Very Bad Wizards

The hosts humorously reflect on aging and milestone birthdays, blending personal anecdotes with philosophical musings. They expertly navigate Schopenhauer's pessimism, exploring human suffering, desire, and compassion. A light-hearted blind ranking of film directors adds fun to the mix, with debates on cinematic legends like Kurosawa and Scorsese. The conversation delves into existential themes, the nature of time, and the significance of relationships, ultimately highlighting life's complexities amidst our shared struggles.

Dive into the dark humor of 'In Bruges' as its themes of guilt, redemption, and morality are unraveled. The hosts explore the complex dynamics of personal relationships within academia, filled with witty critiques and absurdities. Expect deep discussions on the film's powerful performances and the intricacies of cultural sensitivity in humor. They also touch on the emotional landscapes of characters and the consequences of choices, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

David and Tamler dive into the metaphysics of time, exploring the philosophical tension between time skeptics and realists. They tackle the mysteries of qualia, pondering how subjective experiences—like seeing color—can be measured scientifically. With playful banter, they critique the methodologies of recent studies while engaging with Borges’ thought-provoking ideas on time and identity. The discussion raises profound questions about the nature of reality, personal experience, and the intricate relationship between memory and time.

Dive into the slippery skepticism of David Hume, exploring how AI affects our brains and creativity according to a recent MIT study. Discover the darker side of technology and its potential to divide us in times of crisis. The hosts weave humor into serious discussions about cognitive debt and societal impacts, while tackling the philosophical absurdity of existence. They contrast Hume's views with Descartes, questioning the reliability of beliefs as they navigate the landscape of skepticism. It's a playful yet profound exploration of understanding and technology.

The hosts dive deep into the psychological motivations of characters in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' exploring themes of ambition and guilt. They discuss Lady Macbeth's complex character and moral decline, contrasting her ruthlessness with Macbeth's hesitance. An interactive tournament format for future topics is introduced, engaging listeners in literary discussions. Additionally, they reflect on the play's relevance and connections to classic literature, emphasizing the tragic downfalls driven by ambition and ambition's moral implications in both the play and modern contexts.

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.