The Local Maximum with Max Sklar

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Ep. 288 - Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat to Humanity? Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Max and Aaron discuss the arguments put forth by Eliezer Yudkowsky and some AI researchers about "existential threats" posed by the technology. They end with some predictions on the subject.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 287 - The Rise and Fall of ESG with Peter Earle Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Today's guest is Peter C. Earle, economist at AIER. The topic is ESG: Environment, Social, and Governance regulations, and the theory behind it that says corporations should be run for the benefit of interests outside the shareholders. They explore the rise of ESG criteria in a low interest rate environment, and ask whether ESG on its way out.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 286 - Consciousness Bets, Reverse Turing Tests, and Display Tech Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

Max talks about a bet that two academics made 25 years ago about the nature of consciousness that has recently been settled. He also talk about the idea of a "reverse Turing Test".
We also get an update on the latest display tech, with reviews on foldable phones and color e-ink making a comeback.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 285 - Max Changes the Constitution, Part III Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

Max and Aaron complete their discussion on Max's constitutional proposals, now focusing on the representative-ness of the house and electoral college as a counterbalance to the senate and executive council.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 284 - Max Changes the Constitution, Part II Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

Max and Aaron continue their discussion on Max's constitutional proposals, this time focusing on the function of the senate and the possibility of an executive council.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 283 - Max Changes the Constitution, Part I Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Max woke up one day and decided to do a rewrite of the US constitution with a long amendment. Aaron discusses this with him over drinks outdoors in the dead of night.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 282 - Meganets with David Auerbach Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Max talks to author and software engineer David Auerbach about his new book Meganets: How Digital Forces Beyond Our Control Commandeer Our Daily Lives and Inner Realities.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 281 - The Mixed Reality Moment Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

Max and Aaron discuss Apple's announcement of the Vision Pro at WWDC, and what it means for mixed reality, the metaverse, and emerging technology.
Probability Distribution of the Week: Student's T-Distribution
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 280 - How to Attack Truth Seeking May 31, 2023

Show notes

Max responds to a recent account of high school debate judges and how the process of truth seeking is under attack.
Probability Distribution of the Week: Cauchy Distribution
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

Ep. 279 - Covid and Civil Liberties May 23, 2023

Show notes

Max and Aaron discuss Neil Gorsuch's statement in a supreme court decision that emergency measures during Covid may have been the greatest peacetime intrusion on American civil liberties in history.
Probability Distribution of the Week: Von Mises-Fisher Distribution and Circular Distributions in General
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit localmaximum.substack.com

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