Very Bad Wizards

Join a lively discussion that delves into the intriguing world of predictive processing theory and its unexpected connection to meditation. Explore the peculiar notion of people without an inner voice and what that means for cognition. The hosts dissect the fine line between visual and verbal thought processes, touching on social anxiety and its ties to inner speech. They also examine the intersection of Buddhist concepts and neuroscience, raising questions about meditation's impact on cognitive functions. Prepare for a mind-bending journey into thought and perception!

Dive into the fascinating world of myths and their relevance today, informed by Joseph Campbell's insights. Explore how storytelling shapes our understanding of politics and human experience. Reflect on the hero’s journey as a metaphor for personal growth, and laugh along with critical takes on contemporary political dynamics. The conversation weaves through the tensions faced by academics and international students, uncovering the deeper connection between myth, fear, and societal narratives.

Dive into the shadowy world of film noir as the hosts unpack 'Kiss Me Deadly,' revealing its Cold War anxieties and thrilling plot twists. They explore noir's defining traits—moral ambiguity and complex archetypes—and discuss the intricacies of Mike Hammer, a flawed and cold protagonist. The conversation highlights groundbreaking themes of repression, masculinity, and betrayal, while examining the film's powerful visuals and sound design. Listen in as they connect cinematic elements to deeper human experiences and societal fears.

The discussion dives into Borges' 'Shakespeare’s Memory,' probing what it means to hold the memories of a master artist. The hosts explore how these memories shape identity and existence. They also tackle the cancel culture debate at Cornell, examining the implications for free speech in academic spaces. The conversation beautifully intertwines themes of memory, identity, and the complexity of artistic creation, highlighting how our recollections define who we are.

David and Tamler talk about two famous puzzles that for different reasons have bedeviled the rationalist community – The Monty Hall Problem and Newcomb’s “paradox.” Why is it so hard for people to see that a 66% chance of winning a car is better than a 33% chance? Why do famous mathematicians struggle with this problem? And David and Tamler split on the Newcomb case – can you guess which one of us is the one boxer? Plus since we’re basically a TV recap podcast now, some thoughts on White Lotus Season 3.  The White Lotus [imdb.com] Monty Hall Problem [wikipedia.org] Numberphile on the Monty Hall Problem [youtube.com] Newcomb's "Paradox" [wikipedia.org] Nozick, R. (1969). Newcomb’s problem and two principles of choice. In Essays in honor of carl g. hempel: A tribute on the occasion of his sixty-fifth birthday (pp. 114-146). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Barry Lam, a philosophy professor and author of 'Fewer Rules, Better People,' joins the discussion, challenging strict ethical frameworks. They dissect David Lynch's 'Eraserhead,' exploring its surreal existential themes of parenthood and anxiety. Lam emphasizes a balance between rules and discretion, reflecting on the detrimental effects of bureaucratic structures. The conversation weaves through Lynch's bizarre imagery, personal reflections on family dynamics, and the spiritual undercurrents that make 'Eraserhead' a profound cinematic experience.

Joining the conversation is Paul Bloom, a Professor of Psychology renowned for his insights into moral psychology and cognitive science. They dissect the complex themes of the 'Severance' season finale, blending humor with deep philosophical questions. The discussion also dives into 'the ick,' a quirky phenomenon of attraction and aversion, and how trivial habits can influence romantic choices. Bloom and the hosts reflect on the intricacies of identity and emotional sacrifice, probing the impact of personal quirks in dating scenarios.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the philosophical implications of the Holy Trinity, debated through a priori arguments. The hosts humorously explore Richard Feynman's concept of 'cargo cult science,' critiquing integrity and methodology in research. A casual yet impactful examination of divine exaltation raises questions about perfection and recognition in both human and divine realms. Join a lively dialogue that fuses philosophy, science, and a healthy dose of humor, challenging conventional thinking along the way!

Dive into a captivating discussion on the philosophical implications of numbers and metrics, as they explore C. Thi Nguyen's intriguing paper on 'Value Capture.' The team humorously dissects the societal obsession with quantification and its impact on our values. They analyze smugness in public life through anecdotes from notable creatives, while critiquing academic metrics and their influence on tenure decisions. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between meaningful engagement and a metrics-driven mindset, with a dose of wit throughout.

What defines the weird and the eerie? A dive into Mark Fisher's concepts reveals how unsettling feelings emerge and fade with explanations. The hosts juxtapose the bizarre in art with human cognition, exploring Lovecraft's uncanny narratives. They also compare the capabilities of the new AI, DeepSeek, against ChatGPT, resulting in humorous insights. From hip-hop controversies to the psychological depths of cinema, including 'Mulholland Drive,' the conversation weaves through ambiguity, creativity, and the strange corners of existence.