Science is often presumed to use the inductive method. But do all sciences live up to that standard? To discuss the use, lack of use and misuse of induction in psychology, I join Dr. Edwin A. Locke, a very prominent psychologist who wrote very interesting essays on that very topic. 

Intro music comes from William Herschel's Symphony No.14 in D-major.

Arkadiusz Synowczyk:  https://twitter.com/Epagogist

Dr. Edwin A. Locke: https://edwinlocke.com/

Induction In Psychology: Interview with Dr. Edwin A. Locke

Dr Samuel Wilkinson is a professor at Yale, a psychiatrist, and the author of the new book: Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About The Nature of Our Existence. His book makes a compelling and provocative case that life (particularly human life) is inherently purposeful, drawing from evolutionary biology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience in order to do so. 

In this conversation, we explore:

— Dr. Wilkinson‘s view that life is fundamentally a test and the implications this has for how we live our lives

— How each of us have the potential for both good and evil contained within

— Why relationships are the number one variable in happiness, our sense of purpose, and mental health. 

— The cognitive illusions that cause us to search for happiness in the wrong places, and how to overcome them. 

And more.

You can learn more about Dr. Wilkinson‘s work and get a copy of the book at https://samueltwilkinson.com

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Samuel T. Wilkinson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. Dr. Wilkinson received his B.S. in mechanical engineering, summa cum laude, from Brigham Young University and later his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Yale, where he joined the faculty following his post-graduate medical training.

His primary research has focused on depression and suicide prevention and has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

His research and articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He has been the recipient of many awards, including Top Advancements & Breakthroughs from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (2017 and 2020), Top Ten Psychiatry Papers by the New England Journal of Medicine Journal Watch, the Early Career Scholar Award from the American Psychiatric Association, the Samuel Novey Writing Prize in Psychological Medicine (Johns Hopkins), the Seymour Lustman Award (Yale University), and the rank of Eagle Scout.

As a young man, he served a mission for his church in Nevada from 2002-2004, where he learned to speak fluent Spanish and to enjoy a variety of Latino cultures. He continues to serve in his church and community in as many ways as he can. He lives with his wife and their five children in southern Connecticut.

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— Samuel Wilkinson’s website - https://samueltwilkinson.com

— Samuel Wilkinson’s books - https://amzn.to/4aZgtNq

The Scientific Case for a Purposeful Universe — Dr Samuel Wilkinson

Sidereus Nuncius (Latin for The Starry Messenger), Galileo Galilei’s groundbreaking book published in 1610, revealed his revolutionary astronomical discoveries through the telescope for the first time. These findings challenged the long-held belief in the Earth’s centrality in the universe, eventually leading to Galileo’s infamous trial, where he was forced, after a long resistance, to deny all his discoveries.

This short musical film is a modern homage to Galileo’s pioneering work, celebrating human curiosity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Through an original orchestral piece that I wrote, directed, and performed, the film blends music, narrative, and visuals to explore the life and legacy of one of history’s most iconic figures. With the help of advanced AI tools, I’ve crafted a story that intertwines historical fact, poetic lyricism, and cinematic artistry.

At its heart, this project pays tribute to the courage it takes to question the established order, to confront fear with reason, and to stand firm in the face of overwhelming resistance. Galileo’s journey—his groundbreaking discoveries, his trial, and his enduring faith in intellect—resonates as a timeless testament to the human spirit’s capacity to seek and embrace the unknown.

The lyrics, infused with Galileo’s passion and defiance, illuminate the struggles and triumphs of a mind that dared to reach for the stars. Interwoven throughout the film are his historic words, reflecting the anguish of his trial and the brilliance of his scientific insights. Phrases like “The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, not the way the heavens go” and “And yet it moves” echo his indomitable belief in observation and reason as pathways to truth.

Through its orchestral music and visuals, The Starry Messenger invites audiences to reflect on the interplay between faith and doubt, fear and discovery, and the eternal dialogue between science and philosophy. 
Yazan Al Hajari
Writer, Director, Performer

The Starry Messenger

Philosophy student who made understanding induction the goal of his life.

Composer, Music producer, Film maker, artist

The Weekend University aims to make the best psychology lectures available to the general public.

To do this, we organise 'lecture days', on the last Sunday of each month, where you get a full day of talks from leading psychologists, university professors and authors.

This podcast features in-depth interviews with our speakers, so you can learn more about their work.

For more information, please see: http://theweekenduniversity.com

New tracks tagged #philosophyofscience