or that people don’t conspire. They simply brought up and explained long form the last part of your comment. That you need substantial evidence to prove substantial claims.

  • @deadeye5462
    @deadeye5462 Рік тому +149

    Man, I really enjoyed this episode, I’m glad we’re getting more of these sit down casual style of talks nowadays, makes it much easier and more enjoyable to learn new things.

    • @TimeSpaceU
      @TimeSpaceU Рік тому +4

      Check out my conspiracy and theories like the universe is sand and water

    • @psychoticentertainment7526
      @psychoticentertainment7526 Рік тому +3

      So true idk what it is but all throughout school with the exception of one teacher, and I'm meaning of the core 4 subjects, if im orated at then I tend not to learn but Neil and Chuck just sitting down and just talking and joking about these big brain concepts has taught me so much more about astrophysics, the world and the universe than 18/19 years in school did.

    • @davetom8517
      @davetom8517 Рік тому +3

      It's so much more approachable this way, rather than the usual - "Look at how smart I am and how much I know. Listen to my esoteric words to prove it. I hope your little plebeian brain can keep up" - type of educational video.

    • @davidmarris31
      @davidmarris31 Рік тому +2

      Don't expect perceived wise men to know everything about everything. Only talking about the ridiculous theories and not about the more substantial because it isn't on brand of their fame and should be taken no more seriously than comedic value.

    • @jacoblivingston2057
      @jacoblivingston2057 9 місяців тому

      These three actors are being so rude and come off as ignorant..not a good way to convince someone

  • @_Lionsin
    @_Lionsin Рік тому +49

    Chucks ability to be comedic in the moment never ceases to amaze me.

    • @susanfrancis5471
      @susanfrancis5471 Рік тому +4

      I’m Not watching this to get
      Chuck’s opinion.
      He is an interruption imo

    • @_Lionsin
      @_Lionsin Рік тому

      @@susanfrancis5471 Don't watch a Science program with a co host then. Further, don't watch one who's co host is exclusively a comedian, Chuck or otherwise.

    • @LS-Moto
      @LS-Moto Рік тому +8

      @@_Lionsin I think Chuck is having a great balance between jokes and sharing actual thoughts he has on the subjects and voicing them, contributing greatly to the format.

    • @blacbraun
      @blacbraun Рік тому +4

      @@susanfrancis5471 Guy is an unfunny hack and yes he just interrupts the topic.

    • @branndoncaffy5175
      @branndoncaffy5175 6 місяців тому

      He's great at getting in quickly in small windows

  • @nathyatta
    @nathyatta Рік тому +76

    Chuck is such a great little addition to these conversations. He really does explain things well. He has some great points and questions. What an amazing school science teacher he would be

    • @danielludlow8960
      @danielludlow8960 Рік тому +8

      Little addition? Or addition?

    • @judithgillette144
      @judithgillette144 Рік тому +5

      "Conspiracies? You're a DIMBASS!" LOL!

    • @richtomlinson7090
      @richtomlinson7090 8 місяців тому +1

      The point about Elm Street was good.
      People put extra significance on decisions and things in hind site.

    • @TheJimtanker
      @TheJimtanker 7 місяців тому +5

      And he's very intelligent in his own right. He plays the fool but he's a very smart guy.

    • @StoreRunDotCom
      @StoreRunDotCom 5 місяців тому

      he looks a bit orange in this video, he been eating with DT?!

  • @welern2liv815
    @welern2liv815 Рік тому +117

    1 part Learning, 1 part Laughing bonded with passion and love is StarTalk.

    • @teeceefitzgerald8922
      @teeceefitzgerald8922 Рік тому +6

      Great show….well put together….agree with You…..

    • @xEvilRaptorx
      @xEvilRaptorx Рік тому +3

      It all starts getting ridiculous once chuck says...
      [spoiler for Chucks joke below]
      .
      .
      .
      .
      .
      .
      .
      "Once you go black, you get killed by the royal family!"

    • @TimTrOn3000
      @TimTrOn3000 Рік тому

      @@xEvilRaptorx using the race card for a cheap joke. Telltale sign of a weak comedian

    • @davidmudry5622
      @davidmudry5622 Рік тому

      Do you all think real professors from a real USA university are conspiracy theorists? The TV won't tell you about this, but I don't know why? ua-cam.com/video/LJPuWy9utss/v-deo.html

    • @TimeSpaceU
      @TimeSpaceU Рік тому +1

      Check out my conspiracy theories like the universe is sand and water

  • @celeryandcarrots699
    @celeryandcarrots699 Рік тому +4

    The problem is that people DO NOT see the patterns and the symbols and the connections. Most people are oblivious to it all and just go to work , have kids, and pay, pay , pay til they’re sick and dead. Then they have to pay to be buried into the ground!!

  • @whilliamgm
    @whilliamgm Рік тому +35

    I am pretty sure that Chuck will never reach to this comment but I need to say after a few years following ST, that this guy is way smarter than he looks! love his humor and how he articulate questions while bringing up facts.

