The Dual Nature of Satisfaction

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The Royal Society has made numerous contributions to the advancement of science, as Jonathan Swift says. But he argues that it can be prone to a certain degree of self-importance and a lack of practicality in its pursuits. In Gulliver's Travels, the fictional academy of legato is depicted as well-meaning but misguided. This critique is not intended to dismiss the value of scientific progress or the potential benefits of the Royal Society’s endeavors,. It rather decorsion against unchecked enthusiasm for scientific discovery without sufficient consideration for the human consequences.

In this conversation, Tyler uses ChatGPT to interview Jonathan Swift about his views on religion, politics, economics, and literature. GPT Swift discusses his support for the Church of Ireland, his shift from the Whigs to the Tories, and his opposition to William Wood's copper coinage in Ireland. He also talks about his works, including Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, and his skepticism of moral and intellectual progress. Swift addresses rumors about his relationship with Esther Johnson and his fascination with scatological themes in his works. He also discusses his early life in England, his intellectual mentor Sir William Temple, and his jovial attitude towards death.

Special thanks to our Mercatus Center colleague Robin Currie for giving voice to Jonathan GPT Swift.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded March 23rd, 2023

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