Skeptic Generation

This may be an interesting episode of Skeptic Generation. Due to the horrors of the US healthcare system, both Eric and Vi are off their meds and probably about to get a little spicy. Join for the fun, stay for the pandemonium. Call 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG to talk with us.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - New Camera, Can You Tell?
06:04 - Vi & Eric Fight - Javier (he/him) - PR
29:08 - Theist Contradicts Himself Over and Over - Connor (he/him) - TX
1:09:44 - How To Accommodate Neurodivergence - Sal (she/they) - OH

06:04
If all laws are based on our moral standards, why are we uniquely upset when Christians try to inflict their morality on our laws? This caller wants to highlight a double standard, but ends up inciting a claws-out debate between the hosts on whether laws are actually moral at all. Don’t worry, your dads fight like this sometimes but they still love you very much.

29:08
Repeat theist caller Connor tries to explain why his faith does not grant full equality to women, and Vi is NOT having it. Buckle up, because this is a long call full of contradictions and checkmates that highlight just how duplicitous even a “progressive” religion can be.

1:09:44
This caller wants to talk about the line between explaining and accommodating differences in society, be they related to mental health or gender identity. The call got a little lost in the weeds, and we definitely want to highlight some terminology used during the conversation.

Asperger’s as a diagnosis is no longer in use, as we now understand it to be under the umbrella of ASD. Learn more about this diagnosis’s history and use in Nazi Germany here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05112-1

Also, “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” are now understood to be inaccurate and even harmful terms when discussing autistic individuals. Check out more here: https://planningacrossthespectrum.com/blog/why-stop-using-functioning-labels/

Finally, in case you’re interested, a non-cis gender identity is not a form of neurodivergence. Thank you and goodnight!
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Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
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We toss around the word "skeptic" a lot, but what does that mean? Are climate skeptics the same? If you consider yourself a different kind of skeptic, we want to hear about it! Call us at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.

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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric Needs to Talk About Skepticism
14:06 - What Are The Precepts of Skepticism? - Mark (he/him) - CA
18:52 - What Are Extraordinary Claims? - Rae (they/them) - UK
43:15 - Calling Out Christian Hypocrisy - John (he/him) - LA
1:00:02 - Are Christians the Real Lizard People? - Ameet (he/him) - NY
1:14:03 - Should We “Identify” as Skeptics? - Micaiah (he/them) - TX

00:00
Eric wants to discuss what skepticism actually is, and what it is not. Why do some conspiracy theorists gravitate toward the term “skeptic” and how do we distance ourselves from outrageous claims?

14:06
Why don’t people understand the burden of proof, the null hypothesis, and Occam's razor? This caller laments the lack of skepticism in the general population, and the hosts suggest having a large skeptical demographic may not be in the best interest of the powerful.

18:52
This call starts with a Hitch quote and ends with a discussion on whether or not aliens have sent UFOs to earth. Eric gets a bee in his bonnet about the caller’s willingness to put extraterrestrial life as a viable option for unexplained events. Vi sees a middle ground.

43:15
This theist caller has been hanging out with atheists on Sundays, and has been seeing things differently than he used to. He addresses what he sees as hypocrisy in the Church, especially around the idea of who can be saved and what a “true Christian” even is. Vi and Eric give this guy two thumbs up!

1:00:02
Why is it a conspiracy theory to say that lizard people are taking over the government, but NOT a conspiracy theory to suggest that Christian Nationalists are? This caller wants to know how to best hold himself accountable and avoid falling into a conspiracy mindset. Vi points out that the problem with conspiracy theories is not the claim itself, but rather the method used to get to said claim.

1:14:03
Is skepticism a tool, an identity, or both? This caller wants to know if identifying as a “skeptic” is a good thing to do. Eric emphasizes the value of viewing your epistemology as a tool rather than a personality trait, while Vi explains the potential pros and cons of using labels to find community online.
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Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
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Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Apparently there is a group of Evangelical Christian furries out there who are worried about being judged... for disliking LGTBQ+ folks.

Read the article here: https://onlysky.media/hemant-mehta/ev...