    • @wayando
      @wayando Рік тому +3

      I agree. He is likely very smart. Otherwise we would find himself out of place with the kind of guests that come on the show.

    • @ma1ex
      @ma1ex Рік тому +5

      What does he look like?

    • @davetom8517
      @davetom8517 Рік тому +4

      @@ma1ex It's not what he looks like, but his demeanor. People are perceived to be more intellectual if they're calm, and speak in measured tones. Chuck is more hyperactive and makes a lot of jokes. Of course, that has nothing to do with his intelligence, but it does affect perception.

    • @CoCoFantastique
      @CoCoFantastique Рік тому +4

      I hope he never reaches this comment. What about him doesnt look smart? and how can you gauge intelligence on looks? and what does smart look like?

    • @Gemaalig
      @Gemaalig Рік тому +4

      Back handed compliment if I ever read one.

  • @johntuel2375
    @johntuel2375 Рік тому +12

    The Pine Street vs Elm Street part made me think of Bugs Bunny.
    "I knew I should have taken that left at Alba-koiky."

  • @mbennett7
    @mbennett7 Рік тому +349

    I still think Neil hit the nail on the head. Aliens look at earth and say yeahhhh there’s no intelligent life on that planet.

    • @tpseeker3367
      @tpseeker3367 Рік тому +16

      Aliens put up a Rest Area Closed sign on the Dark Side of the Moon

    • @tpseeker3367
      @tpseeker3367 Рік тому +2

      Bwahahahahahahhaaa @@Tree-thingz

    • @edwardhenderson1841
      @edwardhenderson1841 Рік тому +1

      Your opinion don't talk about yourself like that

    • @EMcKelvyF
      @EMcKelvyF Рік тому +3

      We haven't developed a warp drive yet.

    • @kozmiczian
      @kozmiczian Рік тому +6

      The blue gives us up. Earth's always (since water) been a magnet for ETs.

  • @datatheandroid8973
    @datatheandroid8973 Рік тому +25

    One of the best episodes. Anytime Michael Shermer comes on, its always has been a must listen.

  • @flurng
    @flurng Рік тому +8

    When you I first started watching Startalk, I wondered why Neil would choose a comedian for his co-host, rather than a fellow scientist, given the context of the show. However, I must say that Chuck has repeatedly surprised and impressed me with his intellect, as demonstrated by some of his comments, which are often quite deep and truly profound! Of course, it doesn't hurt that he is routinely hilarious, as well! Thank you, gentlemen, for producing a podcast that is as entertaining as it is though-provoking; a balance which I'm sure cannot be easy to maintain!

    • @jamescameron277
      @jamescameron277 Рік тому +1

      Yeah, great comedic and profound responses.... like calling those who might be labeled conspiracy theorists, "idiots". It's funny how what some people are so impressed by, others are completely repulsed by. To each, his or her own, I suppose.

    • @willmolina7395
      @willmolina7395 Рік тому

      I totally agree..Chuck is the ying to it's yang..
      Comedy is remedy and science is educational.. together, they keep me intrigued

  • @CaptainKirk01
    @CaptainKirk01 Рік тому +23

    I wish all of our current media talked like Chuck!
    I am also fascinated by human biases?
    One more thing programmers have to learn to think through them.
    Great episode.
    Getting your book tomorrow.

    • @radman8321
      @radman8321 Рік тому

      Real programmers just don't have them. Of course programmers these days aren't selected for that trait anymore, so maybe you're right.

    • @ScottWaring
      @ScottWaring Рік тому

      👽👽👽Yeah I do UFO and alien research and I often use NASA, ESA photos so they cannot be debunked. I found alien artifacts like buildings, bases, 10km ships, statues and so much more. Is it real? Yeah, but will nasa ever admit it no. But I am world famous just search my name. 👽👽👽

    • @wolfiemuse
      @wolfiemuse Рік тому

      @@radman8321 it’s ignorant to say that “real programmers” don’t have human cognitive bias…

    • @radman8321
      @radman8321 Рік тому

      @@wolfiemuse Back in the early 80s I spent several days being tested/assessed to see if I had the right kind of logical brain required to be a programmer. Spent the next 20 years programming and in my experience nearly all of the most competent programmers were not neuro typical. I'd go so far as to say that most of them were quite obviously on the autistic spectrum.
      The industry changed and most "programmers" these days are combining the programming role with what used to be called Systems Analysis. Systems work requires a greater understanding of "people" and so the programmer who lived and breathed the machine was pushed into a smaller and smaller niche. Today's programmers rarely have to code the machine, they get to pick frameworks and select APIs. The really hard stuff has already been coded, by "real" programmers.

    • @wolfiemuse
      @wolfiemuse Рік тому

      @@radman8321 None of that has anything to do with cognitive bias. Everyone is susceptible to them.

  • @rarearthman
    @rarearthman Рік тому +12

    Chuck boils it down to the basics, Michael expounds on it!

