Very Bad Wizards

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.

Dive into the fascinating interplay between belief and perception! Discover how coins might appear larger to those with less wealth. Explore how our emotional experiences shape visual judgments, and reflect on the artistic legacy of David Lynch. The conversation unpacks how context influences our sensory experiences and examines biases in interpreting faces. Plus, the hosts discuss the transformative effects of attention and meditation on perception. It’s a blend of psychology, nostalgia, and engaging reflections!

Celebrate a milestone with a dive into the cultural impact of 'The Wizard of Oz.' Discover its timeless effects, moral undertones, and how it resonates with our collective psyche. Reflect on the hosts' journey, from casual banter to a more thematic focus. Explore the artistic challenges behind iconic scenes and the complexities of characters like the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy. The humorous discussions reveal personal memories and philosophical insights, making it a fascinating look at aging, friendship, and cultural reflections.

A lively debate unfolds around the value of intellectual humility and its nuanced role in knowledge acquisition. The hosts challenge conventional wisdom, pondering whether arrogance can sometimes serve as an epistemic virtue. Highlights include a humorous awards ceremony celebrating the iconic series 'Deadwood,' featuring fun categories like Best Quote and Best Character. Deep reflections on the power of language and memorable quotes from the show add warmth to the conversation, blending humor with heartfelt appreciation for storytelling.

The discussion kicks off with an exploration of why we punish and how those practices have evolved. Insightful comparisons of punishment in small-scale societies reveal a shift from norm enforcement to reconciliation. Expect tales of runaway pigs, peace pipes, and an exploration of the Kiowa's conflict resolution practices. The speakers dive into the impact of societal expectations on academic success and the allure of cryptocurrency schemes. Alongside these, they share enthusiasm for upcoming topics from their audience, blending humor and introspection throughout.