Overthink

Dr. Shazeda Ahmed discusses the AI safety philosophy, from the potential utopia vs. dystopia of AI to aligning AI with human values for positive outcomes. The conversation delves into ethics, AI risks like global labor exploitation, and the need for human involvement in content moderation to prevent harmful content.

Reflecting on the journey, the hosts dive into the definition of overthinking, its connection to psychology, and its role in philosophy. They debate if overthinking hinders good decisions or enables social critique. Exploring Dewey's problem-solving view and Marxist critiques, they dissect the complexities of overthinking with humor and insights.

A deep dive into zombies from folklore to philosophical musings, exploring the eerie world of fungal-induced animal zombies and the cultural significance of zombies in Haitian voodoo. The podcast challenges traditional perceptions of zombies, delves into philosophical debates on consciousness and raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of academic philosophy and nonwestern culture.

In this podcast, the hosts unravel the complexities of reputation, from historical insights to modern-day implications. They discuss the impact of reputation on economic transactions, the evolution of reputation through Rousseau's life, and the tenuous realm of reputation in the digital age. Exploring cancel culture, social credit systems, and the nuances of managing reputations, this episode dives deep into the philosophical and practical aspects of reputation.

The podcast explores the nature of urban life, discussing advancements in city design, the significance of cities in literature, and the perks of city living. It also delves into the impact of territories on perception of risk, the colonial techniques of ordering in city planning, and the feminist writings of Christine de Pizan and her vision of a city of ladies.

"They find our bodies repulsive." Kate Manne, a philosopher and author, discusses fatphobia in our culture, questioning the validity of the BMI as a measure of health and the harmful effects of dieting. She explores the historical link between fatness and blackness, highlighting the impact of fatphobia in philosophy. The podcast also delves into the intersection of fatphobia with racism and classism, as well as the deep politicization of fatness. The speakers challenge societal stigmatization of fatness and explore misconceptions and biases surrounding weight and health.

Exploring the world of biohackers and the philosophical questions it raises. Topics include: night vision, superhuman strength, ethics of self-experimentation, consequences of Cartesian dualism, nostalgia for a pastoral paradise, human desire for experience and investigation, transcending our bodies, cryonics research, cryopreservation for future revival, misconceptions about freezing bodies, different aspects and applications of biohacking, ethical implications, risks and harm of DIY biohacking, metaphor of entrance and penetration, trade-offs and human control limitations, dental guard as a biohacking solution, search for peak performance, uncertainties and risks in gene editing, concerns of accessibility and bioterrorism.

From the origins of money to the impact of student debt, Ellie and David discuss debt as a metaphorical imbalance and the concept of intellectual debts. Nietzsche's perspective on debt and morality is explored, along with the consequences of insurmountable student debt on higher education. They also delve into the implications of debt in a society plagued by wealth inequality and the idea of a debt-canceling Jubilee.

The podcast delves into the philosophy behind pity, exploring its role in society and culture. Topics discussed include differing views on Father Mackenzie, triggers for pity in professional settings, the criticism of pity in disability studies, and the concept of pity in the disability rights movement. The speakers also delve into the problems with pity, the power relation it creates, and Aristotle's perspective on pity versus compassion.

Overthink invites Justin L. Clardy, philosophy professor and author of Why It's OK To Not be Monogamous, to discuss love beyond monogamy. They explore reimagining relationships, questioning the role of marriage in consumer capitalism, and finding agency, identity, and community in non-monogamous pathways. The chapter also touches on the impact of marriage on well-being and the value of relationships beyond romantic aspects.