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Hosted by David Pizarro
Hosted by David Pizarro
138 episodes with David Pizarro
24 episodes with David Pizarro
2 episodes with David Pizarro
2 episodes with David Pizarro
4 episodes with David Pizarro
2 episodes with David Pizarro
2 episodes with David Pizarro
Empathic Machines with Michael InzlichtIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel are joined by Michael Inzlicht, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto and co-host of the podcast Two Psychologists Four Beers. Together, they explore the surprisingly effortful nature of empathy—and what happens when artificial intelligence starts doing it better than we do.Michael shares insights from his research into empathic AI, including findings that people often rate AI-generated empathy as more thoughtful, emotionally satisfying, and effortful than human responses—yet still prefer to receive empathy from a human. They unpack the paradox behind this preference, what it tells us about trust and connection, and whether relying on AI for emotional support could deskill us over time.This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, emotion, and emerging AI tools—especially as machines get better at sounding like they care.--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Understanding AI Risks with Peter SlatteryIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel are joined by Peter Slattery, behavioral scientist and lead researcher at MIT's FutureTech lab, where he spearheads the groundbreaking AI Risk Repository project. Together, they dive into the complex and often overlooked risks of artificial intelligence—ranging from misinformation and malicious use to systemic failures and existential threats.Peter shares the intellectual and emotional journey behind categorizing over 1,000 documented AI risks, how his team built a risk taxonomy from 17,000+ sources, and why shared understanding and behavioral science are critical for navigating the future of AI.This one is a must-listen for anyone curious about AI safety, behavioral science, and the future of technology that's moving faster than most of us can track.--LINKS:Peter's LinkedIn ProfileMIT FutureTech Lab: futuretech.mit.eduAI Risk Repository--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Enter the AI Lab: Insights from LinkedIn Polls and AI Literature ReviewsIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Samuel Salzer and Aline Holzwarth explore how AI is shaping behavioral design processes—from discovery to testing. They revisit insights from past LinkedIn polls, analyzing audience perspectives on which phases of behavioral design are best suited for AI augmentation and where human expertise remains crucial.The discussion then shifts to AI-driven literature reviews, comparing the effectiveness of various AI tools for synthesizing research. Samuel and Aline assess the strengths and weaknesses of different platforms, diving into key performance metrics like quality, speed, and cost, and debating the risks of over-reliance on AI-generated research without human oversight.The episode also introduces Nuance's AI Lab, highlighting upcoming projects focused on AI-driven behavioral science innovations. The conversation concludes with a Behavioral Redesign series case study on Peloton, offering a fresh take on how AI and behavioral insights can reshape product experiences.If you're interested in the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and research methodologies, this episode is packed with insights on where AI is excelling—and where caution is needed.LINKS:Nuance AI Lab: WebsiteTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Year's AI Polls06:27 AI's Strengths in Literature Review15:12 Emerging AI Tools for Research19:31 Evaluating AI Tools for Literature Reviews23:57 Comparing Chinese and American AI Tools26:01 Evaluating Literature Review Outputs28:12 Critical Analysis and Human Oversight35:19 The Worst Performing Model37:21 Introducing Nuance's AI Lab38:51 Behavioral Redesign Series: Peloton Example45:21 Podcast Highlights and Future Guests--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
When to AI, and When Not to AI with Eric Hekler"People are different. Context matters. Things change."In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, Aline is joined by Eric Hekler, professor at UC San Diego, to explore the nuances of AI in behavioral science and health interventions. Eric's mantra—emphasizing the importance of individual differences, context, and change—serves as a foundation for the conversation as they discuss when AI enhances behavioral interventions and when human judgment is indispensable.The discussion explores just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI), the efficiency trap of AI, and the jagged frontier of AI adoption—where machine learning excels and where it falls short. Eric shares his expertise on control systems engineering, human-AI collaboration, and the real-world challenges of scaling adaptive health interventions. The episode also explores teachable moments, the importance of domain knowledge, and the need for AI to support rather than replace human decision-making.The conversation wraps up with a quickfire round, where Eric debates AI's role in health coaching, mental health interventions, and optimizing human routines.LINKS:Eric Hekler:TIMESTAMPS:02:01 Introduction and Correction05:21 The Efficiency Trap of AI08:02 Human-AI Collaboration11:04 Conversation with Eric Hekler14:12 Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions15:19 System Identification Experiment28:27 Control Systems vs. Machine Learning39:44 Challenges with Classical Machine Learning43:16 Translating Research to Real-World Applications49:49 Community-Based Research and Context Matters59:46 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI01:08:27 Final Thoughts on AI and Human Evolution--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Hoy charlamos con Rober de Arte y David Pizarro. Además de crear escenografías en obras de teatro y de ambientar parques de atracciones, también han hecho varias puestas en escena de Benidorm Fest.'Arde' de Agoney, 'Caliente' de Jorge González, y los temas de este año de Sonia y Selena, K!NGDOM, Melody y J Kbello.Nos cuentan el proceso de creación de todas estas puestas en escena, las anécdotas y curiosidades que han vivido en Benidorm Fest y lo que opinan del escenario de Basilea.¿Qué te han parecido sus puestas en escena? Cuéntanos en los comentarios
