Certainly Uncertain with Michael, Matt, and Aashay

In this special episode, we're diving into Iain McGilchrist's 'The Matter With Things,' exploring how our brain's two hemispheres govern distinct modes of attention – not just what we perceive, but how. We discuss his fascinating argument that modern society's left-brain dominance has led to a loss of holistic understanding and deeper meaning. Join us as we unpack the crucial rebalancing act with the right hemisphere, and share practical takeaways like engaging with nature, art, and meditation to cultivate a richer, more meaningful life.(00:00) Intro(17:50) Analyzing the supporting evidence(31:15) Naive realism and naive idealism(42:15) What can we say about the nature of reality?(52:05) Society shifting to more left brain thinking(1:05:45) Game design and brain hemispheres(1:14:55) Realigning our values in modern society(1:21:30) Beauty as a value

In the final episode, we discuss the concept of machine intelligence by examining the Turing Test and John Searle's Chinese room thought experiment. The conversation delves into experiences with autonomous vehicles and question whether current AI models truly “think” and “understand.” We also explore the ethical implications and potential of creating conscious AI, chatting about popular media like Westworld and Her while contemplating the future of artificial general intelligence.

In the penultimate episode, we delve into the philosophy of Karl Popper, focusing on his concept of falsifiability and the problem of induction. We explore the implications of Popper's ideas on modern science and discuss the relevance of Popper's theories to startup culture and scientific progress. The episode concludes with reflections on Popper's influence on scientific knowledge and potential areas where contemporary beliefs might be challenged. Link to induction game: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/07/03/upshot/a-quick-puzzle-to-test-your-problem-solving.html

In this episode, we discuss Karl Marx's philosophy, focusing on concepts like alienation and the potential downfall of capitalism. We explore Marx's background, his ideas on class struggles during the industrial revolution, and the subsequent interpretations and consequences of communism. The conversation also delves into the practical challenges of implementing Marxist ideas, historical failures, and the perception of Marx's teachings in the modern era.

This episode’s discussion centers on John Stuart Mill's philosophy, particularly his influence on utilitarianism and ideas on liberty and individual rights. We examine Mill's differentiation between higher and lower pleasures and his harm principle. We also consider the challenges of applying these principles in modern society, discussing concepts like the tyranny of the majority and the role of social media in shaping public discourse.

In this episode, we delve into the philosophy of René Descartes, exploring his method of Cartesian doubt and his famous conclusion, “I think therefore I am.” We examine Descartes' evil demon thought experiment, the mind-body problem, and its connections to modern ideas like simulation theory and theories of consciousness. The discussion also touches on the implications of Descartes' ideas on the nature of reality and the existence of God.

In this episode, the discussion shifts from ethics to political philosophy, focusing on Machiavelli's pragmatic approach to leadership and Rousseau's concept of the social contract. Our conversation evaluates Machiavelli's view that the ends justify the means, and Rousseau's idea of the general will, exploring their relevance in modern politics and culture. We also speculate on the impact of AI on governance while drawing analogies to characters in Game of Thrones.

This episode is a deep dive into Stoicism, examining its ancient roots with philosophers Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, and its resurgence in modern times. We discuss personal applications of Stoic teachings, its relation to cognitive behavioral therapy, and critiques regarding control and ambition. We also highlight the role of modern interpretations and communities in making Stoicism accessible and practical for contemporary life.

In this episode, we delve into Hellenistic philosophy, discussing Pyrrho's extreme skepticism, which questions the certainty of knowledge and promotes open-mindedness. We explore Epicureanism with a focus on its misconceptions, emphasizing moderation and intellectual fulfillment over indulgence. The discussion also covers themes like the fear of death and the value of friendship.

This episode explores Aristotle's philosophy, contrasting it with his predecessors, Socrates and Plato, with a focus on ethics and happiness. The discussion examines Aristotle's rejection of Plato's theory of forms, his emphasis on specific examples over abstract ideals, and his concept of eudaimonia—or flourishing—as life's ultimate goal. We also address contemporary questions: how technology and social media impact happiness, and the role of material goods in well-being.