In this blog post, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Steve Templeton regarding the consequences of prioritizing safety over children’s well-being. Dr. Templeton shares his insights and valuable expertise on this crucial topic, and we explore the potential impacts of prioritizing safety above all else on children’s growth and development. Join us as we engage in this enlightening conversation and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of striking a balance between safety and well-being in raising our children.
Understanding the Consequences of Prioritizing Safety over Children’s Well-being: A Conversation with Dr. Steve Templeton (EP 366)
Introduction
Recently, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sat down with Dr. Steve Templeton to discuss his book, “Fear of a Microbial Planet: How a Germophobic Safety culture Makes Us Less Safe.” The two experts break down the response of the behavioral immune system and the pathogenic treatment of people during the COVID-19 pandemic. They delve into the shift toward perceptual safety over common good and address the fear-induced censorship of open discussion around these topics. They also discuss the impenetrability of those afraid, even when met with fundamental truths.
In this article, we will delve into the conversation between these two experts and explore the consequences of prioritizing safety over children’s well-being.
The Danger of a Safety Culture
Dr. Templeton discusses the danger of a safety culture and how it can lead to a lack of resilience in individuals. When everything is sanitized and sterilized, people’s immune systems do not have the opportunity to develop properly. This can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and reduced resiliency in the face of difficult challenges.
In addition, a safety culture can create a society that is unwilling to take risks in order to make progress. Dr. Peterson notes that great discoveries often come from taking risks. When we prioritize safety over progress, we may be hindering our ability to move forward as a society.
Perceptual Safety vs. Common Good
One of the key issues discussed by Dr. Templeton and Dr. Peterson was the shift toward perceptual safety over common good. Perceptual safety is the feeling of being safe, even if the actual danger is low. This is exemplified in the current COVID-19 pandemic. While the risk of death for most individuals is very low, the fear and panic surrounding the virus have led to significant changes in the way we live our lives.
Dr. Peterson argues that this shift toward perceptual safety comes at a cost. By prioritizing the feeling of safety, we may be neglecting the common good. For example, closing businesses and schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the economy and on children’s education.
Fear-Induced Censorship
Dr. Templeton and Dr. Peterson also addressed the fear-induced censorship of open discussion around topics related to safety. Dr. Templeton notes that the fear of discussing certain topics can lead to a lack of progress and can keep us from addressing important issues.
Dr. Peterson adds that the fear of being labeled as dangerous or irresponsible can also lead to self-censorship. When we are afraid of being ostracized or attacked for our opinions, we may choose not to speak out, even if we believe our opinions to be valid.
Impenetrability of Those Afraid
One of the challenges of discussing safety-related topics is the impenetrability of those who are afraid. When people prioritize their own safety over the common good, it can be difficult to reason with them. This is particularly true when people’s beliefs are based on emotions rather than facts.
Dr. Peterson notes that it is important to focus on the underlying emotions that drive people’s beliefs, rather than simply arguing with them based on facts alone. By addressing the underlying emotions, we may be able to have more productive discussions and find common ground.
Disgust Sensitivity and False Group Association
Dr. Templeton and Dr. Peterson also discuss disgust sensitivity and false group association. Disgust sensitivity is the extent to which a person is repelled by the idea of physical contamination. This can lead to a safety culture that is focused on sterilization and cleanliness at the expense of other important factors.
False group association, on the other hand, is the tendency to associate certain beliefs or behaviors with particular social groups. This can lead to an unwillingness to even consider alternative perspectives or viewpoints.
Gender and Intelligence Factors
Finally, Dr. Templeton and Dr. Peterson discuss the gender and intelligence factors in the expression of left-wing authoritarian beliefs. Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to hold left-wing authoritarian beliefs. In addition, individuals with lower intelligence are more likely to be authoritarian.
Conclusion
The conversation between Dr. Templeton and Dr. Peterson provides valuable insights into the consequences of prioritizing safety over children’s well-being. While safety is certainly important, it is also important to consider the common good and to avoid the fear-induced censorship of open discussion around important topics. By understanding the underlying emotions and beliefs driving people’s perspectives, we may be able to have more productive discussions and find common ground.
FAQs
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How does a safety culture impact children’s immune systems?
A safety culture that prioritizes sterilization and cleanliness can prevent children’s immune systems from developing properly, leading to increased susceptibility to diseases and reduced resiliency in the face of challenges. -
What is perceptual safety?
Perceptual safety is the feeling of being safe, even if the actual danger is low. This can lead to a shift toward prioritizing the feeling of safety over the common good. -
How does fear-induced censorship impact open discussions?
Fear-induced censorship can prevent productive discussions from taking place and can keep us from addressing important issues. -
How can we reason with people who prioritize their own safety over the common good?
By addressing the underlying emotions driving people’s beliefs, we may be able to have more productive discussions and find common ground. -
What factors impact left-wing authoritarian beliefs?
Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to hold left-wing authoritarian beliefs, and individuals with lower intelligence are also more likely to be authoritarian.