Sci-Fi and AI: Exploring Annie Bot with Sierra GreerIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel dive into the ethical, emotional, and societal complexities of AI companionship with special guest Sierra Greer, author of Annie Bot. This thought-provoking novel explores AI-human relationships, autonomy, and the blurred line between artificial intelligence and the human experience.Sierra shares her inspiration for Annie Bot and how sci-fi can serve as a lens to explore real-world ethical dilemmas in AI development. The conversation covers the concept of reinforcement learning in AI and how it mirrors human conditioningThe gender dynamics embedded in AI design, and the ethical implications of AI companions. The discussion also examines real-life cases of people forming deep emotional bonds with AI chatbotsThe episode rounds out with a lively quickfire round, where Sierra debates whether AI should replace lost loved ones, act as conversational assistants for introverts, or intervene in human arguments.This is a must-listen for fans of sci-fi, behavioral science, and those fascinated by the future of AI companionship and emotional intelligence.LINKS:Sierra Greer websiteAnnie Bot – Official Book PageGoodreads ProfileTIMESTAMPS:01:43 AI Companions: A Controversial Opinion05:48 Exploring Sci-Fi and AI in Literature07:42 Introducing Sierra Greer and Her Book09:12 Reinforcement Learning Explained15:47 Diving into the World of Annie Bot23:17 Power Dynamics and Human-Robot Relationships32:31 Humanity and Artificial Intelligence41:31 Autonomy vs. Agreeableness in Relationships43:20 Reinforcement Learning in AI and Humans46:13 Ethics and Gaslighting in AI48:57 Gender Dynamics in AI Design57:18 AI Companions and Human Relationships01:06:45 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI01:12:39 Final Thoughts and Controversial Opinions--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
AI and Behavioral Science in Public Policy with Laura de Moliere In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel Salzer is joined by Laura de Moliere, a behavioral scientist with deep expertise in applying behavioral insights to public policy. As the former head of behavioral science at the UK Cabinet Office, Laura has worked at the intersection of behavioral science and policymaking during some of the most high-stakes moments in recent history, including Brexit and COVID-19. Samuel and Laura explore the evolving role of AI in behavioral science, reflecting on how AI can enhance decision-making, improve policymaking, and surface unintended consequences. Laura shares her AI “aha moment”—when she realized the potential of large language models to support policymakers in making more behaviorally informed decisions. The discussion also covers the promises and perils of AI in behavioral science, the potential of synthetic users to test interventions, and the growing challenge of balancing AI's capabilities with human biases and policymaking needs. The episode wraps up with a playful quickfire round, where Laura debates the use of AI in everything from tax optimization to gamified urinals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and public policy, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the future of AI in decision-making. LINKS: • Laura de Moliere: • LinkedIn Profile • INCASE Framework on Unintended Consequences TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 A Surprise Gift 05:38 Reflections on 2025 09:28 AI and Behavioral Science 19:29 Introducing Laura de Moliere 21:30 Start of Laura interview 33:08 Applying Behavioral Science to AI and Government 35:16 Behavioral Science and AI: Use Cases and Impacts 36:32 Understanding and Interacting with AI Models 47:43 Synthetic Users and Their Potential 01:01:08 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 01:06:35 Controversial Opinions on AI -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Predictions for 2025: AI, AGI, and the Future of Behavioral Science with Jared Peterson In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel is joined by Jared Peterson, a behavioral scientist and expert in decision science at Nuance Behavior. Together, they explore some of the most pressing questions and exciting developments at the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and the future of human-centered design. The conversation highlights key advancements from 2024, including the rise of multimodal AI, breakthroughs in AI agents, and the transformative use of AI in scientific research. Samuel and Jared share bold predictions for 2025, tackling questions like: Will AI agents become trusted coworkers? Can AI revolutionize science? And how should we navigate the hype surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI)? The discussion is packed with hot takes, nuanced perspectives, and thoughtful reflections, including Jared's controversial prediction about the future of AI in predicting research replicability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the rapidly evolving AI landscape and its implications for behavioral science, creativity, and society at large. For questions or comments - email samuel@nuancebehavior..com LINKS: Jared's website Jared's linkedin The Science of Context A Failure to Disagree TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Meet Jared Peterson: Behavioral Scientist and AI Expert 01:01 – Reflections on 2024: Key Breakthroughs and Predictions 03:36 – The Multimodal Evolution of AI 10:06 – AI Surpassing Human Benchmarks 21:25 – The Rise of AI Agents and Synthetic Content 35:18 – Musical Turing Test: AI vs. Eurovision 43:26 –Predictions for 2025: AI Coworkers and Beyond 44:06 – AI Coworkers: The Future of Work? 51:11 – AI in Science: Revolutionizing Research 01:05:56 – The Hype and Reality of AGI 01:10:42 – Adoption Challenges and Future Predictions 01:25:40 – Final Thoughts and Controversial Predictions -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Nuevo programa de Eurovision Sound en que contamos con David Pizarro y Rober de Arte, directores artísticos de J Kbello, K!ngdom, Melody y Sonia y Selena en el Benidorm Fest 2025. También conocemos más a los últimos cuatro artistas del Benidorm Fest 2025 con Jose Gracia en EuroSinger. Además, repasamos toda la información de Eurovisión 2025, el Benidorm Fest 2025 y más en EuroActualidad con Hugo Carabaña, los oyentes son los encargados de elegir la canción que cierra el programa en la SongBattle con Rut Velayos y repasamos lo que dicen las redes con Juanito Ríos en La Voz de los Eurofans.. Todo de la mano de Marina García, Jose Rodari, Jose Gracia, Juanito Rios, Rut Velayos y Hugo Carabaña. Programa con la colaboración de: ESCplus España y Esencia Radio
El podcast centennial, millennial y perennial de la (re)generación del crush. Tertulia cultural y sociológica acerca de lo divino y de lo humano de la mano de Popy Blasco. Esta semana, charlando animadamente con Sito Recuero y David Pizarro acerca de Blackwater, Día de Michael Cunningham, Nosferatu, Jawbreaker, Anora, la Tardevieja, Lalachús, el vestido de leche materna de La Pedroche, Queer, Britney con su hijo, los Globos de Oro, escenografías del Benidorm Fest y maravillas mil. Emitiendo desde la potentísima señal de Subterfuge Radio.