We know we have questions. Do you? Call us at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Vi Needs to Talk About Christian Homophobic Furries
13:08 - Is Having Kids Selfish? - Phillip (he/him) - CA
30:50 - Theist Says Misogyny is OK - Dale (she/her) - TX
49:32 - Can You Practice Astrology As A Skeptic? - Joshua (he/him) - NC
1:05:48 - Should the Human Race Continue? - Wolfos (he/him) - TX
1:12:47 - Anti-Natalism Counterargument - Ami (she/her) - CAN

00:00
Vi goes on a bit of a rant about the Christian Furry Fellowship, a group of Evangelicals who are worried that being anti-gay will get them doxxed by their fellow furries. The burning question is: How are they justifying being furries while maintaining their anti-gay stances? Doesn’t that cause massive amounts of cognitive dissonance? Also, Vi gets educated on the furry community by the comments!

13:08
Is having children a bad thing? This caller is trying to figure out if their anti-natalism argument makes sense, and wants the hosts’ opinions. Eric engages with his own doubts about the topic and how to make sense of the logic of it, and Vi prompts him to dig beyond the biological instinct to survive.

30:50
This Baha’i caller tries to explain that her religion is not misogynist… by defending misogyny. The hosts are not having any of it, and Vi gets especially hot under the collar after their questions about progressive revelation are dodged. How can you call yourself a feminist and actively defend a system that restricts womens’ access to power?

49:32
What do the hosts think about practicing astrology while denying the idea that the stars can impact our day-to-day lives? Is it irresponsible? Or is it harmless fun? The answer, it turns out, is a bit more complicated than that. Eric discusses the need for transparency and education, and Vi encourages the caller to make sure he is exercising a consistent logical framework.

1:05:48
Repeat caller Wolfos calls in for the first time in a while. After hearing the hosts discuss anti-natalism with the previous caller, he is grappling with the question: should humanity exist at all? Vi cautions that even though their personal philosophy leads to anti-natalism, discussion of limiting procreation of others has been used to perpetuate eugenics in the past.

1:12:47 Continuing with the anti-natalist theme of the week, this caller wants to defend humanity’s right to continue existing as a link in the greater evolutionary chain. But how does one make this argument knowing how detrimental humans have been to the evolution of other species? And should we be arguing against human flourishing or against capitalism?
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Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Eric Is Irrationally Angry About Circles | Skeptic Generation | Episode 33 Season 2


It has finally happened. Eric has finally had enough with the incessant nitpicking about the roundness of circles and people are going to pay.

In other news, give us a call! We'd love to hear about what you believe and why. If it is about circles though, it isn't going to go well for you.

Call us at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro
01:35 - Eric Needs to Talk About Circles
15:20 - Do Christians Have Double Standards? - Philip (he/him) - OK
31:03 - Does Ending Life Cause Suffering? - Nick (he/him) - TN
46:46 - Platforming vs Censorship: Where Does It End? - Jack (he/him) - CA
1:03:25 - Is The Universe Determinist? - Phillip (he/him) - CA
1:13:05 - Muslim Counter Apologetics? - Cameron (he/him) - MN
1:21:44 - Superchats

00:00
Intro

01:35
Eric drops about twenty F-bombs in the first ten minutes of the show because people don’t understand circles. Yes, this is how he normally is. Vi leads everyone in some deep calming breaths afterwards because… wow.

15:20
This caller wants to talk about the double standards Christians have around watching movies with violence in them versus movies with, erm, spicy scenes. Vi gives some insight into their own childhood experiences as a fundamentalist Christian.

31:03
What starts off as a vegan call ends with an argument that the Flood of Noah was actually merciful? What? Vi and Eric walk through the implications of suffering, environmentalism and the factory farming industry, anti-natalism, and the pros and cons of the Thanos Snap in this very interesting but unexpected conversation.

46:46
We’re all upset by the Far Right trying to censor things, but what about the Left saying that platforming problematic individuals is a bad idea? Is that hypocrisy? The hosts clarify their own positions on platforming and censorship, and push back on the idea that educated people are less censorious.

If you’re interested in hearing a good take on the free speech and censorship debate, check out Tom Nicholas’s video on Elon Musk’s attempted acquisition of Twitter here: https://youtu.be/79pS5OXKTkU

Also, lest this was not hit upon hard enough in this episode, please look up what Marilyn Manson has been credibly accused of in recent years: https://youtu.be/Ja-UFvajEHc

1:03:25
If we don’t actually have free will, can we really blame or praise anyone for anything they do? This caller explains why his belief in determinism calms him down in traffic, which is an intriguing idea to the hosts. Eric says his way of empathizing with reckless drivers is to assume they just need to poop really badly. Hey, whatever works to keep your head level!

