Why do we get offended? Is there an evolutionary reason and purpose for it and what are some of the social pros and cons to being morally outraged?
In this new age of outrage we live in, is it right to say we people are too easily offended and hypersensitive, or is that an easy excuse to not address some of the many problems we face in society?
Featuring on this episode:
James Damore
The former google employee penned an internal Google memo that was caused so much offence and outrage that he cost his job. In an exclusive Irish interview he gives his version of event and talks about why he thinks the document caused so much offence with so many.
Twitter: @JamesADamore
Prof Stephanie Preston
A professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, she reveals the biological basis for why and how we get offended, she talks about costless behaviour, virtue signalling and revealed preferences.
Dr Zachary Rothschild
He recently published a research paper titled: A cleansing fire: Moral outrage alleviates guilt and buffers threats to one’s moral identity. He has undertaken extensive research into the individual driver forces behind expressing moral outrage.
Here’s his academic website.
Tara Flynn
Writer, comedian and actres Tara Flynn shares her views on offence and how she uses comedy to address what some people view as controversial or offensive issues like the Repeal The 8th campaign.
Twitter: @TaraFlynn
Declan McLoughin
Compliance and policy manager with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Declan reveals what is and isn’t considered offensive content from their perspective.
Dr Shawn Smith
A clinical psychologist based in Colorado, he explains exactly what is a hypersensitive person is and how to manage when people may unjustly use shame to shut down important discussions.
Support The Series
If you enjoy the series and want to contribute to it and become a patron, you can do so over here. Contributions help keep the series free from a ton of advertising and allow us to produce and grow the show so we can bring you more top quality podcasts.
Patrons get early access to episodes and bonus content included extended unheard interviews from the guests.
Music on this episode is from Jukedeck – create your own at http://jukedeck.com.