Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality
Eliezer Yudkowsky, Eneasz Brodski; ty to JK Rowling
This is an alternate universe story, where Petunia married a scientist. Harry enters the wizarding world armed with Enlightenment ideals and the experimental spirit.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 18, 2012 • 35min
34 – Coordination Problems, Part 2
Preparations for the battle at Hogwarts, modified plans, underwater duels, Neville's transformation, separation and suspicions, and an uncertain game with a decisive choice.
Jan 11, 2012 • 28min
33 – Coordination Problems, Part 1
Hogwarts students battle in three armies, chaos ensues. Urgency to prevent a battle and save Professor Quirrell. Betrayal from Harry and his desire for chaos. Draco and Harry discuss the need for cooperation despite their differences. Analyzing the prisoner's dilemma and the importance of caring about each other.
Jan 4, 2012 • 26min
31 – Working In Groups, Part 2
Neville and his army employ battle strategies taught by General Potter, engaging in a fierce battle with dragons. Harry and Reiko discuss shield spells and the importance of questioning authority. Draco questions General Granger's abilities while uncovering evidence. Harry and Draco's contrasting approaches to idea generation and strategic planning are explored by Hermione and Zabini.
Dec 29, 2011 • 9min
Xmas Interlude (32) – Personal Financial Management
You’re a mean one, Mister Grinch Original Text Continue reading
5 snips
Dec 21, 2011 • 27min
30 – Working In Groups, Part 1
In this podcast, the characters prepare for a battle in the non-forbidden forest, using Muggle Camouflage uniforms. Harry reflects on the Roberts Cave Experiment and learns the importance of creating a common enemy. The soldiers gear up for the final battle, fueled by their love for their loved ones. Harry, Draco, and Neville plan their strategy and engage in a fierce battle against the enemy.
Dec 14, 2011 • 23min
29b – Egocentric Bias, part 2
Hermione assists Hufflepuff students, Harry and Hermione discuss Professor Quirrell's armies, Draco prepares for battle in General Granger's office, Draco proposes a collaboration with Hermione against Harry, Reflections on Harry Potter Day
Dec 7, 2011 • 29min
28b & 29a – Reductionism, part 2 & Egocentric Bias, part 1
Topics discussed in this podcast include Harry's unconventional transfiguration concept, the implementation of safety precautions, prophecies and apologies, Hermione's identity crisis, confrontations with Professor Quirrell, conspiracy theories about Pettigrew, and interesting topics like Broomstick Writing class.
Nov 30, 2011 • 32min
28a – Reductionism, part 1
Hermione and Harry explore transfiguration challenges and discuss nanotechnology experiments. They delve into the properties and applications of bucky tubes. Harry and Hermione conduct an experiment using a transfigured diamond ring to support weights. They discuss doubts about their research on magic. Harry and Hermione have a tense encounter and discuss safety. They reflect on their recent experiment and Harry reveals a breakthrough in understanding quantum mechanics.
Nov 24, 2011 • 3min
No New Episode – Thanksgiving 2011
The podcast is taking a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will return to regular weekly episodes next week. Sphere of Stars Continue reading
Nov 16, 2011 • 31min
27b – Empathy, part 2
In this episode, the podcast explores topics such as empathy, deception, forgiveness, and loss. The narrator sets the tone with a playful joke about wizards not dying from falling at Hogwarts. Neville defends a classmate against accusations, showing empathy for those who have lost their parents. Harry and Professor Quirrell have a intense conversation about concealing one's state of mind and Harry's resemblance to his father. Harry and Severus discuss the complexities of forgiveness, leading to strained trust. Harry discovers that his parents were not the heroes he imagined, causing him to reflect on the injustices of the world.
