Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared
Intelligence Squared is the home of lively debate and deep-dive discussion. Follow Intelligence Squared wherever you get your podcasts and enjoy four regular episodes per week taking you to the heart of the issues that matter in the company of the world’s great minds. We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2. And if you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today. Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 22, 2024 • 57min
Archive: The Allure of Abandoned Places, with Cal Flyn
Cal Flyn, an award-winning author celebrated for her book 'Islands of Abandonment,' joins broadcaster Helen Czerski to explore the beauty of deserted landscapes. They discuss how nature beautifully reclaims abandoned places like Chernobyl and Detroit, revealing unexpected biodiversity. Flyn shares insights on balancing land conservation with indigenous rights, while also reflecting on her research in Tanzania's ecosystems amidst climate change. This conversation highlights the intricate relationship between human impact, ecological recovery, and the moral value of all species.
9 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 41min
Mustafa Suleyman on Intelligence and Power in the Twenty-First Century, Part Two
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection AI, shares his insights on the transformative power of AI. He discusses the urgent need for regulations, drawing parallels to historical norms around nuclear weapons. Suleyman emphasizes the importance of creating a cultural shift towards optimism regarding technology while navigating economic uncertainties. He also explores AI's impact on mental well-being and the future of work, advocating for a balanced relationship between accountability and AI autonomy.
16 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 38min
Mustafa Suleyman on Intelligence and Power in the Twenty-First Century, Part One
In this conversation, Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind, dives into the transformative power and potential risks of artificial intelligence. He discusses the rapid advancements reshaping industries, the shift from rule-based systems to generative models, and the philosophical distinctions between intelligence and consciousness. Suleyman shares insights from his book, highlighting the urgency of addressing innovation's societal implications while outlining what we can expect from AI's evolving role in our lives.
Sep 16, 2024 • 48min
Ex-Wife: Ursula Parrott's Forgotten Literary Classic, with Marsha Gordon and Hannah Dawson
Marsha Gordon, a Professor of Film Studies and expert on Ursula Parrott, joins Hannah Dawson, editor of The Penguin Book of Feminist Writing, to delve into Parrott's overlooked masterpiece, Ex-Wife. They discuss the vibrant yet tumultuous landscape of 1920s New York, exploring themes of divorce and female independence. The conversation highlights Parrott's critique of masculinity, the nuances of love amidst oppression, and the importance of female friendships, drawing parallels to contemporary issues faced by women today.
Sep 15, 2024 • 41min
Archive: The Psychology of Language, with Morten Christiansen and Nick Chater
Morten Christiansen, a professor at Cornell, and Nick Chater, a behavioral science expert at Warwick, dive into the fascinating world of language in their insightful discussion. They explore language's playful nature and its evolution through social interactions, challenging conventional views. The duo highlights the link between language, social status, and creativity in dialects. They also discuss the cognitive benefits of multilingualism and the limits of machine translation, emphasizing the irreplaceable essence of human communication.
Sep 12, 2024 • 46min
Black Arsenal: Club, Culture and Identity, Part Two
Join Baroness Lola Young, an accomplished academic and activist, Clive Chijioke Nwonka, co-editor of "Black Arsenal," former Arsenal player Paul Davis, and ArsenalVision's Clive Palmer as they dive into Arsenal Football Club's cultural significance. They discuss the club's impact on identity and community within North London's Black culture. The group addresses historical representation, the realities of racism in sports, and the emotional connections among fans, celebrating the diverse voices that make up the Arsenal family.
Sep 10, 2024 • 37min
Black Arsenal: Club, Culture and Identity, Part One
Join Clive Chijioke Nwonka, co-editor of "Black Arsenal: Club, Culture and Identity," Paul Davis, a former Arsenal FC footballer, and Baroness Lola Young, a multi-talented academic and activist, as they delve into Arsenal's rich multicultural heritage. The trio discusses the profound links between the club and the Black community, exploring personal narratives, identity, and the significance of representation in football. They highlight how iconic Black players have influenced both the club's culture and its fans, making Arsenal a symbol of hope and identity.
11 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 53min
Lessons from History on How to Tackle Today's Greatest Challenges, with Roman Krznaric
Roman Krznaric, a leading social philosopher and author, delves into lessons from the past to address today's pressing issues like climate change and inequality. He emphasizes the transformative power of grassroots movements and the necessity of historical awareness for sustainable living. Joined by Adam McCauley, they explore the revival of democratic dialogue through historical coffeehouses and innovative governance solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of collective identity and action in creating a responsible, engaged society.
13 snips
Sep 7, 2024 • 44min
The Benefits of Embracing Our Limitations, with Oliver Burkeman
Join Oliver Burkeman, a brilliant writer known for his Guardian column and insightful books, as he explores the transformative power of embracing our limitations. Alongside journalist Jehan Casinader, they discuss how modern pressures from technology magnify feelings of inadequacy. Burkeman introduces 'imperfectionism', where viewing flaws as strengths leads to deeper fulfillment. They also tackle the challenges of meaningful work amidst life’s chaos, encouraging a shift in perspective to reclaim agency over our choices.
Sep 5, 2024 • 37min
The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum, Part Two
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and expert on autocracy, dives into the evolution of autocratic regimes in the 21st century. She discusses how modern autocracies are like global networks, operating transactionally rather than ideologically. Applebaum highlights the sophistication of cross-border propaganda and the necessity for democracies to adapt and engage actively. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these regimes through a new lens, encouraging civic participation as a defense against democratic erosion.
