On this episode of Unsupervised Learning, friend of the podcast, Charles Murray returns to chat with Razib again. Murray has been a public intellectual and scholar since the 1970’s. He is the author of Losing Ground, The Bell Curve, Human Accomplishment, Real Education, Coming Apart and What it means to be a libertarian and Human Diversity, among others. Born in 1943 in Newton, Iowa, Murray has a BA from Harvard, an MA and PhD from MIT, and did a 1960’s stint in the Peace Corps in Thailand. He has held positions at the American Institutions for Research, the Manhattan Institute and the American Enterprise Institute. More than four years after their last conversation, and seven years after his official retirement, Murray reflects with Razib on where he sees America going in the next decade, and what has surprised him about the last 25 years. Razib asks what it is like to be a long-standing “Never Trump conservative” and a libertarian in Trump’s populist America. They also discuss the end of the “awokening” that began in the mid-2010s, and whether Murray’s long exile from notice and acknowledgement from mainstream opinion-leaders and tastemakers is at an end. Murray also addresses the ideological fractures he sees on the right, and how America will deal with the last generation of mass immigration that has altered the US’ demographic balance. They also discuss how taboo it still is to talk about group differences in cognitive performance, and whether America will be able to face the reality of demographics and the social consequences thereof in the 21st century.

On this episode of Unsupervised Learning, Razib talks to Titus Techera, a Romanian living in Budapest, but commenting extensively on American and European culture. He is the Executive Director of the American Cinema Foundation, International Coordinator of the National Conservatism Conference and is a primary contributor to the Substack PostModernConservative. Techera also hosts a podcast for the American Cinema Foundation. Razib first talks to Techera about the 2024 Romanian presidential election that was overturned by the courts over accusations of Russian interference. Techera explains the social and cultural context of the candidate initially declared victorious against a backdrop of Romanian society’s typical stock characters. Techera also discusses the tension between having a nation-state with a distinctive character and becoming part of the broader EU project that is attempting to forge unity across 27 countries. He then addresses what a “Postmodern Conservative” is in the context of the arts. Perhaps most importantly, PostModern Conservatives take the 20th century and the modernist period seriously; they are not simply reactionaries who want to return to the 19th century. Conservatives who value the arts and culture cannot simply roll the tape back; they have to engage with what has come before. Razib and Techera also consider how inferences from the sciences, like the rejection of the “blank slate,” might influence the arts. They also discuss their disagreements about the latest Dune films, Techera prefers David Lynch’s attempt to adapt the book in 1984 to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 version.

Nathan Lents, a Professor at John Jay College and author of "The Sexual Evolution," dives deep into the fascinating world of sexual behavior through an evolutionary lens. He challenges traditional notions of monogamy, dissecting its complexities and cultural interpretations. The discussion spares no detail as they explore the evolution of gender roles and familial dynamics, touching on social behavior in both humans and animals. Lents emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of sexual identity, reflecting on how societal norms shape our relationships.

Antonio Regalado, a seasoned reporter from MIT Technology Review, dives into the profound consequences of the CRISPR baby scandal. He reveals how He Jiankui, the scientist behind the genetic modifications, has shifted his focus to social media, raising new questions about ethics in gene editing. Regalado discusses the rise and fall of CRISPR biotech startups, the gray market emerging for genomic services, and the future implications of genetic interventions on society. The episode critically examines the balance between scientific innovation and ethical responsibility in genetic technology.

Daniel McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Modern Age and former editor at The American Conservative, dives into American conservatism after Trump. He discusses the shifting coalitions within both major parties and the impact of demographic changes on conservatism. McCarthy reflects on the origins of current conservative divisions and the roles of figures like William F. Buckley and Russell Kirk. He also examines how evangelicalism has shaped the Republican Party and how conservatives can adapt in a changing cultural landscape.

Tade Souaiaia, a statistical geneticist at SUNY Downstate, dives into the complex world of genetic architecture and its implications for traits like height and athletic ability. He discusses new insights from his research on polygenic traits and how data influx is reshaping our understanding. The conversation takes a turn to race and sports, where he argues against firm conclusions about group differences in athletic performance due to variable historical factors, challenging simplifications in genetic ancestry narratives.

Shadi Hamid, a Washington Post columnist and professor at Fuller Seminary, offers a deep dive into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the enduring pessimism surrounding the long-term prospects for peace. Hamid also addresses the growing American progressive support for Palestine and the challenge of anti-Semitism. Shifting gears, he shares insights on identity politics, the implications for minority representation in the U.S., and the evolving political dynamics post-election.

Conn Carroll, the author of "Sex and the Citizen," digs into the intriguing history of marriage and its sociopolitical ramifications. He challenges the notion that humans are naturally non-monogamous, arguing instead for a biological basis for monogamy. Carroll connects the rise of agriculture to the increase in polygamy, noting how social hierarchies shaped access to partners. The discussion also weaves through the evolution of family structures in America, examining how cultural dynamics influence contemporary relationships.

Dan Hess, an engineer and demographer known for his insights on fertility, joins to discuss the alarming global decline in birth rates. They explore the profound cultural shift from overpopulation fears to a birth dearth narrative, focusing on extreme cases like South Korea's drastically low fertility. The conversation also highlights the connections between religion and pro-natalist values, contrasting communities like the Amish with modern societal pressures. Hess emphasizes the economic and cultural implications of these trends, calling for renewed support for larger families.

Brian Chau, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Future and a former software engineer with a mathematics background, dives into the optimistic potential of AI. He counters the doom-laden narratives surrounding artificial intelligence, advocating for a balanced view. Chau discusses the stagnation in AI due to diminishing returns and critiques the industry's focus on scaling over innovation. He also highlights groundbreaking advancements from DeepSeek in China, revealing their geopolitical and economic implications and the need for a fresh approach to AI experimentation.