1:13:05
How do you successfully counter Muslim apologetics? This caller has a coworker who he’s been engaging in theological discussions with, and is looking for some help. The hosts suggest he watch some ex-Muslim activists and debaters for a good, informed approach to this conversation.

If you’re interested in expanding your counter apologetics viewing diet, here are some ex-Muslim content creators you can check out (please leave your recommendations for others in the comments!):

Zara Kay: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZaraKay
Apostate Prophet: https://www.youtube.com/c/ApostateProphet

1:21:44
Superchats
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Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

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Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Do you think Jesus is still alive? You're wrong but we're willing to hear you out. Call us at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - We Try This Again (Don’t Ask)
04:36 - Can Atheists Believe In Heaven? - Justin (he/him) - NY
11:13 - Do We Have a Stigma Around Death? - Casper (he/him) - NL
21:49 - Bigotry in the Bahai Faith? - Connor (he/him) - TX
41:40 - Pascal’s Wager, But For Climate Change? - Gabe (he/him) - MO
56:11 - Jesus Was An Anarchist? - Phoebe (she/her) - MA
1:13:05 - Can You Really Attack Ideas and Not People? - Drew (he/him) - AZ

04:36
Can atheists believe in an afterlife? This caller, who considers himself a “super atheist,” wants to know the hosts’ thoughts. The verdict: Not only do many atheists believe in an afterlife, Vi posits that religion is not even necessary to get to that conclusion. Eric pushes back on that last bit.

11:13
Does how we view death as a society cause us to act selfishly when it comes to matters of autonomy and decisions to end one’s own life? Is death always bad, are there biological reasons we cling to the idea that it is, and how does this conflict with ideas of autonomy? This is a bit of a heavy one, so watch at your own pace.

21:49
Repeat theist caller Connor calls back, initially wanting to talk about persecution of Bahai individuals in other countries. Eric and Vi redirect the conversation back to the last call, asking if Connor had done any additional introspection on issues of progressive revelation or the inerrancy of scripture. Finally, Vi gives an ultimatum: next time Connor calls in, he has to talk about what made him think his faith is true.

41:40
Can you use Pascal’s Wager for things besides apologetics, and are there cases where it might actually be useful? This caller uses climate change as an example, and Vi gets super excited to graph it out. Meanwhile, the hosts have a bit of a miscommunication around the “is” and the “ought” of the classic argument.

56:11
Was Jesus an anarchist? This caller, a Christian anarchist, thinks so. The hosts are intrigued. “What does Christian anarchy bring to the world that just Christianity and just anarchy don’t?” they ask. The caller says she believes the shared mythology is the point, and Vi agrees. Eric is aghast.

If you want more information about the book Vi references, you can find “The Dawn of Everything” by David Graeber and David Wengrow here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374157357/thedawnofeverything

1:13:05
This caller thinks that it’s impossible to attack ideas and not attack people. According to him, people are their ideas, so attacking one by definition attacks the other. Vi has issues with the use of the word “attack” and Eric is unconvinced by the greater claim: are people inextricably linked with their ideas?
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Vi is hosting Skeptic Generation solo for the first time! What kinds of conversations do you want to have? Call them at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Vi Is Flying Solo
06:05 - How Do You Argue The Tri-Omni God? - Nick (he/him) - TN
22:26 - What Is Identity? - Ottoa (they/them) - AUS
31:23 - Caller Has Proof of an “Unmoved Mover” - John (he/him) - WA
51:57 - Theist Admits The Crucifixion Was Morally Wrong - Gohan (N/A) - TX
1:20:12 - What Are Your Moral Imperatives? - Phoenix (they/them) - TN
1:29:03 - Superchats

06:05
Debating Christians is fun online, but when you’re dealing with family and friends, should you be trying to steelman their positions? This caller is wondering how to break down traditional arguments for God in a way that challenges theists to change their beliefs. Vi is skeptical that this is a more effective scenario in all cases.

22:26
How does identity get used in the otherkin community, and how does it differ from things like gender identity? This caller was part of last week’s roster and their call cut out, so they finish up the conversation this week.

