Digest

This episode of the Thinking Atheist podcast features an interview with Dr. Andrew White, a research archaeologist who specializes in debunking pseudo-archeology. Dr. White explains that pseudo-archeology is not just bad science, but fake science, often used to distort the past and promote harmful ideologies. He uses the example of the pyramids, which are often cited as evidence of alien intervention, to illustrate how these claims are rooted in racism and colonialism. Dr. White argues that the ancient alien theory, which claims that aliens visited Earth in the past and influenced human civilization, is a modern-day version of the Atlantis myth, which was used to justify white supremacy and colonialism. He also discusses the connection between the occult and Nazi ideology, highlighting how these ideas were used to justify the Holocaust. Dr. White emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the need for archaeologists to engage with the public to combat the spread of misinformation. He provides resources for listeners to learn more about pseudo-archeology and how to identify and debunk false claims. The episode concludes with a discussion about the dangers of conspiracy theories and how they can be used to manipulate and control people.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the topic of pseudo-archeology and the guest, Dr. Andrew White, a research archaeologist who specializes in debunking pseudo-archeology. Dr. White defines pseudo-archeology as fake science that distorts the past and often promotes harmful ideologies.

00:06:56

The Pyramids and Ancient Aliens

This Chapter focuses on the common pseudo-archeological claim that the pyramids were built by aliens. Dr. White debunks this claim, explaining that there is ample evidence of how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids. He also discusses the historical context of this claim, tracing its roots back to racist justifications for colonialism and slavery.

00:17:23

The Ancient Aliens Guy

This Chapter introduces Georgios Sokolos, the host of the popular History Channel show "Ancient Aliens." Dr. White discusses Sokolos's role in popularizing the ancient alien theory and his connection to Eric Von Daniken, who popularized the theory in the 1960s. Dr. White also discusses the show's impact on popular culture and its potential to legitimize harmful ideologies.

00:19:44

Pseudoscience and Human Atrocities

This Chapter explores the connection between pseudoscience and human atrocities. Dr. White argues that pseudoscience has been used throughout history to justify slavery, genocide, and other forms of oppression. He provides examples of how pseudoscientific claims were used to justify the enslavement of Africans, the Holocaust, and the displacement of Native Americans.

00:32:17

Engaging with the Public

This Chapter discusses the importance of archaeologists engaging with the public to combat the spread of misinformation. Dr. White argues that the strategy of ignoring pseudo-archeology has not been effective and that archaeologists need to actively challenge false claims. He provides resources for listeners to learn more about pseudo-archeology and how to identify and debunk false claims.

00:34:10

Resources for Debunking Pseudo-Archeology

This Chapter provides resources for listeners to learn more about pseudo-archeology and how to identify and debunk false claims. Dr. White recommends his own YouTube channel, the Facebook group "Fraudulent Archaeology Wall of Shame," and the debate between archaeologist Flint Dibble and pseudo-archeologist Graham Hancock on the Joe Rogan podcast.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is pseudo-archeology and how is it different from real archaeology?

  Pseudo-archeology is the study of the human past through material remains, but it does not use any scientific methods. It often distorts the past and promotes harmful ideologies. Real archaeology, on the other hand, uses scientific methods to study the past and is committed to objectivity and accuracy.

• What is the ancient alien theory and why is it problematic?

  The ancient alien theory claims that aliens visited Earth in the past and influenced human civilization. It is often used to explain unexplained phenomena and ancient structures, such as the pyramids. The theory is problematic because it is often used to justify racism and colonialism, and it can lead to people believing in false claims about the past.

• What is the connection between the occult and Nazi ideology?

  The occult refers to practices and beliefs that are considered to be supernatural or magical. It is often associated with secret societies and is sometimes used to justify harmful ideologies. Nazi ideology was a racist and anti-Semitic ideology that was used to justify the Holocaust. It was based on the belief in a superior Aryan race and the need to eliminate inferior races. The Nazis were interested in the occult and believed that it could provide them with supernatural powers.

• How has pseudoscience been used to justify human atrocities?

  Pseudoscience has been used throughout history to justify slavery, genocide, and other forms of oppression. For example, pseudoscientific claims were used to justify the enslavement of Africans, the Holocaust, and the displacement of Native Americans.

• Why is it important for archaeologists to engage with the public?

  It is important for archaeologists to engage with the public to combat the spread of misinformation. The strategy of ignoring pseudo-archeology has not been effective, and archaeologists need to actively challenge false claims. By providing accurate information and resources, archaeologists can help people to understand the past and make informed decisions.

• What are some resources for debunking pseudo-archeology?

  There are a number of resources available for debunking pseudo-archeology. Dr. White recommends his own YouTube channel, the Facebook group "Fraudulent Archaeology Wall of Shame," and the debate between archaeologist Flint Dibble and pseudo-archeologist Graham Hancock on the Joe Rogan podcast.

• What are the dangers of conspiracy theories?

  Conspiracy theories can be harmful because they can lead to people believing in false claims about the world. They can also be used to manipulate and control people. For example, conspiracy theories have been used to justify violence and hatred.

• How can we combat the spread of misinformation?

  We can combat the spread of misinformation by being critical consumers of information. We should be skeptical of claims that seem too good to be true, and we should always check our sources. We should also be aware of the biases that can influence our thinking.

Show Notes