Exploring Psychological Targeting and the Power of AI with Sandra Matz In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel sit down with Sandra Matz, leading expert on psychological targeting and Associate Professor of Business at Columbia Business School. As a computational social scientist, Sandra uses Big Data analytics and experimental methods to study human behavior, uncovering how psychological traits influence business outcomes like financial well-being, consumer satisfaction, and team performance. The conversation covers how digital footprints from social media, GPS data, and more are leveraged to create psychological profiles, shaping everything from advertisements to decision-making. Sandra provides unique insights into the controversial Cambridge Analytica case and discusses the democratization of personalized content generation through tools like ChatGPT. Whether you're curious about personality psychology, the ethics of data privacy, or the evolving role of AI, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS: Sandra Matz: Sandra's Website Her New Book: Mindmasters Relevant Research and Resources: Cambridge Analytica and the Evolution of Psychological Targeting The Social Dilemma Documentary Big Five Personality Model Explained Moral Foundations Theory Overview TIMESTAMPS: 02:03 – Personality Tests09:23 – ChatGPT Gift Experiment19:50 – Introducing Sandra Matz21:35 – Understanding Psychological Targeting24:27 – Real-World Examples and Implications34:58 – Cambridge Analytica and Data Privacy39:38 – The Social Dilemma and Personality Representation41:19 – Understanding Personality Traits43:49 – Dynamic Personality and Context46:26 – AI's Role in Psychological Targeting50:32 – Generative AI and Personalized Content58:40 – Ethical Considerations and Future of AI01:11:40 – Final Thoughts and Sandra's New Book -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Behavior Change Score with Roos van Duijnhoven In this special episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel continues the mini-series featuring expert practitioners from the Nuance Behavior team. This week's guest is Roos van Duijnhoven, a behavioral scientist with a deep passion for designing human-centered digital solutions that drive meaningful behavior change. Samuel and Roos explore a wide range of topics, including the Behavior Change Score Framework, strategies for improving onboarding and retention in digital health products, and the importance of focusing on real-world behavior (‘big E' engagement) versus in-app behavior (‘little e' engagement). They also dive into insights from Nuance Behavior's ‘Behavior Change Score Report,' which evaluates fitness apps and provides actionable lessons for designing more effective digital interventions. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in applying behavioral science to digital product design and health interventions! LINKS: Roos's LinkedIn The Behavior Change Score Report Nuance Behavior Website Engagement with Heather Cole-Lewis TIMESTAMPS 00:36 Meet Roos van Duijnhoven 01:06 Recap of Susan Murhpy episode 07:31 Insights from the Behavior Change Score Report 20:14 Big E vs. Little e Engagement: Real-World vs. In-App Behavior 26:31 Controversial Opinions: Electric Bicycles 29:32 Conclusion and Farewell -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Real-Time Behavior Change Algorithms with Susan Murphy In this thought-provoking episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel explore the cutting edge of AI in behavioral science with Professor Susan Murphy, a world-renowned expert in statistics and behavioral research. The conversation dives into Susan's groundbreaking work on micro-randomized trials and just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI) to create personalized, real-time behavior change algorithms. Together, they explore the role of reinforcement learning in adapting interventions over time, tackling ethical challenges, and sustaining user engagement in a rapidly evolving world. This episode also includes a fun "To AI or Not to AI" quickfire round and Susan's reflections on the "frontier" nature of behavioral science today, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about technology, psychology, and innovation. LINKS: Susan Murphy's Faculty Page Learn more about JITAI Heart Steps Study Nuance Behavior Website TIMESTAMPS 01:00 – AI Voice Assistants in Everyday Life 07:22 – Introduction to Susan Murphy 08:06 – Micro-Randomized Trials Explained 11:08 – Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAI) 27:19 – Reinforcement Learning and Behavioral Science 35:15 – Adaptive Algorithms for Personalized Support 40:30 – Micro-Randomization and Personalized Interventions 45:19 – Maintaining Engagement in Digital Interventions 49:51 – The Frontier Nature of Behavioral Science 51:39 – Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 57:13 – Ethical Considerations in AI and Behavioral Science -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
AI Chatbots and Synthetic Users with Hassan Aleem In this special episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel kicks off a new mini-series featuring expert practitioners from the Nuance Behavior team. This week's guest is Hassan Aleem, a respected behavioral practitioner with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and extensive experience in industries like fintech, health wearables, and public health. Together, Samuel and Hassan explore the fascinating intersection of AI and behavioral science. They discuss AI's impact on user research, the opportunities and challenges of AI-powered chatbots, the role of synthetic users in behavioral research, and the potential of AI to streamline literature reviews. The conversation culminates in a thought-provoking discussion: can AI truly understand and design for beauty? This episode is packed with insights on how AI can enhance behavioral science practice while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to the Behavioral Design Podcast02:00 Meet Hassan Aleem: Neuroscientist and Behavioral Practitioner02:37 Exploring AI in Behavioral Science03:42 The Role of AI in User Research10:21 Chatbots and Behavioral Design18:50 AI in Literature Reviews and Research34:59 Can AI Understand Beauty?40:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts LINKS: Hassan's LinkedIn Nuance Behavior Website -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Using AI to Change Human Behavior In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer explore the fascinating intersection of AI and behavioral science with Amy Bucher, Chief Behavior Officer at Lirio. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI with behavioral science for health interventions, focusing on the critical need to design AI tools with human behavior in mind. Key topics include the role of reinforcement learning and precision nudging in behavior change, the importance of grounded behavioral insights to cut through AI hype, and Amy's experiences with personalized health interventions. Amy also sheds light on the effectiveness of digital tools in behavior change and shares her vision for the future of AI in behavioral health. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how behavioral science can shape the next generation of AI-driven health interventions! LINKS: Amy Bucher Lirio Website LinkedIn Profile Further Reading on AI and Behavioral Science: How Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are Used in Digital Behavior Change Interventions: A Scoping Review The Power of Large Behavior Models in Healthcare Consumer Engagement Moral Agents for Sustainable Transitions Personalized Digital Health Communications to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination in Underserved Populations: A Double Diamond Approach to Behavioral Design The Patient Experience of the Future is Personalized: Using Technology to Scale an N of 1 Approach Digital Twins and the Emerging Science of Self: Implications for Digital Health Experience Design and “Small” Data Feasibility of a Reinforcement Learning–Enabled Digital Health Intervention to Promote Mammograms Precision Nudging and Health Interventions Reinforcement Learning in Behavior Change TIMESTAMPS: 00:30 Behavioral Science and AI: A Crucial Intersection 07:44 Introducing Amy Bucher 10:43 Scoping Review on AI in Behavior Change 16:05 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI 22:07 Reinforcement Learning and AI Agents 28:40 Designing Interventions with AI and Behavioral Science 31:32 Operationalizing Behavior Change Techniques 35:25 Challenges in Measuring Engagement 42:43 The Role of Behavioral Science in AI 46:53 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 49:25 Controversial Opinions on AI 53:52 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Debunkbot and Other Tools Against Misinformation In this follow-up episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer welcome back Gordon Pennycook, psychology professor at Cornell University, to continue their deep dive into the battle against misinformation. Building on their previous conversation around misinformation's impact on democratic participation and the role of AI in spreading and combating falsehoods, this episode focuses on actionable strategies and interventions to combat misinformation effectively. Gordon discusses evidence-based approaches, including nudges, accuracy prompts, and psychological inoculation (or prebunking) techniques, that empower individuals to better evaluate the information they encounter. The conversation highlights recent advancements in using AI to debunk conspiracy theories and examines how AI-generated evidence can influence belief systems. They also tackle the role of social media platforms in moderating content, the ethical balance between free speech and misinformation, and practical steps that can make platforms safer without stifling expression. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding how to counter misinformation through behavioral science and AI. LINKS: Gordon Pennycook: Google Scholar Profile Twitter Personal Website Cornell University Faculty Page Further Reading on Misinformation: Debunkbot - The AI That Reduces Belief in Conspiracy Theories Interventions Toolbox - Strategies to Combat Misinformation TIMESTAMPS: 01:27 Intro and Early Voting06:45 Welcome back, Gordon!07:52 Strategies to Combat Misinformation11:10 Nudges and Behavioral Interventions14:21 Comparing Intervention Strategies19:08 Psychological Inoculation and Prebunking32:21 Echo Chambers and Online Misinformation34:13 Individual vs. Policy Interventions36:21 If You Owned a Social Media Company37:49 Algorithm Changes and Platform Quality38:42 Community Notes and Fact-Checking39:30 Reddit's Moderation System42:07 Generative AI and Fact-Checking43:16 AI Debunking Conspiracy Theories45:26 Effectiveness of AI in Changing Beliefs51:32 Potential Misuse of AI55:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
The Role of Misinformation and AI in the US Election with Gordon Pennycook In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel explore the complex world of misinformation in the context of the U.S. elections with special guest Gordon Pennycook, a psychology professor at Cornell University. The episode covers the effects of misinformation on democratic participation, and how behavioral science sheds light on reasoning errors that drive belief in falsehoods. Gordon shares insights from his groundbreaking research on misinformation, exploring how falsehoods gain traction and the role AI can play in both spreading and mitigating misinformation. The conversation also tackles the evolution of misinformation, including the impact of social media and disinformation campaigns that blur the line between truth and fiction. Tune in to hear why certain falsehoods spread faster than truths, the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories, and how humor can amplify the reach of misinformation in surprising ways. LINKS: Gordon Pennycook: Google Scholar Profile Twitter Personal Website Cornell University Faculty Page Further Reading on Misinformation: Brandolini's Law and the Spread of Falsehoods Role of AI in Misinformation The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction 03:14 Behavioral Science and Misinformation 05:28 Introducing Gordon Pennycook 10:02 The Evolution of Misinformation 12:46 AI's Role in Misinformation 14:51 Impact of Misinformation on Elections 21:43 COVID-19 and Vaccine Misinformation 26:32 Technological Advancements in Misinformation 33:50 Conspiracy Theories 35:39 Misinformation and Social Media 42:35 The Role of Humor in Misinformation 48:08 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this spine-chilling Halloween special of the Behavioral Design Podcast, co-hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer take listeners on a journey into the eerie intersection of AI and behavioral science. They explore the potential ethical and social consequences of AI, from our urge to anthropomorphize machines to the creeping influence of human biases in AI engineering. The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their favorite Halloween costumes and family traditions before delving into the broader theme of Frankenstein as an apt metaphor for AI. They discuss the human inclination to attribute human qualities to non-human entities and the ethical implications of creating machines that mirror humanity. The conversation deepens with reflections on biases in AI development, risks of ‘playing God,' and the tension between technological progress and human oversight. In a thrilling twist, the hosts read a co-authored sci-fi story written with ChatGPT, illustrating the potential dark consequences of unchecked AI advancement. The episode