31:23
This theist caller has a (very long) syllogism to prove an “unmoved mover” aka God. He walks Vi through it, but Vi has concerns upon reaching the conclusion. Primarily: the claim is that an immaterial thing can change material things. Is that possible? Isn’t this just a category error in sheep’s clothing?

52:57
Repeat theist caller Gohan wants to discuss the existence of Absolute Morality: a moral standard without ifs, ands, or buts. Vi walks through a few examples of Gohan’s version of Absolute Morality and… it turns out that killing for the greater good is always wrong. Even in the case of the crucifixion. Vi’s head may explode just a little bit.

1:20:12
What are Vi’s moral imperatives (if any)? Vi gives their two cents, but the conversation quickly dives into the problem of consequence: what happens to people who disobey Vi’s moral imperative? Do they drown in their giant coffee mug? Are they forced to watch Star Trek for all eternity? The question remains: Can we determine moral imperatives for anyone but ourselves?
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Eric and Vi are back in the hot seat and ready to take your calls. Reach out at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric’s Back!... For Now
02:57 - Can You Be A Dragon? - Ottawa (they/them) - AUS
14:52 - Theist Defends Contradictions in Holy Texts - Connor (he/him) - TX
40:57 - Is The World Run by Martians? - Chris (he/him) - SCT
50:37 - Cultural Appropriation in the MCU? - Johnny (he/him) - UT
1:02:09 - Churches Are Good For Atheists - Kay (he/him) - N/A
1:17:47 - “Stop Shoving Your Religion In My Face!” - R (he/him) - N/A
1:29:05 - Superchats

02:57
Otherkin, therian, furry… What do these words mean? This caller offers to clear up some misconceptions about these groups, but unfortunately drops out in the middle of the call. In the meantime, though, we have an interesting conversation about identity, including the “weird ones” in your social movement, and highly sensitive people. Generally an all-over-the-place call that goes places you do not expect.

14:52
A classic “what you believe and why” call with a repeat theist caller! Connor calls in to discuss his Baha’i faith, but this time Vi and Eric have some questions. Why does Connor accept ALL holy texts as true, and how does he reconcile the contradictions? The caller explains that the answer is “progressive revelation,” but the hosts are not having it.

40:57
Remember the Scottish caller who asked Eric about ghosts a while ago? Well, he’s back and asking us to give him our feedback on Spirit Science, a culty community with claims about everything from chakras to ancient aliens to the lost city of Atlantis. Why do people fall for this kind of (to quote Vi) “hippy dippy woo woo”? And what can we do to protect people from predatory spirituality cults?

50:37
Is it cultural appropriation for a white person to dress as the Black Panther? This caller wants our take on the difference between cultural appropriation versus appreciation. Eric points out that centering the viewpoint and experiences of the people who have dealt with appropriation is crucial to this conversation. Vi reminds everyone that there are both individual and systemic sides to this equation.

1:02:09
Can churches and other religious non-profits be good for atheists? Should we settle for a religious soup kitchen if it’s going to feed people faster, or should we spend time building a soup kitchen for atheists? Is there a third option here that no one is considering? Also on this call: Vi coming up with a new phrase for SG merch. Drop a comment if you’d buy a shirt that says “Fuck your sandwich” on it.

1:17:47
This caller has a bone to pick with religious people who say “I’ll pray for you” during difficult times. He says it’s always done in a predatory and coercive way, a symptom of broader religious overreach. Eric shares his perspective and how he’s chosen to view the offending platitude, while Vi calls out Christians for disrespecting boundaries in all areas of their culture.

___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
Join us after the show on Discord: https://tiny.cc/SGdiscord

To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

We are welcoming a special guest to the show this week: Robert Reed of Gin and Truth on YouTube. If you're a fan of a pull-no-punches, take-no-prisoners approach to secular humanism, we think this is probably going to be the show for you. Tune in or call in to talk with our guest at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.

Find more Robert Reed:
Subscribe to his YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLaC...
Follow his Twitter: https://twitter.com/RCReed40
Stream his podcast wherever you like to listen!

