Live Deep Podcast Episode 19: Author/Professor Dr. Edward Slingerland

We think there’s a TON you don’t know about the history of alcohol, and this episode will change that.  

Today we are joined by author and Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Edward Slingerland. Dr. Slingerland discusses the adaptive function of intoxicants, particularly alcohol, in human society. He explains that humans are a unique species, heavily dependent on technology and tools, and that our hyper-social nature and cooperation with strangers contribute to our attraction to intoxicants.

While alcohol can, in moderation, offer some psychological advantages, the availability of highly potent distilled alcohol and the shift from communal to private consumption have increased the risks associated with alcohol.  In this conversation, Dr. Edward Slingerland discusses the modern invention of access and its contribution to alcohol abuse. He explains how alcohol has emerged independently in different cultures and why it is considered the king of intoxicants. Dr. Slingerland also shares insights on assessing the role of alcohol in one's life and the potential costs and benefits associated with its consumption. He concludes by discussing his upcoming projects and books, including a defense of intelligent hedonism.

TAKEAWAYS

• ‍‍Humans are a unique species, heavily dependent on technology and tools.
• Alcohol enhances creativity by reducing inhibitions and boosting mental flexibility.
• Alcohol facilitates bonding and cooperation by reducing self-monitoring and increasing feelings of well-being.
• The availability of highly potent distilled alcohol and the shift from communal to private consumption have increased the risks associated with alcohol.

CHAPTERS

• 04:29 - Humans as a Unique Species
• 07:19 - Why Do We Like Intoxicants?
• 08:23 - The Adaptive Function of Intoxicants
• 10:23 - The Role of Alcohol in Civilization
• 21:45 - Alcohol's Role in Bonding and Cooperation
• 26:04 - Personal Experiences with Alcohol
• 30:05 - The Dangers of Distilled Alcohol
• 35:11 - The Modern Invention of Access and Alcohol Abuse
• 40:31 - The Emergence of Alcohol in Different Cultures
• 43:06 - Alcohol as the King of Intoxicants
• 49:21 - Assessing the Role of Alcohol in One's Life
• 50:29 - The Role of Moderate Drinking in Society
• 58:13 - Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Alcohol
• 01:02:06 - Upcoming Projects and Books

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Science-based tips and inspirational stories to help you conquer addictions, manage stress, and build your strongest body and mind.  Join us weekly as we explore physical and emotional fitness with frontline experts sharing personal stories and actionable insights in the pursuit of discovering what it means to live a life that is truly DEEP.

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#alcoholawareness #alcoholeducation #alcoholabuse #soberliving