  • @cartfion
    @cartfion Рік тому +143

    Thank you guys! I feel very flattered to be teased buy you guys! It made my day!
    Min 29:35.

    • @donkink3114
      @donkink3114 Рік тому +8

      Lol did you mean flattered? Btw I'm attempting to say your name like Chuck too.

    • @shaky33
      @shaky33 Рік тому +8

      Hi Cicero!

    • @mischabelton1806
      @mischabelton1806 Рік тому +2

      Hi Cicero, you have a beautiful name😘

    • @nunya_bizniz
      @nunya_bizniz Рік тому +2

      Flattened? 🤣

    • @flurng
      @flurng Рік тому +8

      Great to hear that you're such a good sport about it! But could you change your comment back to "flattened"'? That was EPIC!

  • @travelnowtv3510
    @travelnowtv3510 Рік тому +9

    This is the type of Host I want in a show. Knowing your Guest and their works first before starting discussing things. Neil Degrasse opened my mind about many possibilities.

    • @JMPaesthetics
      @JMPaesthetics Рік тому

      We can progress as humans so much if first we understood each other first and where we come from

  • @kittiruffle4488
    @kittiruffle4488 Рік тому +45

    This is an amazing episode! Thank you so much for all your insights! This should be required viewing! We desperately need more people to think rationally in this extremely irrational society we live in right now.

    • @davedelorean2383
      @davedelorean2383 Рік тому +2

      An amazing episode of portraying great ignorance and stupidity. I agree.

  • @vivarc2
    @vivarc2 Рік тому +11

    Love Michael Shermers description of true scientific reasoning and how it’s not trying to argue from authority.
    What a great episode start to finish :))
    Definitely worth at least one rewatch.

  • @bbry323
    @bbry323 Рік тому +5

    Can't be out of time! Great show I wish it could go on for another hour, already followed Michael on Twitter and excited for the next episode that comes across my feed ✌️🕊️🙌

  • @victorparent
    @victorparent 7 місяців тому +4

    Thanks for yet another amazing episode.
    There was some precious information about the causes of getting into conspiracy theories.
    As Michael mentioned, it is a pretty complex and multifactorial issue.
    And his take on psychological and political factors was quite brilliant.
    If I just may, I will add another one which is missing from the list and that is about social reasons.
    Conspiracy theorists tend to be marginalized and isolated by their friends and family because of their ideas, if they're not already isolated to begin with.
    The internet changed everything, and not only because it gave people ways to confirm their theories, but also because it allowed them to reach to people who share the same beliefs, find a sense of belonging to a community when others might reject them.
    So among the costs of changing their minds and their whole belief system, cutting themselves off from their community might very well be the most expensive.

  • @LEDewey_MD
    @LEDewey_MD Рік тому +84

    What a GREAT StarTalk episode. As a physician, (and having many family members with science or medical professions), I just watched in horror as swaths of Americans thought the Covid pandemic was a hoax, or not "real". Two points driven home were 1) severe deficiency of scientific reasoning and problem solving; 2) complete ignorance and/or amnesia for HISTORY - especially science and medical (epidemiological) history - from biblical times up through all of the 20th century. (Arguably, most of human 'history' was determined by diseases, malnutrition and famine. Think of scurvy killing half of all sea faring armies.)

    • @macgonzo
      @macgonzo Рік тому +11

      Couldn't agree more! The irony about that is, most of these people wouldn't be able to 💩 on the efficacy of vaccines, if not for the efficacy of vaccines... Most of them would have likely died in childhood!

    • @SoundAsleepSpace
      @SoundAsleepSpace Рік тому

      It isnt real you clown, real science has been hijacked and manipulated.

    • @N30HuM4n
      @N30HuM4n Рік тому

      Government regulatory agencies and the medical industrial complex are rotten to the core and cannot be trusted. So you have ignorant people on one end that just believe and obey. On the other end you have people that deny all of it. Like always, the truth is somewhere in between

    • @devanharripersad5730
      @devanharripersad5730 Рік тому +4

      Agreed as A MLT . I saw a lot of humans saying that the pandemic was not real. While I was risking my life to save theirs. I'm fed up of living with fools.

    • @enna6231
      @enna6231 Рік тому +4

      @@macgonzo how do you feel about innate immunity and the efficacy of our natural immune response building antibodies

  • @willisgillismusic
    @willisgillismusic Рік тому +45

    Thanks, Doc... Your conversations are informative, based in common sense and pov's logically argued and light-hearted intellect which makes your show so much fun. Thank you! Nice to see Chuck back, too!