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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro
04:11 - Robert Gets On the Soapbox
11:39 - Ditch Your Therapist, Come to Church! - Andrew (he/him) - MN
20:25 - Ontological Evidence for God... AGAIN - Xeno (he/him) - SK
35:10 - Thank You For Speaking Up! - Uncle Beck (he/him) - NM
38:26 - Fighting Spiritual Abuse with Skepticism - Tim (he/him) - Czech Republic
1:00:15 - Do Debate Bros Actually Deradicalize Anyone? - Garrett (he/him) - MT
1:16:50 - You Never Really Believed! - Nick (he/him) - TN
1:28:24 - Superchats

00:00
Intro

04:11
From taking a leak in peace to preferred pronouns, why does it seem like we aren’t ever having the same conversation when it comes to trans rights? Being an ally is more than just recognizing the humanity of our neighbors, it's recognizing that arguments to the contrary make you part of the problem.

11:39
This caller got to learn about the evils of LGBTQ and poly folks from a religious friend. He also got recommended church instead of actual therapy. We all have a little laugh, but Robert hits the nail on the head when he says, “Make sure you can tell the difference between a doctor and a pastor.”

20:25
Xeno calls in to make yet another ontological argument for God, and Robert meets his claims with exactly the right reaction: uproarious laughter. Meanwhile, Vi points out the exact reason that Xeno’s argument doesn’t work using set theory, and Xeno suddenly needs to go…

35:10
Uncle Beck wants to shout out just how important it is to have allies that are willing to go to bat. You can find Uncle Beck’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeNoJustBe

38:26
If we need to pick one, should we pick skepticism or critical thinking? This caller thinks that addressing spiritual abuse is an easier pill to swallow if it doesn’t include any extra baggage. Our hosts counter that just like leaving any other abusive relationship, recognizing the signs of abuse can prevent those who have suffered abuse from falling into it again in the future.

1:00:15
Does it really matter if bad reasoning is used to de-radicalize people? Vi shoots back that the problem isn't deradicalization, it's perpetuating bad thinking! If the louder person seems to “win” the debate, it’s only a matter of time before listeners are convinced bv a louder person. The better tactic is to place less value on the “debate bro” culture in the first place.

For more information about the Federalist Society, check out this article by the Harvard Gazette: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...

1:16:50
Nick has been placed in a church mediation program to determine if he is allowed to communicate with his siblings. During the mediation, he has been told that he was never a true Christian… because he never did miracles! Robert calls it out for the absolute horseshit that it is. We’re with you Robert!

1:28:24
Superchats
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
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Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

It was Eric's birthday yesterday, and we're excited to celebrate it! If you want to give him the best birthday gift ever, call in with a realllllly bad argument for the existence of God. Like, just the worst one. He'll love it. Wish him well at 585-526-8774 or https://tiny.cc/callSG.

If you want to get Eric a birthday present but don't want to call in, check out our Amazon wishlist at https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist.

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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Happy Birthday, Eric!
02:42 - This Theist Caller LOSES It - Chris (he/him) - WI
17:08 - Is Occam’s Razor Dangerous? - Javier (he/him) - SC
33:46 - A Skeptical Theist? - Robert (he/him) - MA
45:30 - Dealing with Emergencies As an Atheist - Keith (he/him) - NJ
55:40 - Should I Stop Being A Pagan? - Brendan (he/him) - SC
1:10:04 - Are Conspiracy Theories Skeptics? Seth (any/all) - MA
1:17:05 - When Is a Belief Too Harmful to Ignore? - Nick (he/him) - UT
1:28:25 - Superchats

03:20
What starts off as a potentially productive call quickly goes off the rails as this theist caller goes from telling us we don’t have morals, to saying we are still Christians, to ranting about how terrible Planned Parenthood is and ultimately dissolving into… blowing raspberries? Really? Anyway, Eric gets rightfully pissed and you should be too.

17:11
Repeat theist caller Javier wants to better understand Occam’s razor, especially since a friend claimed that using it could result in innocent people being accused of murder! Are we using this logical tool correctly, and are there situations where we may need to put the razor down in favor of other methodological approaches?

33:56
Is it possible to be skeptical and a theist at the same time? Eric and Vi say yes, but it’s not as simple as being a skeptic or not being one. Many of us are skeptical about certain things, and remain quite credulous about others. The question is: how are you applying skepticism and is it getting you good results?

45:43
TW: Pet death
Have you ever felt the urge to pray during an emergency, even though you didn’t really believe in God? This caller was feeling something similar as his cat was suffering renal failure. Spoiler alert: the cat survived! But this left us all wondering… why do we feel the need to pray or ask for divine help when something bad happens, even as atheists?

55:50
If your beliefs aren’t going away on their own, should you “force it”? This pagan caller wants to know if he should be getting rid of his beliefs. Eric points out that while discussing metaphysical ideas is important, it’s best to start with the practical and make sure your beliefs are not putting you in harm’s way. Vi encourages the caller to sit in the discomfort and figure out how his god beliefs influence a pragmatic worldview.

1:10:19
What would you say if you encountered a science teacher who was also a flat earther? What if that person called themself a skeptic? This caller is concerned that the term “skeptic” is getting used by conspiracy theorists and making it more difficult to find credible sources. Is this something the hosts are concerned about?

1:17:12
When is a belief too harmful to ignore? This former Mormon caller is struggling to maintain relationships with his family as they continue to pursue their faith. He asks the hosts if there’s a point where he should break ties. Eric points out that making people uncomfortable is a necessary step in the path to rationality. Vi encourages the caller to think about how to use their position to counteract bad ideas.

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Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: http://tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
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To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.

Vi is back from Portland and ready to take your calls. This has been a terrible week so we can either go "more terrible" or "less terrible." It's up to you and the kind of conversations you bring to the table. Talk to us at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG.
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Vi is Back from Portland!
03:58 - Defending the Problem of Evil - Javier (he/him) - SC
21:07 - What is A Woman? - Chelsey (she/her) - NC
29:47 - Becoming A Pagan… Help! - Sakura (she/they) - NY
47:44 - Teaching Children About the Crucifixion of Jesus - Chris (he/him) - SCT
58:26 - A Silver Bullet for Deconverting Christians? - Kay (he/him) - N/A
1:16:23 - How To Keep Allies Around? - Philip (he/him) - OK
1:30:24 - Superchats

03:58
Defending the Problem of Evil - Javier (he/him) - SC
Can this caller refute the problem of evil and defend God? Specifically, does appealing the “the greater good” make sense of the suffering in the world? Vi and Eric don’t think so, and list out the many reasons that train of logic is not compelling.

21:07
What Is A Woman? - Chesley (she/her) - NC
Have Vi and Eric watched the Matt Walsh “documentary” about trans issues? What are their thoughts on the tactics Matt used to try and play “gotcha”... was it honest? Was it at least effective? The answer to all of that, and to Matt Walsh in general, is no.

29:47
Becoming A Pagan… Help! - Sakura (she/they) - NY
What happens when a scientist becomes a pagan? How should this caller navigate through a change in worldview while honoring their understanding of the scientific method? Can it even be done? Vi has some thoughts to share on this subject…

47:44
Teaching Children About the Crucifixion Of Jesus - Chris (he/him) - SCT
Is teaching kids about the crucifixion (and everything that led up to it) immoral? Vi says their main problem is with hypocrisy: why is torutre OK to teach to children but not things like sexual orientation or gender identity? Eric, meanwhile, has stronger words for what happens during indoctrination: namely, it’s abuse.

58:26
A Silver Bullet for Deconverting Christians? - Kay (he/him) - N/A
Kay calls back this week to discuss a silver bullet for “defanging” religion by turning theists into deists. The hosts are skeptical about how useful such a method would be. It becomes clear that while they agree on many things, Kay isn’t taking the indoctrination factor into consideration, which will make things much more difficult.

1:16:23
How To Keep Allies Around? - Philip (he/him) - OK
This caller has some thoughts about what was said on the show last week regarding whether cis men should be discussing the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. Don’t we need the voices of the ones in power to actually get anywhere? Eric explains his reasoning: it’s important to avoid speaking over others. Meanwhile Vi asks an important question: “Who are we speaking to?”
___________________
Skeptic Generation is LIVE every Sunday at 11:30am-1:00pm CT
Call on your phone: 585-LA-MURPH (585-526-8774)
Call online: https://tiny.cc/callSG

Love the show?
Become a patron: https://tiny.cc/donatetoSG
Buy our new Class of ‘22 merch: tiny.cc/SG22Merch
Help with our studio: https://tiny.cc/SGwishlist
Join us after the show on Discord: https://tiny.cc/SGdiscord

To find out more, visit https://www.skepticgeneration.com

Copyright © 2022 Skeptic Generation. All rights reserved.