

Paradigm
Matthew Geleta
Conversations with the world's deepest thinkers in philosophy, science, and technology. A global top-ranked podcast by Matt Geleta.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2023 • 1h 10min
Chris Ferrie: Quantum Computing
Chris Ferrie is a physicist and mathematician, whose work focuses on quantum mechanics and quantum computing. He's the author of several highly successful science books, as well as cofounder of the quantum computing company, Eigensystems.
Find episode details, video and more at: https://www.matthewgeleta.com/
Topics:
* The foundations of quantum computing
* The state of quantum computing technology today
* What impact quantum computers might have on the world
* Quantum hype
… and other topics.
Chris’s links:
* Website: https://www.csferrie.com/
* Books: https://www.csferrie.com/books
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow and leave a 5-star review
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
- Donate: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube
- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rss
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:00 Should we still be using classical encryption?
2:58 How much faster will quantum computers be?
4:18 Did Google achieve quantum supremacy?
9:39 How does quantum computation work?
12:35 What's needed to get to commercial scale quantum computing?
16:12 Physical vs virtual qubits and fault-tolerant computers
18:25 How long until we have 'useful' quantum computers?
26:48 What's halting progress in quantum computing?
31:30 Applications of quantum computing
34:55 The Quantum Multiverse & David Deutsch
42:24 Decoherence (Evidence of a multiverse?)
47:46 Why is the quantum multiverse polarising?
49:50 Quantum bullsh*t
55:55 Eigensystems
1:01:45 Book recommendations
1:03:30 Advice for curious minds
1:06:26 Tommy Wiseau

7 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 28min
Joel David Hamkins: Philosophy of Mathematics and Truth
Renowned mathematician and philosopher Joel David Hamkins discusses concepts of truth and proof in mathematics, including the completeness and incompleteness theorems. He explores the beauty of abstract mathematics and the importance of following one's interests. The chapter also addresses online presence and ongoing projects, as well as the question of choosing a representative for AI superintelligence.

Aug 3, 2023 • 1h 26min
Junaid Mubeen: Artificial Intelligence & Education
Junaid Mubeen holds a PhD in maths from Oxford and a Masters in Education from Harvard. He has spent over a decade working on innovative learning technologies, including as Head of Product and Director of Education at Whizz Education, and as Chief Operating Officer at Write the World.
Find episode details, video and more at: https://www.matthewgeleta.com/
We discuss
* AI in chess and other games
* AI performance on standardised tests
* Problems with the education system and the role AI might play in alleviating these troubles
* Risks in the use of AI in tutors and teachers
… and other topics
Junaid’s links:
* Book: Mathematical Intelligence (UK version, US version)
* Website: www.fjmubeen.com
* Substack:
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube
- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rss
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow and leave a 5-star review
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
- Donate: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:24 Gary Kasparov & artificial intelligence in chess
5:32 GPT4 performance on standardised tests
11:21 Ken Robinson & risks of AI in traditional education
17:03 Khan Academy and advancements in EdTech
38:19 Government regulation of educational AIs
44:20 Will AIs replace teachers and tutors? 55:55 Big picture view of AI in education
1:02:49 Identifying high-potential young mathematicians
1:11:04 Junaid's work with Simon Singh
1:16:06 Advice for young ambitious people
1:19:44 Book recommendations
1:23:14 Who should represent humanity to a superintelligent AI?
1:25:05 Thanks and wrap-up

Jul 21, 2023 • 1h 51min
Mark Solms: Consciousness and Artificial Sentience
Mark Solms is a celebrated neuroscientist known for his discovery of the brain mechanisms of dreaming. His work with Karl Friston and others has had a profound influence on our understanding of consciousness.
Find episode details, video and more at: https://www.matthewgeleta.com/
Today’s topics include:
* Consciousness in non-human animals
* Historical paradigms in our understanding of consciousness
* The source of consciousness in the brain stem
* The “hard problem” of consciousness
* The possibility of engineering consciousness in non-biological substrates
* The ethical implications of synthetic and non-biological systems
… and other topics,
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please give us a 5-star review on your favourite podcast player - that’s the best way you can support us.
Mark’s links:
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/mark_solms
* Book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-hidden-spring/mark-solms/9781788162838
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow and leave a 5-star review
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
- Donate: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube
- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rss

Jul 6, 2023 • 1h 12min
Tony Padilla: Black Holes and Entropy
Tony Padilla is a theoretical physicist and a star of the Numberphile YouTube network, where many of his videos have been viewed by millions of people around the world.
Find episode details, video and more at: https://www.matthewgeleta.com/
Today’s discussion includes:
* The mysterious force of gravity
* The search for a so-called ‘theory of everything’
* Black holes, including the black hole at the centre of our own galaxy
* Entropy, and Stephen Hawking’s foundational contributions to this topic
* The possibility that we may be living in a holographic universe
… and other topics.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please give us a 5-star review on your favourite podcast player - that’s the best way you can support us.
Tony’s links:
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrTonyPadilla
* Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Fantastic-Numbers-Where-Find-Them/dp/0374600562
* Numberphile: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt5AfwLFPxWL8KAJKO3WfHhJcWrJfjgfU
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow and leave a 5-star review
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
- Donate: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube
- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rss

