E65: Bret Weinstein on Evolutionary Biology, Markets, Moral Progress, and More

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

This week on Upstream, we’re airing an interview with evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein from 2020, originally from the Village Global podcast. They discuss Weinstein's work on evolutionary trade-offs, the intersection of markets and moral progress, as well as future governance. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "UPSTREAM" for 20% off your first three months.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:27) Bret Weinstein's Background and Career

(04:37) The Concept of Trade-Offs in Evolution

(06:21) Implications of Evolutionary Trade-Offs

(10:03) The Fourth Frontier and Human History

(11:05) Understanding Evolutionary Rules and Their Broader Impact

(16:08) The Lek Paradox and Biological Puzzles

(18:52) Sponsor: Babbel | beehiiv

(23:41) Market Dynamics and Economic Trade-Offs

(32:40) Sponsor: Squad

(37:53) The Metaphor of Fitness Landscapes in Evolutionary Biology

(38:47) Civilization's Trade-offs and Sustainability

(39:37) The Concept of Game B

(41:56) Revolutionary Change Without Revolution

(44:03) The Role of Technology in Civilization

(45:44) Exploring Game B Examples

(47:39) Challenges and Opportunities for Game B

(50:30) Moral Progress

(57:00) Shamans vs. Priests and the Importance of Valley Crossing

(01:01:20) Human Adaptation and Evolution

(01:04:39) The Role of Jealousy and Evolutionary Instincts

(01:06:08) Debates with Prominent Thinkers

(01:11:42) Evolutionary Biology and the Future of Governance

(01:14:13) Wrap

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