If meaning is made with our minds, what role does the body play in shaping meaning? How do the studies of philosophy and cognitive science intersect?  Mark Johnson is an emeritus professor of philosophy at the University of Oregon and one of the key thought leaders on the co-evolution of philosophy and science in the 20th century. His books like, Metaphors We Live By and Philosophy in the Flesh: the Embodied Mind & its Challenge to Western Thought explore the relationship between philosophy and cognitive science. Mark and Greg discuss the evolution of philosophical thought from metaphysical realism to embodied cognition, the impact of metaphors on human thought and understanding, and philosophy’s potential future in the world of artificial intelligence. *unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Show Links:Recommended Resources:George Lakoff Patricia ChurchlandGottlob FregeMaurice merleau pontyJohn DeweyBrain in a vatJames J. GibsonTime and Narrative by Paul RicoeurWilliam JamesGuest Profile:Faculty Profile at University of OregonProfessional WebsiteHis Work:Metaphors We Live ByPhilosophy in the Flesh: the Embodied Mind & its Challenge to Western ThoughtMoral Imagination: Implications of Cognitive Science for EthicsThe Meaning of the Body: Aesthetics of Human UnderstandingEmbodied Mind, Meaning, and Reason: How Our Bodies Give Rise to UnderstandingPhilosophical Perspectives on MetaphorOut of the Cave: A Natural Philosophy of Mind and KnowingEpisode Quotes:Embodiment and the human experience 15:25: The fundamental unit of experience, or of anything you do or think, is a human brain, at least partially functioning, operating a human body, at least partially functioning as it engages in an ongoing way. It's an environment which is, at once, material, interpersonal, and cultural. That's a nugget of what everything we're doing is about and trying to articulate. So, embodiment all the way through. And now that we have all these information processing models, sometimes questions get raised about, well, you know, are we going to do what to do away with the body and all of that, but you have to build up to that.All philosophy emerge in experience44:53: I think that all philosophy, all thought, all action, and all values emerge in experience, which is not reducible; its enriched experience, and that we have to, through inquiry, remake that experience to move forward in the world. On bringing rigor from science to the humanities50:05: Doing good science is so difficult, labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive that it kind of fills up your world, I want to say. And they [scientists] don't see the same rigor in what they regard as the humanities. So, the best I can do with that is try to bring research out of the humanities and help it interface.On the theory of meaning26:27: My theory of meaning is built around the fact that the meaning of something is the affordances that it enacts. There's a complicated story to tell about that, but intuitively, it makes you grow into a world where you learn the meaning of things by what it affords you by way of experience.

Hilke Schellmann, a journalism professor at NYU and author of "The Algorithm," dives into the transformative yet troubling role of AI in hiring. She discusses how AI can perpetuate biases that human managers might not, raising concerns about fairness and efficacy. The conversation highlights the inaccuracies of AI in assessing candidate qualifications and the need for greater transparency in recruitment practices. Schellmann advocates for human oversight to combat the pitfalls of algorithm-driven hiring, emphasizing genuine skills over superficial correlations.

In a riveting discussion, Gary Marcus, an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at NYU and AI expert, challenges the prevailing misconceptions of artificial intelligence. He highlights the 'gullibility gap' where people overestimate AI's capabilities and stresses the urgent need for regulatory frameworks akin to those in pharmacology. Marcus critiques current AI models, advocating for a balance between deep learning and traditional programming. He also delves into the societal impacts of generative AI, including copyright dilemmas and the necessity of critical thinking in education.

Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View and author of The Exponential Age, discusses how rapid technological advancements are transforming business, politics, and society. He highlights the importance of adapting to these changes through continuous learning and strategic knowledge. Azeem breaks down the implications of general-purpose technologies like AI and renewable energy. He also addresses challenges in data ownership and the potential of AI for social good, especially in underserved regions, advocating for equitable access to technological benefits.

In this discussion, economic philosopher Margaret Schabas inverts common misconceptions about economics. As a professor at the University of British Columbia and author of *A Philosopher's Economist*, she explores how economic thought evolved from natural philosophy through key figures like Hume and Smith. Topics include the interplay between human agency and economic behavior, the shift from divine order to individual agency, and the historical ties between economics and Darwinism, highlighting the complexities of human behavior in understanding economic patterns.

Scott Doorley, Creative Director at Stanford's d.school, and Carissa Carter, Academic Director and Adjunct Professor, delve into the evolving nature of design in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the ethical responsibilities of designers and the long-term impacts of their work. Key topics include embracing discomfort as a path to creativity, the transformative power of design thinking, and the importance of noticing unintended consequences. They also advocate for intentional design choices that foster innovation and address societal challenges.

In this discussion, Richard A. Muller, a UC Berkeley physics professor and author of 'Now: The Physics of Time', emphasizes the crucial link between physics and addressing global warming. He argues that scientific literacy is vital for policymakers to grasp critical concepts, particularly the realities of climate change and nuclear energy. Muller explores the misconceptions surrounding nuclear power, the challenges of carbon emissions, and innovative energy solutions, advocating for clearer communication to bridge the gap between science and public understanding.

Michael Spitzer, a music professor at the University of Liverpool and author of "The Musical Human," explores the essence of human musicality. He delves into the origins of music in nature and its evolution through cultural expression. The discussion highlights the transition from communal music-making to passive consumption, and how technology is reshaping musical composition. Spitzer examines the interplay of music, emotion, and community, questioning whether we are losing the deeper value of music in today's world.

Erik Angner, a professor of philosophy at Stockholm University and author of 'How Economics Can Save the World,' discusses the critical link between economics and addressing global challenges like pandemics and climate change. He highlights the need for economists to engage more deeply with societal issues and critiques the public's lack of economic understanding. Angner also explores the role of philosophy in integrating social sciences, emphasizing that a blend of empirical research and philosophical inquiry can lead to innovative solutions for modern problems.

David Robson, a former editor at New Scientist and author, dives into the complex relationship between intelligence and wisdom. He reveals that traditional IQ tests often fail to predict real-world success and emphasizes the role of critical thinking in education. Robson also discusses how mindset can enhance healing through the placebo effect, the balance between optimism and pessimism in personal growth, and the importance of diverse skills in teamwork, urging listeners to rethink how they measure intelligence and decision-making.