    • @TimeSpaceU
      @TimeSpaceU Рік тому +1

      Check out my conspiracy and there is like the universe is sand and water

  • @theguyinthehat
    @theguyinthehat 5 місяців тому +2

    I live in northern Ontario Canada Off Grid in the middle of forest for the last two years. I’m going back to live in society again shortly. And knowing the people im going to have to deal with because I’m a caring, loving person and try to be understanding and a teacher as well. You have help me expanding my techniques for compassion and understanding with hopes of changing minds with facts

  • @courtneymckissick2014
    @courtneymckissick2014 6 місяців тому +1

    Yes. I love your explanations and insights of why people believe in conspiracy theories. Well done.
    I've always said that those who believe in conspiracy theories don't think critically and aren't showing the intelligence I'm sure they have. I left politics a long time ago because everwhere you look, there is some kind of ridiculous conspiracy theory. If you're going to be in politics or be a politician, you can at least think rationally and objectively about things instead of through the lens of biases, religion, and feelings. Those only cause problems as we have seen.
    It's human nature to want to find someone or something to blame for problems but it doesn't make it logical.

  • @eddy2561
    @eddy2561 Рік тому +19

    The Internet took over where the grocery store tabloids left off a few years ago.... eg: the Nation Enquirer which my father read religiously

    • @peggysmiley1053
      @peggysmiley1053 Рік тому

      My favorite tabloid was “Weekly World News”! lol

    • @ateam3727
      @ateam3727 Рік тому

      The "hot sheets" from men in black.....

  • @komeseetv5843
    @komeseetv5843 Рік тому +5

    This was a great episode like many others. Always educative.

  • @kurboat64
    @kurboat64 5 місяців тому +1

    Hi Gentlemen. I do enjoy listening to to your facts and show. I do wish your guest would look into a case of a lady that worked at Tennessee driver license office in Memphis. That had issued drivers license to some of the 911 hijacker’s. She was arrested after the month of 911. Sorry I don’t have dates. It’s been awhile since. But anyway my only concern is I am a Truck driver of many years and I was on my way back to Memphis on Hwy 78 20 miles from Memphis Tn. At around 1 am at the time it was only a two lane road so all traffic was stopped. Well I found that the lady that was arrested was released from Jail at midnight was the lady in a car that had just burned up on a car. Someone wanted her dead for some reason. But anyway thanks for listening this really did happen. Love the show👍

  • @morlin101
    @morlin101 Рік тому +5

    And most conspiracies are rooted in some type of truth no matter how small it's like the game of telephone you pass the story down so many generations and it gets severely altered

  • @doordashpro9110
    @doordashpro9110 Рік тому +117

    One of the best episodes, Chuck is solid a gold statue that sprouted wings and soared above us all like a eagle, whole thing knowledgeable and got a greatly needed laugh 💯🍻✌️

    • @luumuu5550
      @luumuu5550 Рік тому

      is that you Chuck lmao

    • @ScottWaring
      @ScottWaring Рік тому +1

      I agree 100% just a cool episode. 💫💥💫

    • @JustDebz
      @JustDebz 7 місяців тому

      You guys are the best 😂❤🎉

  • @NoloCuban
    @NoloCuban Рік тому +10

    So inspiring and mind opening, we want an encore please!!! Thank You to you 3!

  • @davidlarson4697
    @davidlarson4697 Рік тому +25

    You gotta love this left to Right one of the worlds leading physicist a great comedian and and a full time sceptic what more do want

  • @munchaking1896
    @munchaking1896 Рік тому +3

    There's something very wrong with this country and our leaders keep making terrible descisions that make it even worse

  • @diegofernandez4789
    @diegofernandez4789 Рік тому +5

    What a great episode! Keep them coming!

  • @alcandorhan2918
    @alcandorhan2918 Рік тому +5

    Great session as always! 🎉

  • @angelinawoodstock4050
    @angelinawoodstock4050 Рік тому +6

    As someone who didn't believe in conspiracies, I can say/ ask: when the facts are there how can you deny it?!
    1+1 will always = 2.
    Who would want to believe the people we choose to trust conspire against the people?!
    The question isn't did "they", the question is why would "they"?! Not every conspiracy is true but not every conspiracy is false.
    ua-cam.com/video/4z79ZoOrmKw/v-deo.html
    Love Star Talk by the way!!! Thanks for you guys being you🙏

  • @simateix6262
    @simateix6262 Рік тому +3

    Great episode. I feel like we need more videos on this topic especially these days.

  • @LePedant
    @LePedant Рік тому +3

    Some CD changers/players had a shuffle feature. The songs were shuffled like a deck of cards. Then the songs played back in the new, shuffled order. People (including me) thought the random feature was the same thing as the shuffle feature. IMO, a lot of that had to do with the two features using a very similar symbol.

  • @erniemann9379
    @erniemann9379 Рік тому +8

    Intelligence should be graded on the "bell" curve because many people lost their clappers and are simply "dumb" bells - LOL

  • @Ruintheus
    @Ruintheus 4 місяці тому

    One of the topics, with one of the few guests, where Chuck's interjections and presence doesn't subtract from the experience!! He's appropriate here with Shermer!

  • @jacquynnewilkinson6335
    @jacquynnewilkinson6335 Рік тому +13

    Chuck's clapbacks are on point!

  • @Mrphilipjcook
    @Mrphilipjcook Рік тому +8

    I'm with Chuck, this one was really good!