Jul 2, 2023 • 1h 33min
Tim Maudlin: Philosophy of Science and Quantum Physics
Tim Maudlin is a philosopher of science and founder of the John Bell Institute for the Foundations of Physics.
Find episode details, video and more at: https://www.matthewgeleta.com/
Today’s topics include:
* Philosophy of science and its relationship to science in practice
* Paradigms in philosophy, science, and mathematics
* The foundations of quantum mechanics
* ‘Interpretations’ of the quantum wave function
* ‘Many worlds’ and other hypotheses for the nature of our universe
Tim’s links:
* John Bell Institute: https://www.johnbellinstitute.org/
* Tim’s website: http://www.tim-maudlin.site/
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow and leave a 5-star review
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
- Donate: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube
- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rss
Get full access to Paradigm at

Jun 22, 2023 • 1h 25min
Yang-Hui He: String Theory and Machine Learning
Yang-Hui He is a mathematical physicist and pioneer in the usage of artificial intelligence and machine learning in pure mathematics and theoretical physics.
Find episode details, video and more at: https://www.matthewgeleta.com/
Today’s topics include:
* The mathematical foundations of the laws of nature
* Misconceptions about geometry
* The search for a ‘theory of everything’, leading to the rise of string theory
* Artificial intelligence and its applications in fundamental sciences
* And Yang’s pioneering use of machine learning in string theory and beyond
Yang’s books:
* Machine Learning in Pure Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
* Topology And Physics
* The Calabi–Yau Landscape: From Geometry, to Physics, to Machine Learning
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow and leave a 5-star review
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
- Donate: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube
- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rss

Jun 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
Richard Harries: Religion vs Science
Richard Harries is a member of the House of Lords in the UK, and former Bishop of Oxford, and Dean of King’s College London. He’s an Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and a Fellow of the the Royal Society of Literature.Richard is a Cambridge University graduate, and holds honorary doctorates from both the University of London and Oxford Brookes University. He’s also a former Lieutenant of the British Army, and winner of the President’s Medal by the British Academy. On top of all that, he’s the author of an astonishing 35 books, several of which have won literary awards, and he makes regular radio, television, and print appearances on the BBC.Today’s topics include* The place of religious beliefs and institutions in the modern world* The philosophy underlying progress and reform within religion* Stem cell research and artificial intelligence, and the prospects of creating artificial general intelligence (AGI)* The relationship between scientific and religious worldviews* Whether religion has a role to play when it comes to technology innovation and policies* The future of religionFind Richard at:* UK Parliament website: https://members.parliament.uk/member/3813/contactRichard’s books:* The Shaping of a Soul: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BX4V53C8/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0* The Beauty and the Horror: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01LZPET5P/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i5* After Evil: After the Evil: Christianity and Judaism in the Shadow of the Holocaust: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001M5U534/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i11PODCAST INFO:- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ- Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-google- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rssSUPPORT & CONNECT:- Follow, share with friends, and leave a 5-star review- Make a one-off donation: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeletaMusic written and produced for the Paradigm Podcast by James Mckernan: jamesoctobermusic@gmail.com Get full access to Paradigm at paradigmpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 9, 2023 • 1h 35min
Geraint Lewis: Simulated Universes and the Multiverse
Geraint Lewis is a Professor of Astrophysics, and author of several books about the strange universe we find ourselves in. In this episode, Matt and Geraint discuss a wide range of topics at the heart of fundamental physics, including- the difference between cosmology and astrophysics- the origin of the universe and everything in it (big bang, inflation)- the fine-tuning problem in physics- the anthropic principle- simulated universes and simulated intelligence- the multiverseFind Geraint at:- Website: https://www.geraintflewis.com/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cosmic_HorizonsGeraint’s books:- Where did the Universe come from?- The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook- A Fortunate UniversePODCAST INFO:- Website: https://paradigmpodcast.substack.com/- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ- Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-google- YouTube: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-youtube- RSS: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1656558/s/65176.rssSUPPORT & CONNECT:- Follow, share with friends, and leave a 5-star review- Make a one-off donation: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/- Substack: https://paradigmpodcast.substack.com/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeletaMusic written and produced for the Paradigm Podcast by James Mckernan: jamesoctobermusic@gmail.com Get full access to Paradigm at paradigmpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 32min
Michael Levin: Synthetic Biology and Exotic Forms of Life
Michael Levin is a Distinguished Professor in the Biology Department at Tufts University, with a background in both computer science and biology, including PhD from Harvard, and post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School.
Find Michael at:
- Website: https://drmichaellevin.org/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmichaellevin
Michael's businesses:
- https://www.morphoceuticals.com/
- https://www.faunasystems.com/
PODCAST INFO:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3IVDF2W
- Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3oEZYmJ
- Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/paradigm-on-google
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MatthewGeleta
SUPPORT & CONNECT:
- Follow, share with friends, and leave a 5-star review
- Make a one-off donation: https://bit.ly/donate-to-paradigm
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgeleta/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewGeleta
Music written and produced for the Paradigm Podcast by James Mckernan: jamesoctobermusic@gmail.com