Ep131 "What do brains tell us about politics?" Part 2: Rehumanization

In this episode of Inner Cosmos, David Eagleman discusses how our brains are wired for tribalism and polarization, leading to "us versus them" mentalities. He explores strategies to overcome these tendencies, such as creating superordinate goals, complexifying allegiances, and promoting perspective-taking through stories. Eagleman also examines the role of moral taste buds in political disagreements and suggests that understanding different moral frameworks can help bridge divides. He advocates for education on propaganda and brain plasticity to empower individuals to resist manipulation and foster empathy, ultimately promoting a more unified society.

Outlines

Part 1: Brain Mechanisms and Tribalism

Part 2: Strategies for Collaboration

Part 3: Digital and Psychological Interventions

Part 4: Moral Frameworks and Communication

Part 5: Education and Future Outlook

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Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

Part 1: Brain Mechanisms and Tribalism

Introduction to Polarization and the Brain

The Brain's Role in Dehumanization and Tribalism

Part 2: Strategies for Collaboration

Overcoming Polarization: The Robber's Cave Experiment and Superordinate Goals

Expanding Empathy and Recognizing Opportunities for Repair

Shared Threats and Complexifying Allegiances

Part 3: Digital and Psychological Interventions

Social Media Algorithms and Building Bonds

Contact Hypothesis, Compassion Training, and Perspective Taking

Part 4: Moral Frameworks and Communication

Moral Foundations and Polarization

Speaking the Moral Language of the Audience

Part 5: Education and Future Outlook

Education, Propaganda, and the Importance of Empathy

Conclusion and Call to Action

Ep131 "What do brains tell us about politics?" Part 2: Rehumanization

Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

Part 1: Brain Mechanisms and Tribalism

00:04Introduction to Polarization and the Brain

Introduction to Polarization and the Brain

04:42The Brain's Role in Dehumanization and Tribalism

The Brain's Role in Dehumanization and Tribalism

Part 2: Strategies for Collaboration

08:38Overcoming Polarization: The Robber's Cave Experiment and Superordinate Goals

Overcoming Polarization: The Robber's Cave Experiment and Superordinate Goals

12:55Expanding Empathy and Recognizing Opportunities for Repair

Expanding Empathy and Recognizing Opportunities for Repair

16:34Shared Threats and Complexifying Allegiances

Shared Threats and Complexifying Allegiances

Part 3: Digital and Psychological Interventions

23:32Social Media Algorithms and Building Bonds

Social Media Algorithms and Building Bonds

31:31Contact Hypothesis, Compassion Training, and Perspective Taking

Contact Hypothesis, Compassion Training, and Perspective Taking

Part 4: Moral Frameworks and Communication

37:24Moral Foundations and Polarization

Moral Foundations and Polarization

42:26Speaking the Moral Language of the Audience

Speaking the Moral Language of the Audience

Part 5: Education and Future Outlook

49:58Education, Propaganda, and the Importance of Empathy

Education, Propaganda, and the Importance of Empathy

1:00:29Conclusion and Call to Action

Conclusion and Call to Action