  • @pb5640
    @pb5640 Рік тому +26

    If you can believe in an invisible sky daddy, then your brain is simple/indoctrinated and it can be led to believe anything else.

    • @johngavin1175
      @johngavin1175 Рік тому +3

      Like that one lady who thinks she can scare away hurricanes with a stick

    • @DayonBledsoe2000
      @DayonBledsoe2000 7 місяців тому +1

      More like religioun and the way it taught!

    • @denny414
      @denny414 7 місяців тому

      ​@@DayonBledsoe2000Jesus is watching your blaspheming

    • @dragonflysword
      @dragonflysword 7 місяців тому

      Careful there, you sound like one of those anti-theists, who claim that their gnostic form of atheism is 'rational'. You fail to realize that you have the same problem as your Christian foes, perhaps displaying inconvenient similarities.

    • @dragonflysword
      @dragonflysword 7 місяців тому +3

      ​@@denny414Are you being ironic right now or did you not comprehend the discussion they were having?

  • @warpdriveby
    @warpdriveby Рік тому +1

    As an actual blacksmith I can confirm that steel starts to soften before it's even glowing, at 800°F it starts to glow.

  • @ChurchillGeoff
    @ChurchillGeoff Рік тому +1

    I had heard talks by Michael and of Course Neil plenty of time, but I love the adition of Chuck to this

  • @GardnerStevenD
    @GardnerStevenD Рік тому +4

    1:00 minute in, and that's all we need to hear. Tell em' Chuck!

  • @benr3799
    @benr3799 Рік тому +4

    I watched Citizen Kane a year before the 2020 election. The prescience of Orson Welles is utterly alien. 80 years ahead of his time, EASILY. Man was 25 when he made Citizen Kane

    • @rainmanjr2007
      @rainmanjr2007 Рік тому +1

      Kane was just a great story for the very reason that it was about a reoccurring human problem. That seems ahead of its time when the problem comes back around, as it will, but is actually just acknowledging the very old and tiresome aspects of society. I do note that Hearst's Castle continues to rake in some cash from tourists who come away impressed with him. So it goes.

  • @christinedcruz7648
    @christinedcruz7648 Рік тому

    the best episode, informative & humerous! Thanks Mr. Shermer.

  • @Burnt-Ceiling3
    @Burnt-Ceiling3 Рік тому +14

    Happy to see Chuck great episode 👍🏽

  • @TheSteveBoyd
    @TheSteveBoyd Рік тому +13

    Chuck summed it up perfectly in the first minute.

  • @nunyabiz6952
    @nunyabiz6952 Рік тому

    Looping this one all day long at work until it all sinks in. Great post!

  • @satanshantverkare
    @satanshantverkare Рік тому +1

    The last question was by far the most important one. A longer discussion on that topic would be nice to hear. I do believe that the range between (believing in science and institutions) and nihilism is a bit broader than shermer seems to think. But what do i know? I am probably in the lower scale of the bottom 50% and concidered by many (probably even less intelligent) as a conspiracy theorist.

    • @mattorr2256
      @mattorr2256 Рік тому

      Get hard, cold, scientific based facts about the topic your concerned with. Get them yourself from highly respected sources. Do this, and your tendency for conspiracies will start to go away

  • @haynesatteh4463
    @haynesatteh4463 Рік тому +43

    Intriguing, I always knew there was more to life and i have also been looking for a way to find not only protection but a way to be influential to the human society, wish to do more and give more than i am doing now, always feel like i was born for something greater. .

    • @jamesbennett3843
      @jamesbennett3843 Рік тому +1

      oh well you can achieve that by being a part of the illuminatus brotherhood, i know it sounds like a mystery but there are ways you can actually get in contact with them

    • @haynesatteh4463
      @haynesatteh4463 Рік тому

      @@jamesbennett3843 hi, isn't the brotherhood a myth??

    • @jamesbennett3843
      @jamesbennett3843 Рік тому +1

      @@haynesatteh4463 Well it is not and you can't actually expect it to be open to everyone, but if you want to know more you can look up ANTHONY MARK SZYMON online you will find something interesting.

    • @haynesatteh4463
      @haynesatteh4463 Рік тому

      @@jamesbennett3843 oh really, i just saw his website, interesting.i will leave him a message.

  • @sgottoboni
    @sgottoboni Рік тому +10

    Great content guys. Always a good time learning and laughing. thumbs up.

  • @BradleyLayton
    @BradleyLayton Рік тому +1

    I love how discussions such as these boil down to truth versus consensus.

  • @analogalien651
    @analogalien651 Рік тому +2

    Isn’t that what peer reviewed research is for? To try to poke holes in someone’s thesis and data?
    Love you guys!!

    • @derp8575
      @derp8575 Рік тому

      Peer review is worthless if censorship exists.

    • @analogalien651
      @analogalien651 Рік тому

      Just for clarification, do you mean censored (withheld from the public top secret ) experiments ?
      Or redacted from all other researchers completely.
      If the latter then yes of course you can’t reconstruct an experiment without all the premises being proven.
      That would be like trying to make a special dish without knowing the defining ingredients .

