Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Jason Richwine, a resident scholar at the Center for Immigration Studies and Harvard Ph.D., dives into the contentious immigration debate. He critiques Biden’s border policies, arguing for a moratorium on immigration, including legal channels. With the foreign-born population surging, Richwine emphasizes the economic and cultural ramifications of high-skilled immigration. He contrasts current policies with Trump’s approach, examining the potential for future reform amidst shifting political dynamics.

In this discussion, Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President at the Cato Institute and an expert on immigration policy, dives into the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration under Trump and Biden. He critiques the Biden administration's approach and how it fueled public anger over illegal immigration. The conversation touches on the media's role in shaping perceptions of immigration and crime, and the vital need for expanding legal immigration pathways. Nowrasteh also highlights the economic contributions of immigrants, debunking prevalent myths that cloud the debate.

In this engaging discussion, paleoanthropologist John Hawks sheds light on our complex ancestry. He revisits the past, exploring the significant contributions of Neanderthals and Denisovans to modern humans. Hawks reveals how the ancient DNA revolution has reshaped our understanding of human evolution. He highlights the unique evolutionary paths of various hominins and the challenges in interpreting fossil records. With insights into genetic diversity and archaic admixture, this conversation demystifies the intricate web of human ancestry.

Noah Millman, an American screenwriter and cultural critic, shares his journey from the world of finance to the arts. He discusses his disillusionment with neoconservatism and the evolving political commentary landscape. The conversation dives into the dangers of audience capture in content creation, the quest for diversity in media consumption, and the shifting dynamics of cinema in today’s culture. Millman also reflects on the intersections of faith and identity, exploring how religion and spirituality shape personal beliefs.

Cesar Fortes-Lima, a human geneticist at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the intriguing genetic history of the Fulani people. He highlights the diversity within Fulani subpopulations, revealing their ties to North African ancestry. The conversation explores how lactase persistence evolved among the Fulani, reflecting their unique dietary habits. Fortes-Lima also discusses the historical migrations during the Green Sahara period and stresses the importance of diverse genomic research to represent underrepresented populations effectively.

In this engaging conversation, Jack Despain Zhou, Executive Director of the Center for Educational Progress and former cryptographic analyst, advocates for individualized learning over the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education. He shares his transformative journey from an unmotivated student to a passionate advocate for educational reform. Discussing the tension between equalization and nurturing individual potential, Zhou critiques existing policies and emphasizes the importance of tailored education to foster high-achieving students. His insights challenge the norms and promote a more effective educational landscape.

Nikolai Yakovenko, CEO of DeepNewz and former research scientist at Google and Twitter, discusses the evolution of AI and its impact on the news industry. He highlights the fierce competition in AI, especially concerning Meta's multi-million dollar talent strategy. Yakovenko reflects on the balance between creative AI models and user guidance, and dives into the challenges posed by energy consumption in data centers. Their conversation touches on the significance of automation in the workforce and speculates on the future of various AI applications.

David van Ofwegen, a philosophy teacher in Thailand with expertise in Social Darwinism, shares intriguing insights about cultural shifts in the Netherlands. He discusses the striking assimilation of immigrants into Dutch society and how traditional customs, like Black Pete, clash with modern sensibilities. Ofwegen reflects on his experience returning to a transformed homeland, where diverse languages flourish amid rising anti-Semitism. Additionally, he analyzes the complexities of expat life in Thailand and the delicate balance of ethics in education within a multicultural context.

Claire Lehmann, founder of Quillette and a prominent voice in contemporary intellectual discourse, joins Razib to delve into the evolution of her publication and the intellectual dark web. They discuss the corrosive effects of woke culture on academia, the challenges of maintaining ideological diversity, and the changing landscape of public discourse, particularly post-Elon Musk's Twitter changes. The conversation also touches on the future of education in the age of AI, and how cultural identity shifts influence societal norms and workplace dynamics.

Nathan Cofnas, a philosopher specializing in biology and ethics at the University of Cambridge, dives into controversial theories on Judaism as a group evolutionary strategy, critiquing Kevin MacDonald's work and the academic reception it has received. He discusses the backlash he faced for his hereditarian views and the implications of discussing race and intelligence in today’s academia. Cofnas also navigates the complexities of Jewish identity and the persistent tensions between scientific inquiry and societal values.