wraps up with Halloween-themed wishes, encouraging listeners to ponder the boundaries between human and machine as they celebrate the holiday. Timestamps: 03:38 – Frankenstein: Revisiting the original story 09:09 – Frankenstein's Modern AI Metaphor: Parallels to today's technology 18:06 – Reflections on AI and Anthropomorphism: The urge to humanize machines 36:31 – Exploring Human Biases in AI Development: How biases shape AI 42:06 – Trust in AI: Human vs. algorithmic decision-making 46:45 – The Personalization of AI Systems: Pros and cons of tailored experiences 49:10 – The Ethics of Playing God with AI: Examining the risks 55:56 – Concluding Thoughts and Halloween Wishes: Reflecting on AI's duality -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, we delve into the world of AI recommender systems with special guest Carey Morewedge, a leading expert in behavioral science and AI. The discussion covers the fundamental mechanics behind AI recommendation systems, including content-based filtering, collaborative filtering, and hybrid models. Carey explains how platforms like Netflix, Twitter, and TikTok use implicit data to make predictions about user preferences, and how these systems often prioritize short-term engagement over long-term satisfaction. The episode also touches on ethical concerns, such as the gap between revealed and normative preferences, and the risks of relying too much on algorithms without considering the full context of human behavior. Join co-hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer as they together with Carey explore the delicate balance between human preferences and algorithmic influence. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of AI-driven recommendations! -- LINKS: Carey Morewedge: Google Scholar Profile Carey Morewedge - LinkedIn Boston University Faculty Page Personal Website Understanding AI Recommender Systems: How Netflix's Recommendation System Works Implicit Feedback for Recommender Systems (Research Paper) Why People Don't Trust Algorithms (Harvard Business Review) Nuance Behavior Website -- TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The 'Do But Not Recommend' Game 07:53 The Complexity of Recommender Systems 08:58 Types of Recommender Systems 12:08 Introducing Carey Morewedge 14:13 Understanding Decision Making in AI 17:00 Challenges in AI Recommendations 32:13 Long-Term Impact on User Behavior 33:00 Understanding User Preferences 35:03 Challenges with A/B Testing 40:06 Algorithm Aversion 46:51 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 52:55 The Future of AI and Human Relationships -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In the latest episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, we are excited to launch Season 4 with an in-depth exploration of how behavioral science and AI converge, setting the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking season. This episode tackles big questions around AI's growing influence, offering insights into both its promise and its challenges, especially as they relate to human behavior and decision-making. Join co-hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer as they introduce key themes for the season, including the profound implications of AI on behavioral science and society at large. The episode opens with breaking news from the AI world, such as the significance of neural networks, which serve as the foundation of modern AI systems. The hosts explain how neural networks work and contrast them with the extraordinary complexity of the human brain. The episode covers essential concepts for behavioral scientists, including large language models (LLMs), the backbone of generative AI, as well as prompt engineering and AI agents. These tools are transforming fields from healthcare to customer service, and the hosts break down their real-world applications, highlighting how they are used to enhance decision-making, automate workflows, and drive personalized interventions. Samuel and Aline debunk several common myths about AI, such as whether generative AI truly enhances creativity or if more complex models are always better. They also explore algorithmic bias versus human bias, discussing how AI can both amplify and address societal inequities depending on how it is designed and implemented. In “To AI or Not to AI”, this season's quickfire round, the hosts weigh in on whether they'd trust AI for tasks like driving their kids to daycare or offering relationship advice, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on AI's role in everyday life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the evolving relationship between behavioral science and AI, offering both high-level insights and detailed explorations of the real-world implications of these technologies. -- TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to the Behavioral Design Podcast 02:36 Breaking News 04:30 Understanding Neural Networks 09:38 The Beauty and Complexity of the Human Brain 17:37 Season Preview 21:53 Meet Your Hosts 29:00 Nuanced Behavior 30:43 AI 101 for Behavioral Scientists 44:14 Debunking AI Myths 01:02:15 To AI or Not to AI: Quickfire Round 01:14:45 Final Thoughts LINKS: Geoffrey Hinton's Talk on AI and John Hopfield's Contributions to Neural Networks Sherry Turkle's Memoir “The Empathy Diaries” Marvin Minsky and the Concept of the Brain as a Machine Cassie Kozyrkov's Blog on Machine Learning Sendhil Mullainathan's Paper on Algorithmic Fairness Nuance Behavior Website -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have a very special guest, David Pizarro, the CEO of Dads Law School. With over 24 years of experience, David has been a guiding light for thousands of fathers navigating the complexities of family court, helping them fight for their rights and maintain meaningful relationships with their children. David is not only an expert in father's rights and children's rights but also a prolific multimedia content creator. His engaging TikTok videos have garnered over 48,000 followers, while his "Men's Family Law" podcast on iTunes, with over 70 episodes, has been a beacon of support for dads everywhere. On YouTube, his DADs Law School channel is filled with informative videos addressing the concerns of fathers going through the child custody process. In addition to his digital presence, David is the author of the "A Man's Guide..." series, covering essential topics like child custody, divorce, and domestic violence. His expertise and dedication have seen him featured on numerous podcasts, in movies, on television, and as an international speaker. David's work is fueled by a deep commitment to advocating for children's rights, father's rights, and the importance of integrating new relationships into family dynamics. His practical advice and heartfelt insights make him an invaluable resource for fathers seeking to navigate their legal and emotional journeys.