    • @derp8575
      @derp8575 Рік тому

      @@analogalien651 Both. Good luck getting money to perform research that bucks the narrative. Covid made that very clear.

    • @analogalien651
      @analogalien651 Рік тому

      @@derp8575 Which narrative are you referring to.? Who is “ they”?
      What proposal did you use to apply for a grant to research it? Are you a pathologist?

    • @derp8575
      @derp8575 Рік тому

      @@analogalien651 Where's "they" in my comment?
      No, I am not a pathologist. However there are pathologists speaking out. Will you listen to their claims? Of course not. You and your ilk only listen to mainstream narratives.

  • @phothewin6019
    @phothewin6019 Рік тому +3

    I can't wait for the thumbnail to be used as a reaction image on Twitter.

  • @beansinacan500
    @beansinacan500 Рік тому +33

    Dang, I was super invested in this episode. I've never thought too much about conspiracies and why people have them outside of the idea that it went against what you wanted. This really opened my mind to the subject!

    • @nunyadambidniss
      @nunyadambidniss Рік тому

      Yeah it's ALWAYS a "Lone Nut" aint it ?
      Cuz there's NO way it could be anything else...
      Nothin' to see here folks, Nothin' to see ^_^

    • @gdat8740
      @gdat8740 Рік тому

      Lol the worst thing that ever happened was slavery but go off😂

    • @mrs.i.one12
      @mrs.i.one12 Рік тому

      It’s not that we believe in conspiracy theories, it’s that conspiracy theories believe in us.

    • @TalentedTenth
      @TalentedTenth Рік тому +5

      I love how he casually mentions MK Ultra and UFO's as being real...but forgets they were considered conspiracy theories .

    • @davidmudry5622
      @davidmudry5622 Рік тому

      Do you all think real professors from a real USA university are conspiracy theorists? The TV won't tell you about this, but I don't know why? ua-cam.com/video/LJPuWy9utss/v-deo.html

  • @michaelgomez6291
    @michaelgomez6291 4 місяці тому +1

    Why are these not LONGER!!!

  • @Tromminator
    @Tromminator Рік тому +1

    This would be a lot more enjoyable if they’d actually let their guests finish their thoughts and answering questions, instead of constantly interrupting them.

  • @lotsabirds
    @lotsabirds Рік тому +7

    Absolutely brilliant show!

    • @ScottWaring
      @ScottWaring Рік тому

      It is, and it makes me wonder why people call me a conspiracy theorist? 🤔

  • @wayando
    @wayando Рік тому +4

    I understand what they are talking about .... BUT .... Its exceedingly hard to dismiss certain "conspiracies".
    Some I would just consider to be alternative hypothesis. And if sufficient information is given to support, then they are equally likely to be true.
    Otherwise we would easily believe all propaganda, all official government narratives, and all historical rewrites, et c.

  • @palaeosam3369
    @palaeosam3369 Рік тому

    This has got to be my favourite episode of all time!

  • @options3600
    @options3600 Рік тому +2

    Great episode! Very informative, funny and entertaining!

  • @eddieheron1939
    @eddieheron1939 Рік тому +3

    I’ve always thought many of us ‘take sides’ on many things like Nationality, Race, Politics, Religion . . . . and of course Sports Teams.
    Sadly, some take some of the above to extremes, though certain bodies kick off counter argument, to Stir internal conflict in ‘other side’

  • @serg10x
    @serg10x Рік тому +25

    I think people love conspiracies because they are usually more interesting than the real explanation, add on top that it might side with their perspective or views of the world.

    • @apfelninja
      @apfelninja Рік тому +2

      My brother in law pointed out to me that the most boring answer is usually the right one.

    • @simulationl279
      @simulationl279 Рік тому +1

      And when you counter their argument you need to be really delicately careful and not step on eggshells? This sounds like more snowflake sensitivity than I thought.

    • @TheJunmengo
      @TheJunmengo Рік тому +1

      You can add to that people needs to be special, to see and understand people that the "sheep" won't, be smarter than anyone else, not all people have that need, but some those

    • @LesterBrunt
      @LesterBrunt Рік тому +1

      But in many cases it is not more interesting. Like how is aliens magically building the pyramids more interesting than ancient humans building them with primitive tools? It is just a fantasy, nobody knows which aliens; how they did it, why they did it. But with humans you can find all kinds of information, like their tools, their society, the religion, etc. any why will lead you down a lifetime of information. With conspiracies every why leads to “well why not?” and that is the end of it.

    • @NWOResistance
      @NWOResistance Рік тому +1

      @@TheJunmengo🤡💉😷🐑

  • @ShyHippie
    @ShyHippie Рік тому

    So excited to watch. 💖

  • @v1rus_one
    @v1rus_one Рік тому +1

    Loved this episode! Keep it up!

