Neil deGrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins Discuss Science, Religion & Evolution

Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with evolutionary biologist and author of The Genetic Book of the Dead, Richard Dawkins.

Neil and Richard talk about evolution, whether we were “designed,” how we are living reflections of our ancestors and much much more.

Why did it take so long to come up with the idea for natural selection? Learn about Darwin’s dangerous idea and the history of upending scientific assumptions. Is there such a thing as a perfect version of an animal? We also explore the role of information in biology and evolution. Will there be a day when we no longer need biology in order to pass on information?

Neil gives his explanation for the chicken and the egg problem. We explore the origin of the word “meme”, evidence for god, and Carl Sagan’s poetic chapter headings. We also discuss the human inclination towards there being a “designer” and for complex biology to have been designed. Richard explains how you end up with something as complex as an eye through evolution.

Neil and Richard talk about when Neil publicly rebuked one of Richard’s claims during a talk. We take a look at Richard’s new book The Genetic Book of the Dead and how we are living descriptions of the world in which our ancestors lived. Plus, we discuss whether it's worth it to try to convert people and the future of scientific acceptance.

Thanks to our Patrons Jason Byttow, Keith Bale, Daniel Levin, Multimedia Kart, Renata, CESAR FRADIQUE, Ginger Towers, handzman, Lisa Kohler, and 21Pandas_ for supporting us this week.

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[ground_news]

It was fantastic working with you, StarTalk! Yet another amazing interview with engaging conversations. For those eager to stay fully informed on Space, Science, and more, check out the link in the description. Feel free to reach out with any questions below!

[miladeskandari]

As an Iranian, as someone who's lived under Islamic law, I have an immense respect for Dawkins. He's the guy that sees religion for what it really is. A tool to justify hate onto a fellow human. A tool of power and control for the ones holding power. Religion teaches you to believe and follow, science teaches you to doubt until proven. Bad things happen when you allow others to think for you. People who when questioned refer you to non-tangible beings who can't answer.

[TerraStoryMYA]

I can listen to Dawkins talk about evolution all day. I used to be a young earth creationist, and it's largely Dawkins' ability to communicate the elegance of evolution that has led me to where I am now. I am about to graduate from university with a degree in geoscience and am currently looking into paleontology graduate programs. Thanks to people like Dawkins and Tyson I've taken the first steps into a much larger world.

[marneper]

Dawkins is such an exceptional educator. He can take a incredibly complex concept and explain it in a straightforward way. The human race needs more people like him.

[hasanerdogmus]

As I grew in Turkish-type Muslim culture and my interest in scientific subjects increased, I started to question belief systems. And I realized that we have been living in the dream world for generations, thank you very much to everyone who tells scientific content like you and enlightens people, I hope we will stop fighting wars like are close cousins, with our developing technology, we can reach the level of type 1 civilization as humanity.

[thetechconsultant]

I can listen to Richard Dawkins speak all day. I have thoroughly studied his entire literary collection. He is an undervalued individual with extraordinary intellectual capacity, serving as both a great scientific thinker and an adept inquisitor in our era.

[dianadiehl]

There is so much poetry and awe in science. Physics was my first love. I recall in my first year when I was taking physics, chemistry, and biology together, and I walked out one day and heard a bird singing on an electrical wire. I could almost see the beauty of the interference patterns of the resonant waves that carried the bird song to my ear, and feel the electrons traversing the wires. The math of the energy of fusion delivering photons from the sun across the solar system at incredible speed danced in my head with the aerodynamics of pressure differentials that allowed the jet high above to zoom across the sky. It was a moment of ecstatic revelation requiring only the mind altering force of a little math and science.

50+ years later I cherish that memory.

For me, science & math only magnify exponentially the awe & wonder of the world around me.

[takaidesu]

Where are the women that Love listening Richard Dawkins Speaking? 🙋🏻‍♀️ Amazing science comunicator. For who doesn’t know, there are videos on YouTube where he reads his books. You’re welcome! ✨

[truckingandtraveling]

I've been a trucker for 24yrs. When I first heard your podcast back in the day, I was hooked. I bought your book Death By Black Hole. Mind blown. That was the first book I ever read cover to cover after I had already read the Bible. My second book was The God Delusion. That led me down a path to where I am now. I'd always had questions that no one could answer. So, I started reading books from the 4 horsemen. I think that I'm well rounded now. Thanks to you both. 👊🏾

[KermitOfWar]

The older I get, the more I appreciate these talks/podcasts. Neil is a great host/questionaire. You can tell he has alot of respect for Mr. Dawkins. 👍

[shanu]

I was very young when i started listening to dawkins, and his thoughts on religion and science and as an indian kid born in hindu family, it was fresh and astonishing. I feel lucky that i was able to understand and come out of religious beliefs and accept science. And not just me but my younger brother, cousins too. Now in our family, we the youngest generation are almost all agnostic and rest of the scientists helped us love science even more.

[RyoHazuki]

If I could have a wish, it would be to spend a week in a mountain cabin with these two fine educators, just talking about science and the world and the universe, eating good food, sharing drinks, looking at the stars at night, looking at the nature around us, and just being around two of the best minds of our time. And I know at the end of that week I would want to make a second wish, for a week would not be enough!

[raultejedor]

The only interviewer who always talks more than the interviewee

[TC-xhwp]

The energy in this interview is fantastic. Watching Neil shed 40 years talking to his role model, super cool. And even though Dawkins is a giant, he's so gracious and charming. This will be a classic.

[isidoradordevic]

One of the best interviews so far! I’ve been following StarTalk for years, and I’m hoping to see Dawkins again as a guest on the show. What an excellent educator who is not afraid to dive deep into “taboo” topics and ask thought-provoking questions. 👏👏

[Remhad]

I’m an agnostic atheist, have been since I can remember, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is a big helper in that. I can put a lot of my beliefs into words, express them, give evidence and reasoning as to why. The points that I can’t or that need more depth? Neil has it. He is such an inspiration to me.

[toysarealive]

I can't believe I came find out Dennette passed away through this clip. He was one of my favorite modern scientific thinkers, and he helped influence much of what I understand today. RIP to one of the greatest.

[DietMtnDew]

Holy mother. Not even 10 minutes in and I hear the most profound thing I've ever heard in my life. Bravo sir.

[keshanchetty]

Was awesome watching Neil interview himself and allowing Dawkins to get a word or two in every now and then😂

[austinpauxtataux]

"I live my life as though I have hope."

My God, Dawkins is painfully brilliant.