I finally got around to listening to this three hour marathon of brilliance — Darwinism in biology, philosophy, anthropological history, cognitive science and its influence on a hilarious lay-scifi writer.
For me this panel was full of personal heroes. I have been a huge fan of Douglas Adams and his work for years. I did my undergrad work in theoretical linguistics where I first became acquainted with Steven Pinker who hugely influences on my own views of the brain and psychology. My graduate work in political philosophy lead me to Richard Dawkins, who finally convinced me of my own atheism. I now consider myself part of his army.
Through Dawkins and the Four Horsemen (which includes another personal hero: Christopher Hitchens) I became familiar with Dan Dennett, a well respected philosopher whose work I have yet to read. As for Jared Diamond, though I have seen his television series (Guns, Germs and Steel) two of his unread books are still sitting in my anti-library.
All of these men have amazing achievements to their names, and their speeches and interaction are extremely stimulating. Highly recommended viewing.
