Robinson's Podcast

Richard Wolff, Professor Emeritus of Economics, dives deep into the decline of the American empire, reflecting on its implications for global conflicts in Israel, Ukraine, and beyond. He discusses the rising power of BRICS nations, contrasting them with the G7, and critiques U.S. military strategies. The conversation delves into the misrepresentations of socialism, exploring its complexities in today's political discourse. Wolff also examines the balance of economic power, emphasizing local actions in the sprawling landscape of global capitalism.

David Albert, a distinguished philosophy professor at Columbia University, offers a captivating dive into the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. He explains how classical physics crumbles under quantum scrutiny and the perplexing behavior of particles in superposition. With anecdotes from his academic journey, he sheds light on the philosophical challenges posed by quantum mechanics. Tension between observer and observed is a key theme, as Albert navigates the complexities of reconciling everyday experiences with the bizarre quantum world, leaving listeners with profound insights.

Michael Hudson, a Distinguished Research Professor of Economics, dives into the crucial link between debt and economic collapse. He reveals how ancient civilizations, like Babylon and Rome, used debt cancellation to avert crises and how today's societies might benefit from similar strategies. The conversation critically examines modern international lending practices, the shift from industrial to finance capitalism, and the impact of privatization on public infrastructure. Hudson argues for a reimagined economic philosophy prioritizing societal welfare and stability.

Dive into a whirlwind of thought-provoking topics! Explore the nuances of moral dilemmas through various ethical theories like utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. Unravel the complexities of fantasy world-building while discussing productivity and discipline. Enjoy a humorous take on the appeal of clickbait in media and share favorite comedy styles. Reflect on the relationship between fitness, fashion, and self-identity. Plus, tackle the fine-tuning problem in physics and the Sorites Paradox in defining concepts. It's an intellectual feast!

Joscha Bach, a computer scientist and AI researcher at Liquid AI, delves into the fascinating landscape of consciousness and artificial intelligence. He discusses the philosophical theories of consciousness, from dualism to panpsychism, and examines if machines can ever replicate the human mind. The conversation touches on the evolution of AI, potential risks of advanced technologies, and the implications for society. Joscha also debates whether ChatGPT and its peers could surpass human intelligence, urging a careful look at AI's role in our future.

Norman Finkelstein, a renowned expert on Israel and Palestine with a PhD from Princeton, tackles controversial issues surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He confronts claims of genocide, critiques the narrative of Israeli self-defense, and discusses the implications of U.S. support for Israel. Finkelstein also explores the complicated nature of anti-Semitism in relation to criticism of Israel and highlights the importance of maintaining academic integrity amid politically charged research. His insights provide a thought-provoking perspective on a pressing global issue.

Leonard Susskind and the host tackle the fine-tuning problem in physics, discussing string theory, dark energy, the Higgs boson, the multiverse, eternal inflation, quantum mechanics interpretations, and the future of research in this fascinating episode.

Renowned physicist Raphael Bousso discusses the black hole information paradox, quantum gravity, and the holographic principle. Topics include the groundbreaking work of influential scientists, the implications of the holographic principle, and the interplay between classical gravity and quantum states.

Dr. Anna Lembke and host delve into psychiatry and philosophical connections. They cover topics like moral realism, therapy goals, transference, treating eating disorders, Nietzsche's influence on veganism, medication versus therapy, and the importance of creative pursuits in therapy.

In this episode, topics range from the reality of mathematics, moral facts, and the nature of time, to ice cream preferences and literary book recommendations for newcomers. The discussion also delves into Robinson's work in the philosophy of mathematics and the tension between infinitary avenues of mathematics and finitary mathematics.