The Complete History of Alcohol; the "King of Intoxicants" | Dr. Edward Slingerland, Author/Professor

We think there’s a TON you don’t know about alcohol, and this episode will change that.  Today we are joined by author and Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Philosophy at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Edward Slingerland. Dr. Slingerland discusses the adaptive function of intoxicants, particularly alcohol, in human society. He explains that humans are a unique species, heavily dependent on technology and tools, and that our hyper-social nature and cooperation with strangers contribute to our attraction to intoxicants. While alcohol can, in moderation, offer some psychological advantages, the availability of highly potent distilled alcohol and the shift from communal to private consumption have increased the risks associated with alcohol.  In this conversation, Dr. Edward Slingerland discusses the modern invention of access and its contribution to alcohol abuse. He explains how alcohol has emerged independently in different cultures and why it is considered the king of intoxicants. Dr. Slingerland also shares insights on assessing the role of alcohol in one's life and the potential costs and benefits associated with its consumption. He concludes by discussing his upcoming projects and books, including a defense of intelligent hedonism.TAKEAWAYS- Humans are a unique species, heavily dependent on technology and tools.- Alcohol enhances creativity by reducing inhibitions and boosting mental flexibility.- Alcohol facilitates bonding and cooperation by reducing self-monitoring and increasing feelings of well-being.- The availability of highly potent distilled alcohol and the shift from communal to private consumption have increased the risks associated with alcohol.CHAPTERS04:29 - Humans as a Unique Species07:19 - Why Do We Like Intoxicants?08:23 - The Adaptive Function of Intoxicants10:23 - The Role of Alcohol in Civilization21:45 - Alcohol's Role in Bonding and Cooperation26:04 - Personal Experiences with Alcohol30:05 - The Dangers of Distilled Alcohol35:11 - The Modern Invention of Access and Alcohol Abuse40:31 - The Emergence of Alcohol in Different Cultures43:06 - Alcohol as the King of Intoxicants49:21 - Assessing the Role of Alcohol in One's Life50:29 - The Role of Moderate Drinking in Society58:13 - Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Alcohol01:02:06 - Upcoming Projects and Books⁠CONNECT WITH US- Follow Altum Fitness on social media: https://www.instagram.com/altum.fitness/- Join our Altum Fitness community/app here: www.altumfitness.comJoin us weekly as we explore physical and emotional fitness with frontline experts sharing personal stories and actionable insights in the pursuit of discovering what it means to live a life that is truly DEEP.#Alcohol #SoberLiving #SoberCurious #AlcoholAddiction #LiveDeepPodcast #HabitChange #AlcoholAbuse #AlcoholAwareness #EmotionalFitness#LiveDeep