ToKCast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 191: Science News 2: Dark Matter, Fusion, JWST Latest Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

Science news from a "critical rational" perspective. No "believing" in explanations here, no time for instrumentalism and a focus on good explanations of the evidence.

Introduction (epistemology in science): 00:00

Dark Matter: 04:32

Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND): 08:12

Statistical confidence in physics: 15:23

Instrumentalism in modern physics: 19:00

Fusion Power 'News': 22:09

"Spinoffs" from fusion research: 24:56

Advice for investors in pure science: 28:26

James Webb Space Telescope latest: 31:59

Concluding Remarks: 37:42

Ep 190: David Deutsch’s ”The Fabric of Reality” Chapter 9 ”Quantum Computers” Part3 Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Here in this second-to-last episode on the discussion of Chapter 9 from the Fabric of Reality we discuss some of the key distinctions between the classical and quantum - the philosophical and scientific implications and then some of the current experimental approaches to (and reporting on) the actual engineering of these devices.

Ep 189: Epiphenomena Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

This serves as "part 2" of my "Are Consciousness and Creativity the same thing?" podcast, the Youtube version of which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjY4fR-qMU

Ep 188: Nick Bostrom on AI on ”Talk TV” - analysis Apr 21, 2023

Show notes

This podcast was originally produced on Airchat: https://www.getairchat.com/bretthall/bretthall It is all about an interview that can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fv4Uz_i1iQ

Ep 187: Red Pens and Fallibilism Apr 14, 2023

Show notes

This podcast episode is based around two sets of chits (two "chats") found on airchat at https://www.getairchat.com/bretthall/bretthall?t=440630 The articles associated with these chits and in the latter case many links are here:

https://www.bretthall.org/blog/the-white-swan-and-red-pen and here:

https://www.bretthall.org/blog/the-problem-with-fallibilism

Ep 186: Brett, Naval and more on AI & AGI Apr 08, 2023

Show notes

The latest on the philosophy, science and technology of AI and AGI. ChatGPT, Deep Learning, Neural Networks and Large Language Models (LLMs). What do we know? Where is it going?

Ep 185: Possibility and Actuality. Facts and Counterfactuals. Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

Sam Harris and Lex Fridman vs The Multiverse and Constructor Theory. Although this is a reaction video, it's just 10 minutes of Sam with the rest of the time spent me doing some analysis, dissection and "what went wrong" reflection as a vehicle for explaining certain parts of physics and philosophy.

Ep 184: ToKCast Digest - An Overview of Optimism Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

Everything that we’ve covered on ToKCast so far for those in a hurry or those wanting a refresher. It’s the synecdoche episode. 183 episodes down and David Deutsch has spoken with Naval Ravikant and Tim Ferris, and so begins another cohort of people - a new generation if you like - of people coming to optimism in Deutsch's sense and the infinite potential of people and explanatory knowledge. I begin with some reflections on David’s appearance on The Tim Ferris show. If you watch no other ToKCast episodes or don't have the time for complete commitment - this is the one for you.

ToKCast is now ranked in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide according to "Listen Notes". https://lnns.co/AwGLfoTRgHZ

Thankyou to all listeners and especially all supporters. You can support ToKCast by following the links here to Patreon or Paypal: https://www.bretthall.org/

Ep 183: St George in retirement syndrome on St Patrick’s day. Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

What is "St George in retirement" syndrome? This and much more in another random livestream about all sorts.

Ep 182: Livestream Science News and AMA Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

Thursday 16 March 2023 Livestream - Patreon and Twitter Questions and Science News Articles discussed: JWST news: https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-star-soon-go-supernova-photos Volcanoes on Venus: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2023/03/15/venus-is-volcanically-active-right-now-say-scientists-using-32-year-old-images/?sh=7e868b8fd11f Plagues in Africa killing amphibian: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/03/15/a-skin-eating-fungal-plague-is-silently-tearing-through-wildlife-across-africa-scientists-warn/?sh=3086d9573f02 ChatGPT4: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabrielasilva/2023/03/14/the-chatgpt-debate-are-we-intelligent-enough-to-understand-intelligence/?sh=2246e1c684f2

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected