Robinson's Podcast

Richard Wolff, a renowned Professor Emeritus of Economics, dives into provocative comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, analyzing their impacts on American society. He explores the failures of economic policies, including tariffs and sanctions, and critiques how these decisions have led to global repercussions. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in politics, particularly TikTok, and examines the historical context of capitalism's evolution. Wolff's insights on Marxism's relevance today provide a thought-provoking lens on current events.

Garry Nolan, a Professor at Stanford specializing in pathology and a renowned UAP investigator, engages in an enthralling discussion about the existence of aliens and their possible visitations to Earth. He explores intriguing concepts such as interdimensional travelers, the Atacama Mummy controversy, and the implications of the Fermi Paradox. Nolan shares his personal UFO encounter and delves into the intersection of UAPs and national security, all while advocating for scientific inquiry into these enigmatic phenomena.

Tim Maudlin, a Professor of Philosophy at NYU and founder of the John Bell Institute for the Foundations of Physics, dives into the complexities of general relativity. He unpacks the concepts of black holes and curvature of space, shedding light on Penrose diagrams and their implications. The conversation also explores the paradoxes of distance and time, contrasting Newtonian physics with Einstein's revolutionary theories. Expect thought-provoking insights that challenge common misconceptions in the fascinating realm of physics.

Leonard Susskind is Felix Block Professor of Physics at Stanford University. Along with other accomplishments, he is among the fathers of such revolutionary concepts in physics as string theory, black hole complementarity, the holographic principle, and the string-theoretic landscape. He was also the guest on episode #217, where he and Robinson discussed the fine-tuning problem and the physics of the multiverse. In this episode, Leonard and Robinson get into another topic—black holes and the information paradox. More particularly, they talk about important figures like Stephen Hawking and Gerard ’t Hooft, singularities, chaos, whether the cosmos is a hologram, the end of the universe, and more. For further details, check out Leonard’s book on the title: The Black Hole War (Back Bay Books, 2009).The Black Hole War: https://a.co/d/3eTOHoZThe Theoretical Minimum: https://theoreticalminimum.comOUTLINE00:00 Introduction05:21 Black Holes and the War Between Relativity and Quantum Mechanics11:18 Is The Singularity at the Heart of a Black Hole Real?21:51 Demystifying the Puzzle of Quantum Information28:27 What Does The Famous Phrase “It From Bit” Mean?38:47 Can Information Be Stored on the Surface of a Black Hole?47:11 Was Stephen Hawking a Good Physicist?56:21 How Will The Universe End?1:00:49 What Is the Black Hole Information Paradox?1:10:47 What Is the Holographic Principle?1:20:01 How Leonard Susskind Won the Black Hole War Against Stephen Hawking1:25:09 What Is the Infamous AdS/CFT Correspondence?1:32:29 Is Physics in a Deep Crisis?1:39:29 Are String and M-Theory Totally Wrong?1:43:05 Is String Theory the Theory of Everything?1:47:43 Is String Theory a Failure?1:50:15 Does Our World Have Extra Dimensions?1:53:34 Could Our World Be a Hologram?Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.comRobinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University.

Norman Finkelstein, a renowned scholar with a PhD from Princeton, dives into the complexities of current political landscapes, discussing the impact of Donald Trump and identity politics on the left's decline. He critiques the Democratic Party's strategies and explores the tension between the working class and elites. Finkelstein highlights the significance of precise language in political discourse and reflects on historical perspectives, including the Holocaust's haunting legacy. His insights challenge prevailing narratives while championing the need for robust academic freedom and meaningful dialogue.

Richard Wolff, Professor Emeritus of Economics at UMass Amherst and expert in Marxist economics, shares his insights on the future of America under Trump's potential presidency. He discusses the growing discontent among voters, the decline of unions, and the economic factors influencing voter behavior. Wolff critiques Trump's rhetorical strategies and the interwoven narratives of nationalism and economic paradigms. He also delves into U.S.-China relations, emphasizing the complexities of global trade, climate issues, and the potential shifts in American leadership.

Victor Davis Hanson, a celebrated classicist and military historian from Stanford's Hoover Institution, shares insights on Donald Trump's presidency and the challenges ahead. He discusses the unexpected minority support for Trump and the complexities within the MAGA movement. The conversation dives into Trump's unique rhetorical style and its implications for political discourse. Additionally, Hansen addresses international relationships, focusing on China's influence in Latin America, and highlights California's water crisis as a pivotal local issue.

Raphael Bousso, a prominent physicist at the Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics, shares captivating insights into quantum mechanics. He discusses whether the theory holds unexplained mysteries, exploring interpretations and the nature of reality. Bousso debates the relevance of concepts like Schrödinger's cat, the multiverse, and how quantum theories may lead to a final understanding of the universe. Additionally, he examines the connections between quantum mechanics, gravity, and cosmology, urging listeners to embrace the complexities of this fundamental science.

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a professor at the University of Sydney and author of "Other Minds," dives into the fascinating world of cephalopods and consciousness. He shares captivating anecdotes from scuba diving with cuttlefish and octopuses, highlighting their remarkable cognitive abilities. The discussion also explores the evolution of conscious minds, questioning why certain species feel pain and what it truly means to experience consciousness. Ethical debates around animal welfare and our dietary choices round out this thought-provoking conversation about the intelligence of these mysterious creatures.

Ned Block, a Silver Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at NYU, dives into the perplexities of consciousness and artificial intelligence. He critiques the Turing Test and discusses its shortcomings in assessing AI like ChatGPT. The conversation spans interesting concepts such as blindsight, the connection between seeing and thinking, and the provocative thought experiments that challenge our understanding of intelligence. Block also reflects on his own philosophical influences, making for a deeply engaging dialogue.