Ci sono calciatori che trovano Roma e la Roma da lontano, magari anche per caso, arrivando a sentire Roma e la Roma come una cosa anche loro. È un sentimento che cresce dal profondo e crea storie bellissime. Come Nuove radici.David Pizarro è il protagonista del terzo episodio: un calciatore ricordato qui a Roma soprattutto per il suo magnetismo. Riusciva ad attrarre, oltre ai palloni di compagni e avversari, tutto il nostro affetto. Ci piaceva sinceramente, da prima che arrivasse alla Roma. E anche quando è andato via, pensare a lui ci ha sempre fatto stare bene.NUN SE PÒ SPIEGÀ: Abbonamenti 2024/25 - Acquista ora!
Welcome to the latest Product Deep Dive!
Welcome to the latest Product Deep Dive!
Here is an unlocked Patreon episode! Play along here: https://jeopardylabs.com/play/joanna-newsom-jeopardy. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
The Divers song that is outside of the loop, aka the bleakest stuff you've ever heard, aka Make Hay. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Make Hay:” Here are three articles about “Make Hay” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part1-d078d7845dc2 (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part2-2efb3a8bb1cd?source=post_page-----d078d7845dc2-------------------------------- (3) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part3-f08cdd16be6 Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
The Divers song that is outside of the loop, aka the bleakest stuff you've ever heard, aka Make Hay. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Make Hay:” Here are three articles about “Make Hay” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part1-d078d7845dc2 (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part2-2efb3a8bb1cd?source=post_page-----d078d7845dc2-------------------------------- (3) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part3-f08cdd16be6 Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
The Divers song that is outside of the loop, aka the bleakest stuff you've ever heard, aka Make Hay. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Make Hay:” Here are three articles about “Make Hay” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part1-d078d7845dc2 (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part2-2efb3a8bb1cd?source=post_page-----d078d7845dc2-------------------------------- (3) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part3-f08cdd16be6 Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
The Divers song that is outside of the loop, aka the bleakest stuff you've ever heard, aka Make Hay. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Make Hay:” Here are three articles about “Make Hay” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part1-d078d7845dc2 (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part2-2efb3a8bb1cd?source=post_page-----d078d7845dc2-------------------------------- (3) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsom-make-hay-meaning-explained-part3-f08cdd16be6 Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
Michael Hicks, author of a whole bunch of wildly insightful articles analyzing Joanna's lyrics, was kind enough to join us for this two part discussion. We talk about big themes on Divers, his writing process, Finnegans Wake, and which dish each album would be. Thank you so much, Michael! You can find links to his articles here: https://medium.com/@hexagn. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
Michael Hicks, author of a whole bunch of wildly insightful articles analyzing Joanna's lyrics, was kind enough to join us for this two part discussion. We talk about big themes on Divers, his writing process, Finnegans Wake, and which dish each album would be. Thank you so much, Michael! You can find links to his articles here: https://medium.com/@hexagn. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
Here we are. Thrust into the end-beginning and probably weeping about it. Time DOES pass hard, ancient mysteries linger, death looms, a woman calls out, a bird receives the message, and we bleed out our days into the river of time in this series of light-hearted episodes. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the “Delving into Divers” Blessing All the Birds article on “Time:” https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/177532661538/delving-into-divers-time-as-a-symptom/amp Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Anecdotes,” “Time, As a Symptom,” and chiasmus: https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/187610274378/re-anecdotes-time-as-a-symptom-and/amp Here are two articles about “Time” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsoms-word-of-warning-9b26e5c131cf (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/our-perfect-secret-keeping-mysteries-hidden-and-revealed-in-joanna-newsoms-time-as-a-symptom-3ef6f45ceccc Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
David Pizarro is Professor of Psychology at Cornell University. While he teaches and publicly discusses a wide variety of material in the discipline, his primary research interest is in moral judgment. In this episode, Robinson and David discuss some of the conceptual underpinnings of moral psychology before turning to the research on praise, blame, social cognition, and the relationship between disgust and political affiliation. David is also the co-host of two podcasts, Very Bad Wizards with Tamler Sommers and Psych with Paul Bloom. David's Website: http://peezer.net David's Twitter: https://twitter.com/peez Very Bad Wizards: https://verybadwizards.fireside.fm Psych: https://psych.fireside.fm OUTLINE 00:00 In This Episode… 00:39 Introduction 02:52 David's Interest in Moral Psychology 06:42 Morality, Judgment, and Intuition in Psychology 30:40 Did Psychology Advance Too Fast 33:44 The Psychology of Praise and Blame 56:26 Why Do We Blame Objects and Robots? 01:10:09 Ostracism, Loneliness, and the Human Condition 01:14:27 The Psychology of Disgust 01:32:26 Disgust and Moral Judgement 01:40:10 Disgust Sensitivity and Political Affiliation Robinson's Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/robinson-erhardt/support
