Hermitix cover image

Hermitix

Cybernetics and the Origin of Information with Ashley Woodward

May 8, 2024
Ashley Woodward, a philosophy lecturer at the University of Dundee and a founding member of the Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy, dives into the profound themes of Raymond Ruyer's 'Cybernetics and the Origin of Information.' They explore the intricate relationship between machines and humans, examining how information and consciousness intertwine. Woodward discusses the evolution of cybernetics and its significance in AI, questioning how intention influences creativity. Through philosophical lenses, he reimagines the nature of value and meaning, connecting existential debates to contemporary implications.
01:11:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Raymond Ruyer's work critically analyzes cybernetics, arguing it inadequately addresses the metaphysical aspects of human consciousness and meaning.
  • The translation of Ruyer's text involved collaborative academic efforts, highlighting the intricate relationship between philosophy, science, and contemporary discussions on information.

Deep dives

Overview of Cybernetics and Philosophy of Information

The discussion focuses on Raymond Ruyer's seminal text, 'Cybernetics and the Origin of Information', which bridges philosophy with early cybernetics and information theory. Ruyer is recognized for introducing concepts such as entropy and the dissipation of information into philosophical discourse, making his work significant in the evolution of the philosophy of information. The episode highlights the distinctions Ruyer makes between mechanistic models and the complexities of human consciousness and meaning, arguing that cybernetics, while valuable, falls short in explaining the origin of information. This text is positioned as a foundational work that challenges reductionist views of human experience and machine interactions.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode