Talking to ... Maarten Boudry

Описание: Academic Taboos and the Crisis of Critical Thinking

https://martinburckhardt.substack.com...

Maarten Boudry: Fearless Philosopher Challenging Academic Orthodoxy

*Maarten Boudry* is a philosopher of science, critical thinking advocate, and the first holder of the Etienne Vermeersch Chair at Ghent University. Known for tackling controversial topics that have become taboo in academic circles, Boudry brings intellectual courage to debates on **nuclear energy**, **migration**, **gender differences**, and **academic freedom**.

Background and Expertise

Originally trained as a classical pianist, Boudry transitioned from music composition to philosophy, bringing a unique perspective to academic discourse. His work focuses on **pseudoscience**, **conspiracy theories**, **beneficial illusions**, and the psychology behind **intellectual self-deception**.

Recent Work and Controversies

Since *October 7th**, Boudry has become a prominent voice critiquing the ideological capture of universities. His analysis of why **progressive academics* justified Hamas violence while opposing similar attacks elsewhere has sparked widespread debate. He documents how institutions like his own university severed ties with Israeli partners, exemplifying academic bias.

Key Topics and Positions

**Academic Freedom**: Challenges university boycotts and ideological conformity
**Nuclear Energy**: Long-time advocate who helped shift academic opinion
**Postmodern Philosophy**: Critiques figures like Foucault and Derrida for creating self-serving grand narratives
**Speech Policing**: Analyzes language control as power games rather than meaningful reform
**Scientific Integrity**: Argues for keeping science separate from political ideology

Publications and Media

Boudry regularly contributes to **Quillette**, **The Independent**, and **Human Progress**. His latest book examines "The Betrayal of the Enlightenment" and why modern societies breed intellectuals who critique their own civilization. He's also a Fellow of the **Roots of Progress Institute**.

Why He Matters

In an era when academic conformity stifles debate, Boudry represents intellectual honesty over career safety. His willingness to address uncomfortable truths about *migration challenges**, **fertility crises**, and **biological differences* makes him a rare voice for evidence-based discourse in higher education.

A philosopher unafraid to challenge both left-wing orthodoxy and right-wing populism in pursuit of truth.

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Video Chapters:
00:08 Introduction
00:21 From Jazz to Philosophy - Boudry's Background
02:51 Music, Virtuosity and the Digital Revolution
03:44 Religious Faith and Crisis of Belief
07:26 Illusions and Social Communities
08:19 Money vs. God - Self-Fulfilling Beliefs
11:58 Christianity and Capitalism
15:35 Psychology in Philosophy - Beyond Pure Reason
16:50 Teaching Fallacies and Genetic Fallacy
21:23 Technology and God - The Divine Programmer
22:30 October 7th - The Academic Shock
27:46 Visit to Israel and Press Tour
31:37 Academic Taboos - Nuclear Energy, Migration, Gender
38:15 Inquisitional Mindset of Young People
40:05 Loss of Reality and Historical Perspective
44:18 Social Media and Academic Echo Chambers
44:58 The Future of Academia
51:48 Left-Wing Attack on Science
55:59 The Betrayal of Enlightenment
58:56 Foucault's Seductive Power Theory
62:43 Carl Schmitt and Philosophical Conceits
65:17 Descartes - Five Centuries Too Late
67:44 Losing Touch with Reality
69:48 Speech Policing and Power Games
73:27 Stalin and Language Control
76:45 Cultural Revolution Parallels
77:18 Philosophy in 2070 - A Science Fiction Scenario
81:15 The Future of Philosophy