The Theory of Anything
Bruce Nielson and Peter Johansen
A podcast that explores the unseen and surprising connections between nearly everything, with special emphasis on intelligence and the search for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) through the lens of Karl Popper's Theory of Knowledge.
David Deutsch argued that Quantum Mechanics, Darwinian Evolution, Karl Popper's Theory of Knowledge, and Computational Theory (aka "The Four Strands") represent an early 'theory of everything' be it science, philosophy, computation, religion, politics, or art. So we explore everything.
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https://www.patreon.com/brucenielson/membership
David Deutsch argued that Quantum Mechanics, Darwinian Evolution, Karl Popper's Theory of Knowledge, and Computational Theory (aka "The Four Strands") represent an early 'theory of everything' be it science, philosophy, computation, religion, politics, or art. So we explore everything.
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/brucenielson/membership
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 59min
Episode 128: Induction’s Immunizing Strategy
Dive into the clash between inductivism and critical rationalism! The conversation unveils how inductive reasoning is often misconstrued and the thin line separating concepts from theories. Bruce challenges the infamous claim of induction's omnipotence by exploring linguistic gymnastics that protect it from critique. He questions the essence of statistical induction and tackles Eddington's critique of random samples in science. Get ready for a deep intellectual dive that sparks critical thought and questions the very foundations of scientific reasoning!
10 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 56min
Episode 127: Hofstadter vs Popper on Concepts
Dive into a fascinating discussion on the clash between Popper's belief that theories outshine concepts and Hofstadter's views on creativity and consciousness. Explore where conjectures originate and how analogies shape our understanding. Highlights include the concept of observations merely selecting theories and how insights from echoes can inspire new ideas. The interplay between concepts and theories is dissected, revealing how fuzzy thinking can lead to innovation and implications for artificial general intelligence. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey!
7 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 38min
Episode 126: The Concept of Concepts
Dive into the intriguing world of concepts and theories! The hosts explore Karl Popper's bold claim that theories are vastly more valuable than concepts. They debate the nature of concepts, pondering whether they’re just Platonic ideals. With insights into artificial general intelligence, the conversation weaves through the role of concepts in generating conjectures. Learn why Popper deemed concepts less important and discover the implications of falsifiability. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how we understand and utilize ideas!
16 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 2h 27min
Episode 125: Our Lovecraftian Universe?
Micah Redding, host of the Christian Transhumanist podcast, explores the fascinating intersection of religion, transhumanism, and philosophical inquiry. The discussion probes whether our universe is inherently meaningful, meaning-neutral, or steeped in Lovecraftian malevolence. They delve into the dangers of forbidden knowledge, contrasting optimistic teleologies with despairing existentialism. They also assess science fiction as a lens for understanding cosmic morality, while highlighting the importance of personhood and creativity in shaping a hopeful future.
7 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 21min
Episode 124: Popper's Evolutionary Theory of Knowledge
Dive into a battle of minds as Bruce dissects Popper's critical rationalism against Campbell's evolutionary epistemology. Discover how trial-and-error learning in animals mirrors scientific knowledge growth. Popper's thoughts on genetics, sensation, and non-linear processes create intriguing links between knowledge and evolution. Can modern machine learning challenge traditional epistemological views? Tune in for a lively exploration of ideas and insights that redefine how we perceive knowledge itself!
7 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 40min
Episode 123: Campbell vs Deutsch: Incremental vs Cosmic Significance
Dive into a captivating debate on knowledge creation between Campbell and Deutsch. Unpack the question of whether knowledge growth is a rare occurrence or a commonality in nature. Explore the implications of artificial evolution and the limitations of pseudo-Deutsch interpretations. Discover how machine learning intersects with established knowledge theories. Delve into the nuances of open-ended creativity and the challenges of defining knowledge itself. This discussion bridges philosophy, technology, and the nature of discovery.
11 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 122: The Case Against Logical Fallacies
Dive into the intriguing world of logical fallacies and rationality. Discover why many fallacy accusations miss the mark in real debates. Explore the difference between logical and rational fallacies, and learn when to focus on premises rather than formal deductions. Bruce examines the relevance of common fallacies, argues for a new category of rational fallacies, and reflects on the importance of testable theories in discussions. Join in as he critiques vague reasoning and emphasizes the need for clarity in arguments.
19 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 2h 43min
Episode 121: Beliefs
Delve into the tangled web of beliefs and their paradoxical nature. Bruce argues that while beliefs can motivate, they also come with dangers. Are we fooling ourselves by denying we have beliefs? Popper’s views on rationalism and how these relate to modern dilemmas—like AI doomerism—are examined. The discussion reveals how mythic belief systems can drive science and personal conviction, and why holding beliefs lightly might be the key. A provocative look at the balance between private motivations and public discourse.
14 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 51min
Episode 120: Popper on Trial
Bruce puts Karl Popper on trial against Michael Strevens’ intriguing claims from The Knowledge Machine. They dive into the iron law of explanation, contrasting empirical evidence with philosophy and politics. The discussion highlights Popper's communication issues and the problem of induction. Does Strevens genuinely improve on Popper or just misread him? The conversation probes scientists' beliefs and the idea of rational action in scientific discourse, ultimately concluding that while Strevens clarifies some aspects, he also misrepresents key elements of Popper's philosophy.
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 55min
Episode 119: New Right vs Libertarianism w/Logan Chipkin
In this discussion, Logan Chipkin, a writer and president of the Conjecture Institute, tackles the clash between the New Right and libertarianism. He explores how core beliefs differ among liberalism, conservatism, and libertarianism. Chipkin dives into the allure of conspiracy theories among libertarians and critiques capitalism on the Right. He also addresses the misalignment of mainstream conservatives with intellectual argumentation, and examines the implications of immigration policies and military interventions, advocating for a nuanced, rational approach.
