About This Episode
What is right and what is wrong? How do we set our moral compass? On this episode of StarTalk Radio, recorded live at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, as a part of the final Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, we explore the intersection of science and morality. Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by comic co-host Eugene Mirman, author and editor of Skeptic magazine Michael Shermer, comedian Michael Ian Black, Rev. James Martin, SJ, and the legendary Whoopi Goldberg. Explore the different origins of how people get their sense of right and wrong, including how Whoopi got hers from her mother. Ponder the definition of morality through the lens of religion in our modern society. You’ll confront the idea that morality might just be a constructed narrative that humanity uses to justify actions. Discover if other animals have any sense of morality. You’ll also ponder how much of morality is culturally conditioned and/or shaped by the time in which you live. You’ll hear if science can be used to determine human values, whether the moral arc of civilization is constantly evolving, and more about the comparative method of natural experiments. Be on the lookout for Part 2 next Friday! (Warning: Adult Language).
In This Episode
Host
Neil deGrasse Tyson
AstrophysicistCo-Host
Eugene Mirman
ComedianGuest
Michael Shermer
Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine; Author of The Moral Arc: How Science Makes Us Better PeopleGuest
Michael Ian Black
ComedianGuest
Rev. James Martin, SJ
Jesuit Priest, editor-at-large of America, The National Catholic Review, author of Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and SensitivityGuest
Whoopi Goldberg
Actress, Comedian, TV Host
Music in This Episode
-
Waiting on the World to Change
by John Mayer -
Change Your Mind
by Sister Hazel -
The Man Comes Around
by Johnny Cash -
Heal the World
by Michael Jackson -
Where Is the Love?
by Black Eyed Peas
