
The Jim Rutt Show
Crisp conversations with critical thinkers at the leading edge of science, technology, politics, and social systems.
Latest episodes

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 55min
EP 256 Glenn Loury on Confessions of a Black Conservative
Glenn Loury, a prominent economist and author, discusses his memoir, focusing on his journey as a Black conservative. He shares anecdotes from his childhood on the South Side of Chicago and the significant influence of family, particularly his aunt Eloise. Loury reflects on the tension between his academic life and personal struggles, including a tumultuous marriage and battles with addiction. He delves into the complexities of race, identity, and political evolution, offering profound insights into the social constructs shaping our understanding of inequality.

61 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 2h 10min
EP 255 Is God Real? (with Jordan Hall)
Jordan Hall, a philosophical thinker, dives into the logical necessity of the Holy Trinity, exploring how it informs our relationship with reality. He discusses relational vs. substance ontology, arguing that relationships are paramount in understanding existence. The conversation spans concepts like unity and multiplicity within the Trinity, as well as the implications of multiverses on belief systems. Hall critiques reductionist views and underscores the interconnectedness of all things, advocating for a narrative approach to understanding divine and human relationships.

17 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 46min
EP 254 John Robb on What Went Wrong with America
John Robb, an insightful author and technology analyst, delves into the systemic issues plaguing American society. He discusses the harmful effects of tribalism on collective reasoning, exacerbated by recent political events. Robb sheds light on the erosion of trust in institutions and the breakdown of sense-making. He critiques America's globalist focus and its ramifications on national identity and social cohesion. The conversation also touches on the implications of geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding China and Taiwan.

65 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 51min
EP 253 Alexander Bard Part 3: Process and Event
In this enlightening chat, philosopher and artist Alexander Bard, co-author of 'Process and Event,' delves into profound themes like the Bard Absolute and the dangers of nihilism. They discuss the shift from 'Game A' to 'Game B' for a meaningful existence and critique the manipulative nature of advertising, drawing parallels to historical injustices. The conversation touches on imaginative concepts such as the 'Messiah Machine' and explores humanity's future, including the prospects of life beyond Earth and the ethical implications of extraterrestrial interactions.

50 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 52min
EP 252 Alexander Bard Part 2: Process and Event
In a deep dive with Alexander Bard, a philosopher and co-author of *Process and Event*, thought-provoking topics unfold. They tackle monism versus dualism and its impact on belief systems. The radical idea of a political body of grandmothers sparks intriguing governance discussions. Bard explores libido and mortido as dual forces shaping identity, and critiques leadership archetypes, using the 'Pillar Saint' and 'Boy Pharaoh' as key examples. This captivating dialogue blends philosophy, gender identity, and the essence of storytelling in understanding our reality.

Aug 9, 2024 • 38min
EP 251 Pamela Denise Long on Kamala Harris and Blackness in America
Pamela Denise Long, an expert in diversity and equity, dives into the implications of Kamala Harris's nomination for Black identity in America. She dissects the term 'Freedmen' and its significance in contemporary politics, contrasting it with recent immigrant experiences. The discussion touches on the complexities of affirmative action, mixed racial identities like Obama's and Harris's, and the historical context influencing today's policies. Long also shares her views on voting choices, emphasizing the necessity of understanding lineage in an increasingly multiracial society.

87 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 57min
EP 250 Alexander Bard Part 1: Process and Event
In this discussion, Alexander Bard, an author with a penchant for philosophical exploration, delves into his latest work on metaphysics and narratology. He unpacks the distinction between 'individuals' and 'dividuals', critiquing traditional views of identity. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of events and time, the essence of emergence in complexity, and the implications of Zoroastrianism on modern thought. Bard advocates for coherent pluralism in today's society, emphasizing the importance of decentralized structures to counter tyranny.

20 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 5min
EP 249 Seth Lloyd on Measuring Complexity
Seth Lloyd, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and an expert in measuring complexity, dives into the challenges of quantifying complexity across various scientific fields. He discusses Kolmogorov complexity and Shannon entropy, unraveling their implications for understanding biological systems. Exploring cellular automata and effective complexity, he demonstrates how simple rules can generate complex behaviors. Lloyd also examines bacterial metabolism, network complexity, and the environmental concerns of large language models, revealing the intricate dance between order and chaos in our universe.

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 7min
EP 248 Timothy Clancy on the Israel-Hamas War
Timothy Clancy discusses the Israel-Hamas War complexities, missed opportunities for peace, power dynamics, strategic limitations of bloodlust, arms supply dynamics, and the rise of Iran. Insights into the civil war between Fatah and Hamas, Yasser Arafat's rejection of a settlement, the role of Indian & Bangladeshi bot farms, and Gaza's potential future as a chaotic state.

8 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 52min
EP 247 Sergey Kuprienko on Drone Warfare in Ukraine
Sergey Kuprienko, CEO of Swarmer, discusses drone warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, highlighting parallels with WWI aviation advancements. Topics include pilot vs operator roles, AI decision-making, swarm tactics, production rates, Russia's countermeasures, and AI vs machine learning impact. They touch on green warfare, distribution of drone pilot abilities, D3 Capital collaboration, and the role of collective intelligence in future warfare.
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