Here we are. Thrust into the end-beginning and probably weeping about it. Time DOES pass hard, ancient mysteries linger, death looms, a woman calls out, a bird receives the message, and we bleed out our days into the river of time in this series of light-hearted episodes. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the “Delving into Divers” Blessing All the Birds article on “Time:” https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/177532661538/delving-into-divers-time-as-a-symptom/amp Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Anecdotes,” “Time, As a Symptom,” and chiasmus: https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/187610274378/re-anecdotes-time-as-a-symptom-and/amp Here are two articles about “Time” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsoms-word-of-warning-9b26e5c131cf (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/our-perfect-secret-keeping-mysteries-hidden-and-revealed-in-joanna-newsoms-time-as-a-symptom-3ef6f45ceccc Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
Here we are. Thrust into the end-beginning and probably weeping about it. Time DOES pass hard, ancient mysteries linger, death looms, a woman calls out, a bird receives the message, and we bleed out our days into the river of time in this series of light-hearted episodes. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the “Delving into Divers” Blessing All the Birds article on “Time:” https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/177532661538/delving-into-divers-time-as-a-symptom/amp Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Anecdotes,” “Time, As a Symptom,” and chiasmus: https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/187610274378/re-anecdotes-time-as-a-symptom-and/amp Here are two articles about “Time” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsoms-word-of-warning-9b26e5c131cf (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/our-perfect-secret-keeping-mysteries-hidden-and-revealed-in-joanna-newsoms-time-as-a-symptom-3ef6f45ceccc Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
Here we are. Thrust into the end-beginning and probably weeping about it. Time DOES pass hard, ancient mysteries linger, death looms, a woman calls out, a bird receives the message, and we bleed out our days into the river of time in this series of light-hearted episodes. Here is our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ahopelessendeavor?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator. Here is the “Delving into Divers” Blessing All the Birds article on “Time:” https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/177532661538/delving-into-divers-time-as-a-symptom/amp Here is the Blessing All the Birds article on “Anecdotes,” “Time, As a Symptom,” and chiasmus: https://allthebirds.tumblr.com/post/187610274378/re-anecdotes-time-as-a-symptom-and/amp Here are two articles about “Time” by Michael Hicks: (1) https://medium.com/@hexagn/joanna-newsoms-word-of-warning-9b26e5c131cf (2) https://medium.com/@hexagn/our-perfect-secret-keeping-mysteries-hidden-and-revealed-in-joanna-newsoms-time-as-a-symptom-3ef6f45ceccc Our email is ahopelessendeavor@gmail.com. We are @ahopelessendeavorpodcast on Instagram, and we're on Facebook too. Thank you so much, as always, to David Pizarro for his sick beats, and for doing the audio processing every single week. Here is a link to all his Joanna beats on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mA6TgWNi9EDhDt2C7. Thank YOU all so much for still being here with us.
Our final chapter (at least for now)! In this episode, Paul and David discuss the science of happiness. We cover the difficulty of defining happiness (or the good life in general), the rise of 'positive psychology', the various factors that we know are related to happiness (genes, money, age, having children), and the question of why we can't just choose to be happy. We end with a discussion of pleasure and pain, and some puzzling findings about our memory of painful experiences. Read the book that inspired the podcast: "Psych: The Story of the Human Mind (https://amzn.to/3YoZDAa)" [amazon.com] Email us with your psychology questions for a future episode!: askpsychpod@gmail.com
Paul and David go further beyond their areas of expertise than usual and discuss the field of clinical psychology--the part of psychology interested in understanding and treating psychological dysfunction. What are mental illnesses? How do we come up with the categories of various psychopathologies? Are mental illnesses the same sort of thing as other diseases, or is the term "disease" more like a metaphor? Are disorders like schizophrenia best understood as discrete categories (either you have it or you don't) or are they continuous? How should we understand personality disorders? Finally, are we making progress on understanding and treating mental illness? Read the book that inspired the podcast: "Psych: The Story of the Human Mind (https://amzn.to/3YoZDAa)" [amazon.com] Email us with your psychology questions for a future episode!: askpsychpod@gmail.com
David and Tamler take the first excursion into the work of Haruki Murakami and talk about his short story “Sleep.” A thirty-year-old woman, the wife of a dentist and mother of a young boy, has a terrifying dream and when she wakes up, she no longer needs to sleep. This isn't insomnia, it's something else – she has never felt so alive, strong, and awake. She can swim laps for an hour in the afternoon and read Anna Karenina with perfect concentration until dawn. What is this condition? Is it real? What does it tell us about her past, her sense of self, her alienation from friends, family, and her role? This is a banger of a story folks, check it out. Plus - if you had to say one word or sentence to distinguish yourself from an AI, what would you say?
