Joe Rogan and his guests recently traversed down to the dark areas as Neil deGrasse Tyson sent out a rant about Terrence Howard’s theories. But shots were fired from both sides, as Eric Weinstein, a PhD in Mathematical Physics from Harvard University, claimed that Tyson might not have understood what Howard had to say. But he didn’t back down from revealing what the reality looks like in academics.

Tyson pointed out that Howard was experiencing the Dunning-Kruger effect. It basically suggests that if one doesn’t know something, he or she will be unable to recognize that they don’t know it. It is indeed one of the cruelest insults in the field of science. But why did Tyson say so? Let’s see what Weinstein had to say.

Why did Neil deGrasse Tyson insult Terrence Howard?

In episode #2171 of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, the mathematical physicist asked Howard if he was fair towards him. The actor admitted that he was fair in giving him criticism and pointing out his mistakes. However, he revealed that it was not how things worked in the realm of academics. Weinstein said, “This is not available as a service in academics. In academics, basically, it’s a closed little world. And if you don’t come with protection, we stab you in the eye. This idea that Neil said about- Why doesn’t he just submit to peer review? It’s the biggest bunch of s*** I’ve ever heard.”

But when Howard began asking Weinstein about one of his papers, the man of science opined on Tyson’s remarks on the subject. The topic of the Dunning-Kruger effect popped up, which was what Tyson claimed to be in effect while reviewing Howard’s theories. 

Weinstein revealed that it was in fact, one of the worst insults in academics. He said, “I cannot believe how disingenuous this is. He calls you the worst insult in academics, which is, there was a study called the ‘Dunning-Kruger’. Dunning-Kruger is both an effect that is studied and the ultimate insult. It’s basically ‘your mama’.”

Thereafter, the team projected the video wherein Tyson reviewed the documents and talked about the Dunning-Kruger effect in action, seemingly discrediting the theories sent to him. This also compelled Weinstein to claim that Tyson might not have understood what Howard was trying to convey. But Rogan stood in full support of his former podcast guest.

Joe Rogan stands tall in support of Tyson

After Weinstein disclosed that Tyson might have misunderstood Howard’s claims, the beloved UFC color commentator seemed to believe that Tyson probably didn’t have enough time to discuss things in detail. He pointed out that Weinstein might be able to defend Howard’s theories since they were all sitting right next to each other with a sufficient amount of time at their disposal. But the same was probably not true for Tyson. 

The 56-year-old podcaster said, “[But] he only has so much time, you know. He [Weinstein] might be in a position to defend him then. He [Tyson] might be in a position where he’s like look I just said what I said about all this stuff, good luck. I don’t have the time to like sit here and discuss these things in depth.” Nevertheless, as research proceeds in the field of science, the old stuff gets proven wrong and is often replaced by new theories and new perspectives. It is how the industry has always worked. 

But what are your thoughts on Tyson’s remarks on Howard? Let us know in the comments down below.