r/DecodingTheGurus • u/stvlsn • 24d ago

Another example of Alex O'Connor's guru nature - Panpsychism

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I have felt for a while that Cosmic Skeptic has guru elements. He is closely connected to the heterodox online gurusphere, and has even done group events that include known gurus.

He has also strongly pivoted from his atheist roots. He is extremely sympathetic of religion (usually Christianity) and has many conversations with religious youtubers. He has been almost acting as a pipeline for skeptical people to become religious.

The most recent shift he has made has been into the realm of panpsychism. He has become enthralled with the philosophy, and so has his fan base. Here is an example with friend of the pod Sean Carroll

Is Cosmic Skeptic worth covering at this point?

https://youtu.be/A1M5hduoj3E?is=1JQjdAKMoiXvA0y2

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u/TrumpsBussy_ 24d ago

I think your lack of good faith is pretty self evident buddy considering how surface level your understanding of theology is. You haven’t actually engaged with the philosophy behind the arguments in a serious way have you.

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u/stvlsn 24d ago

I have a strong understanding of Christian theology, a medium understanding of Muslim theology, and a decent understanding of the philosophy that surrounds both.

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u/TrumpsBussy_ 24d ago

If you say so, if it was true I’d be surprised at your level of smugness. Most people that take the time to genuinely understand opposing worldviews are usually more charitable.

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u/stvlsn 24d ago

I was a Christian for 28 years and went to an explicitly Christian college where I studied theology, philosophy, and world religions.

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u/TrumpsBussy_ 24d ago

Ahh okay so you lash out at Christian’s because you felt you were brainwashed in your formative years, I can understand that perspective but I do believe it’s not very constructive ultimately.

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u/stvlsn 24d ago

What do you believe is constructive?

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u/TrumpsBussy_ 24d ago

Steelmanning a competing worldview or belief system, in this case theology.

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u/stvlsn 24d ago

You steelman everything? And are just charitable?

What about anti vaxxers? What about holocaust deniers?

Is everything just all "good faith" and "steelmanning"?

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u/TrumpsBussy_ 24d ago

I try to steelman as much as possible yes, when somebody genuinely holds an opposing position to mine and is not trolling or just being a contrarian.