The great Paul Bloom returns to the show to explore the many mysteries of Todd Field's 2022 film “Tár.” Is it a ghost story? A movie about cancel culture and abuse of power? Guilt? Professional disappointment? The anxiety of getting old, losing touch with youth and reality? Reminds me of my freshman year at Smith… Plus – Paul gets into trouble on Twitter for saying he's mildly pro-trigger warnings in certain cases. But is he ignoring the science??? Special Guest: Paul Bloom.
David and Tamler talk about William James' chapter on mysticism from his book "Varieties of Religious Experience." What defines a mystical experience? Why do they defy expression and yet feel like a state of knowledge, a glimpse into the window of some undiscovered aspect of reality? Is Tamler right that David has a little mystic inside of him just waiting to burst forth from his breast? Plus – another edition of VBW does conceptual analysis and we're sticking with ‘c' words – this time the definitive theory of ‘creepy.'
David and Tamler deliver a PODCAST episode, one of many that comes from the INTERNET, that you'll probably listen to through Air Pods or some other kind of WIRELESS HEADPHONES as you go about your day. (Incidentally, the topic of the episode is Marshall McLuhan and his ideas about how new forms of media profoundly shape our experience and identity, but in a way that makes us focus on the content of the specific medium and not the medium itself.) Plus, can algorithms help to optimize our well-being, and Steven Pinker transforms his ideas into a new asset class of NFTs.
Here's an episode with something for both of us – a healthy serving of Kantian rationalism for David with a dollop of Marxist criminology for Tamler. We discuss and then argue about Jeffrie Murphy's 1971 paper “Marxism and Retribution.” For Murphy, utilitarianism is non-starter as a theory of punishment because it can't justify the right of the state to inflict suffering on criminals. Retributivism respects the autonomy of individuals so it can justify punishment in principle – but not in practice, at least not in a capitalist system. So it ends up offering a transcendental sanction of the status quo. We debate the merits of Murphy's attack on Rawls and social contract theory under capitalism, along with the Marxist analysis of the roots of criminal behavior. Plus – the headline says it all: Blame The Brain, Not Bolsonaro, For Brazil's Riots.
David and Tamler get lost in the world of Susanna Clarke's "Piranesi," a hauntingly beautiful and thrilling novel with echoes of Borges, Plato, C.S. Lewis, and even Parfit. The first part of our conversation is spoiler-free so you can listen to that section if you haven't read it yet. (But seriously read this book! We both read it in a few days.) Plus, watch out ladies - Sydney the Bing chatbot is coming to steal your man.
Tamler's earlier self committed to doing an episode on Parfit, and David holds his current self to that promise, which shows how unconvinced David was by Parfit's skepticism about personal identity. Or something like that. We argue about the value of Parfit's sci-fi thought experiments and the implications of believing there's no clear sense of “me.” Plus, we talk about a recent article on aphantasia – the inability to conjure images in your mind – and the question that pops into everyone's head when they hear about this condition.
It's the episode that Tamler has been waiting for – a long deep dive into Andrei Tarkovsky's mysterious masterpiece "Stalker." A writer and professor are led by their guide (Stalker) into a cordoned off “zone” that may have been visited by a meteorite (or aliens) a couple of decades earlier. Their destination – a room in the zone that according to legend grants people their deepest desire, the one that has made them suffer the most. We gush over Tarkovsky's filmmaking, his use of sound and music, and the richness of the questions this movie raises about meaning, art, delusion, desire, science, and faith. Plus, does having a small penis make you want to buy a sports car? Pre-crisis social psychology is back!
David and Tamler dive into Seneca's “On the Happy Life” and stoicism, the topic selected by our beloved patreon supporters. Why is stoicism so popular today? What does Seneca actually think about Epicureanism? Can Seneca's philosophy be reconciled with his life as a wealthy Roman aristocrat? Are stoics too cold and detached or is that an unfair caricature? And why can't David and Tamler fully embrace this undeniably wise approach to life? Plus the return of… GUILTY CONFESSIONS and some favorite things from 2022.
David and Tamler wind their way through another Borges story - "The Immortal"- about a Roman soldier who seeks the secret of immortality and, much to his horror, finds it. Plus some thoughts on the utterly shameless ChatGPT.
We often think of metaphors as poetic flourishes, a nice way to punctuate your ideas and make them more relatable. But what if metaphors aren't simply tools of language but part of thought itself? David and Tamler “dive into” George Lakoff's theory of metaphors and “explore” the implications of his view that metaphors shape and constrain the ways we conceptualize our experience of the world. Plus if we're really living in cancel culture, we might as well do some cancelling. Say goodbye to "Singing in the Rain," Latinx, and punny academic titles among other things. Oh and it's our 250th episode! It's been quite a journey. Have we come a long way or are we just spinning our wheels? And for a fun detour, check out our bonus podcast series “The Ambulators” on the great TV series Deadwood.
David and Tamler gild and stain David Hume's essay “The Sceptic” with their sentiments. If nothing is inherently valuable or despicable, desirable or hateful, then what do philosophers have to offer when it comes to happiness? If reason is powerless, does it all come down to our emotions and “humours”? Or does the study of philosophy and liberal arts naturally lead to a fulfilling and virtuous life? Plus we look at a new non-traditional social psych paper on how we always imagine that things could be better, and tip our caps to the queen of handling Twitter pile-ons (and former VBW guest) – Candy Mom.
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