    • @ScottWaring
      @ScottWaring Рік тому +1

      Awesome episode. 💫💥💫

  • @thewb8329
    @thewb8329 Рік тому +3

    Fun side note: not all atheists are skeptics, 20% believe in some form of supernatural phenomenon (pew research poll).

  • @01evansa
    @01evansa Рік тому +8

    What's the difference between conspiracy theories and the truth?
    About 6 months.

  • @eyerisgaming1605
    @eyerisgaming1605 Рік тому

    Fascinating convo guys

  • @rwbmusic
    @rwbmusic 7 місяців тому

    I surmise the gene that Dr. Kaku mentions is the metaphorical part of us that experiences fear. As mentioned, we find comfort in explaining things that frighten us. There is a type of person who does experience fear more acutely. Perhaps it is physiological as in having an enlarged amygdala, or maybe it is environmental as in upbringing or tribal associations, but for whatever underlying reason and to varying degrees, there are people who are governed by their fears. Such a person will more readily accept falsehoods in order to seek comfort. Confirmation bias sets in and said person will then fortify their position, perhaps by claiming they have an open mind. Then along comes a spider, a personality who preys upon those fears, confirming and magnifying fears while profiting. Our society is full of these types.

  • @annehutchings666
    @annehutchings666 Рік тому +6

    Thank you so much for this excellent discussion. I, along with so many others are thankful for such intelligent thinking. I will share this with as many as possible.

  • @DanielHerbert77
    @DanielHerbert77 Рік тому +2

    Conspiracy theories keep humans engaged, advancing, and honest. Demonizing those who ponder about them is more dangerous than allowing people to think about them and discuss them.

  • @williamsullivan479
    @williamsullivan479 Рік тому

    Excellent show, please continue.!

  • @nicolopez9494
    @nicolopez9494 Рік тому +3

    This show is just amazing

  • @chriswells2010
    @chriswells2010 Рік тому +4

    Great guest!

  • @TaraLaSalla
    @TaraLaSalla Рік тому +1

    Awesome episode!

  • @bernardweinbaum8236
    @bernardweinbaum8236 Рік тому

    Truly enjoyed this segment.

  • @angusmackaskill3035
    @angusmackaskill3035 Рік тому +7

    Because we are being lied to every day by people we are supposed to trust. This video proves this.

  • @richdefazio2497
    @richdefazio2497 Рік тому +4

    Why can’t I push the like button 10 times. This truly was a great episode! Thank you

  • @user-pm6bd1pd4h
    @user-pm6bd1pd4h Рік тому

    Enjoyed this episode so much. Especially the part where kubism and the other art form got combined by one of the viewers question.

  • @TorQueMoD
    @TorQueMoD Рік тому +2

    Yeah, the correct way to discover the rule at 33:31 is to also go into descending numbers. 9, 8, 7. I actually saw the Veratasity channel do a video on this, and one guy out of maybe half a dozen actually figured it out.

  • @namret12
    @namret12 Рік тому +3

    Perfect episode Neil! Way to go my friend!

  • @MichaelSmith420fu
    @MichaelSmith420fu Рік тому +7

    It is refreshing to have you 3 saying these things because there is so so so much crazy things in the metaverse. It's definitely majority crazy

  • @SiqueScarface
    @SiqueScarface 5 місяців тому +1

    The Jesus vs. Darwin debate seems to me a very U.S. one. My father is a devout christian, but he would never claim Charles Darwin was nonsense. In fact, he is very much into phylogenesis, and when I was young, he was often explaining to me which birds are more closely related to each other than to other birds, or that the rock hyrax belongs into the same group as the elephants, and not to the hares.

  • @SiqueScarface
    @SiqueScarface 5 місяців тому

    53:10 Henri Poincaré once wrote (in: Science and Hypothesis 1905): To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the necessity of reflection.

  • @iamtheoceanr
    @iamtheoceanr Рік тому +2

    Great topic!!!! I love this guest, and I really love StarTalk.

  • @mirandarensberger6919
    @mirandarensberger6919 Рік тому +7

    I think the confusion between correlation and causation also has a lot to do with it. For example, the people who think 5G towers cause covid will point to maps showing that the earliest covid outbreaks were in areas with the greatest number of 5G towers, which is true. But the 5G didn't cause the outbreak. Instead, it was because those are also the areas with the highest population density; therefore it is natural that the towers would be built there in greater numbers, and also that disease spreads faster there. John Oliver did a great video a while back where he pointed out that there's also a correlation between covid outbreaks and number of Domino's Pizza locations-- because there are also more pizza restaurants where there are more people.

    • @johngavin1175
      @johngavin1175 Рік тому

      Heh. I had an emergency appendectomy after eating Domino's once. For a long time I believed that their pizza caused it. Stopped believing due to insufficient evidence. How hard is that for some folk to do,unless it's part of their identity and lifestyle?

    • @mimi-ur8pc
      @mimi-ur8pc 11 місяців тому

      The NIH published a study that confirmed that 5G microwave radiation disrupts the negative charge that naturally occurs between red blood cells to prevent them from clotting unnecessarily .

