We discuss the idea that human consciousness may have literally been kick-started by a ritual developed by a snake cult, which is surprisingly plausible. The Snake Cult of Consciousness by Andrew Cutler or listen to the original post in audio, … Continue reading →

Zvi Mowshowitz, expert on Simulacra Levels and recent history of OpenAI, discusses his work, what happened at OpenAI, and delves into Simulacra Levels - a way to categorize different types of communication. They explore the dangers of higher Simulacra Levels and the importance of conveying information honestly. They also discuss enforcing idealistic principles, expressing individual opinions, and understanding truth levels. The conversation touches on addressing negative situations, Newt Gingrich's support for space exploration, and the origins of 'more DACA'.

Steven and Eneasz just chat a whole lot about random things, and take some listener mail. Topics include: Rationality Quotes, Polyamory, Bostrom, Justice, and Vengeance OTHER LINKS Yassine’s post MonoPoly Restricted Trust TBC 14 – Street Epistemology There Are 4 … Continue reading →

Can we do anything to approach the creation of an artificial super intelligence more cautiously and methodically? Jason Green-Lowe and Jakub Kraus of CAIP think so, and they’re working the government side of the problem. The Center for AI Policy … Continue reading →

Are there other ways to disincentivize attempted murder? Related Episodes: 196 and 198 and BB22

You thought the title was a penis joke? For shame. Steven updates Eneasz on the outcome of the trial he served jury duty on in August. Related Episodes: 196 and 198

We talk more with Brandon Hendrickson about his ACX-contest winning book review of The Educated Mind by Kieran Egan. Also discussions of rationality, post-rationalism, and more. The winning book review in its original text (also in audio (itunes, spotify)) Brandon’s substack – The Lost Tools … Continue reading →

We talk with Brandon Hendrickson about his ACX-contest winning book review of The Educated Mind by Kieran Egan. “A novel theory about why schools, as they are now, don’t work.” The winning book review in its original text (also in audio … Continue reading →

Guests Aella and Yassine discuss polyamory, exploring the definition and role of restrictions in non-monogamous relationships. They debate the framing of polyamory versus monogamy, dive into the challenges of communication and trust, and touch on the perception of sex workers. The speakers also explore seeking novelty in relationships, objections to polyamory, and the concept of costly signals as a way to establish trust. They conclude by discussing the Guild of the Rose and the significance of blood types in Japan.

Two smaller episodes dropped as one – The History of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, and Reflections on Steven’s Jury Experience LINKS We Tuskegeed My Dad Unraveling the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis SNL skit Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Enhancement Drug … Continue reading →