  • @covagotnextgaming
    @covagotnextgaming Рік тому

    It's fun to wonder and be curious. To create more questions for myself. And that's definitely a big part of why I love to hear and believe conspiracy theories

    • @mattorr2256
      @mattorr2256 Рік тому +1

      You just explained that you are living in a fantasy world. I don’t think your serious but just in case you are, don’t go too far down the rabbit holes…

  • @blessedveteran
    @blessedveteran Рік тому

    I ❤ when Chuck gets excited!!🤗

  • @SoCalLG
    @SoCalLG Рік тому +3

    Chuck hit the nail on the head. Sometimes if you hear these conspiracies and try to forget some of the facts you already know. The conspiracies make sense. But then you realize you know the facts and realize how some people could indeed fall for some of these conspiracies

    • @yourlogicalnightmare1014
      @yourlogicalnightmare1014 Рік тому

      Yes, like the FBI pushing a Russia collusion hoax for 2 years, or interfering in elections via Twitter and censorship, or calling Hunter's laptop Russian b.s.
      The way DemonRATs dismiss proven facts is 🤣😂😆😂😆

  • @MDMB53
    @MDMB53 Рік тому +3

    The answer to this problem surely must be founded on reforming our education systems, so that the primary controlling aim of education becomes equipping youngsters from day one with the tools of critical thought. At the moment, our schools are more like factories churning out drones for industry.

    • @msmith53
      @msmith53 Рік тому

      Don’t blame “education” for ALL societal issues! Teachers have students a lot less time than society does!

    • @cliffordolive1
      @cliffordolive1 Рік тому

      @M Smith if the shoe is on your foot, it fits, teachers are pawns of woke administrators, and really have no choice, but it's particularly offensive when teachers willingly participate in communist indoctrination of our children, and it demands action for those teachers that don't know any better, teachers are needed and appreciated but not communist democrat teachers! Democrat are communist by definition, and by deed and any teacher that doesn't know American history cannot be a teacher in America! It's like calling Jill biden a real doctor, because she isn't! You teachers are forgetting your roll, Americans pay your pay, your roll is to educate Americans not create communist! adhere to the traditional American way of life or get out of America, American didn't become the greatest, freest, wealthiest, strongest country in the world today by being anything else than American! and we like it like that!

  • @mvuto137
    @mvuto137 Рік тому

    That was amazing. The man whose name you had the most fun with, generated the deepest answer of the evening..
    I can't wait to take the "what would it take to change your mind" response to my next debate

  • @clomok
    @clomok 4 місяці тому

    48:25 Chuck looked like he forgot the reason for seasons right there. (I did too), im glad Neil through that bit of information in shortly after to remind me.
    Its hard to console with the fact that Neil knows everything he talks about all the time and when I rewatch things, I realize I remeber not nearly as much.

  • @Ascotpride
    @Ascotpride Рік тому +8

    Great show with a very important subject, specially these days.

    • @tpseeker3367
      @tpseeker3367 Рік тому

      Wish the Fairness Doctrine would get reinstated. It would get rid of the BS from news spreading the BS

  • @StarTalk
    @StarTalk  Рік тому +16

    Which Conspiracy Theories Do You Believe?

    • @garytee1987
      @garytee1987 Рік тому

      UFO's are advanced aquatic aliens that have evolved over millions of years whilst being protected from all extinction level events in earths history

    • @Riclmnopp
      @Riclmnopp Рік тому +17

      Dare I say it, Covid and elections.

    • @Horror_Film_Aficionado
      @Horror_Film_Aficionado Рік тому

      An asteroid is on a collision course and nasa and the government knows about it.

    • @Horror_Film_Aficionado
      @Horror_Film_Aficionado Рік тому +4

      @@Riclmnopp i agree

    • @Horror_Film_Aficionado
      @Horror_Film_Aficionado Рік тому

      9/11 I think was an inside job

  • @robertruggles5584
    @robertruggles5584 Місяць тому

    I Like chuck Nice on this show as he represents the thinking, contemplating layman like myself. He injects some very humorous dialog, which I appreciate, but you can tell he has done some homework and seriously looks into things.

  • @michaelbraum77
    @michaelbraum77 3 місяці тому +1

    "Rosebud." Reply if you know why I placed this "quote" on here.
    Another great episode guys!!! I love to back and forth of Neil and Chuck! Great chemistry and Neil makes it easy to understand even the hardest of questions or topics!

  • @marcosvillalta9509
    @marcosvillalta9509 Рік тому

    that little giggle at 3:36, which I assume is Chuck, so good

  • @N_Ides
    @N_Ides Рік тому +3

    Initially, I saw the phrase “conspiracy theories” in the title and was disappointed. The vast majority of the crazy beliefs and fabrications of the conspiracy mongers do not qualify as a “theory”. Further discussion of what constitutes a valid theory would have been helpful, as the issue was not confronted directly.