History of Philosophy Audio Archive

• Hemlock #12 - Gaia Wakes: My Conversation with Topher McDougal on AI, Climate Change, Nuclear Weapons, Planetary Consciousness, David Graeber, Gregory Bateson, Technological Lifeforms, and Evolution

  Follow Topher's Work:https://tophermcdougal.com/Buy the book, Gaia Wakes:https://cup.columbia.edu/book/gaia-wakes/9781788218283Follow Topher on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/topherlmcdougalCome join me on Patreon:https://patreon.com/HemlockPatreonChapters(00:00:00)-Introduction to Gaia Wakes and Its Themes(00:09:06)-The Intellectual Clash of the Cold War(00:16:06)-The Dialectic of Predation and Domestication(00:50:01)-The Emergence of a Planetary Consciousness(00:55:44)-The Scalar Organization of Life and Learning(01:02:20)-Consciousness and the Models of Our Models(01:08:28)-The Emergence of AI Consciousness(01:18:00)-Ethics and AI Personhood(01:24:42)-The Future of AI and Human Interaction(01:52:23)-The Role of Humanity in Ecosystem Stewardship(01:58:10)-Synthesis of Biological and Technological Systems(02:06:09)-The Future of Energy and Resource Management(02:12:05)-The Logic of Coordination and Planning(02:18:15)-Technological Progress and Economic Impact(02:31:03)-Recommendations for Further Reading-//-SummaryIn this conversation, William engages with Professor Topher McDougal about his upcoming book, 'Gaia Wakes,' which explores themes of planetary consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the interplay between human development and ecological challenges. They discuss historical intellectual debates during the Cold War, the dialectic of predation and domestication in evolutionary processes, and the potential for a centralized planetary consciousness to address environmental issues. In this conversation, McDougal explores the intricate relationship between learning, consciousness, and the emergence of AI. He discusses the scalar organization of life, the models we create to navigate our environment, and the potential for AI to develop consciousness. The ethical implications of AI personhood and the future of human interaction with AI are also examined, highlighting the need for a robust framework for understanding and guiding these developments. In this conversation, the speaker explores the intricate relationship between humanity, technology, and the environment. They discuss the role of humans as custodians of ecosystems, drawing parallels with natural systems like slime molds. The synthesis of biological and technological systems is highlighted, along with the potential risks associated with rapid technological advancements. The conversation also delves into the future of energy management, the importance of planning for sustainability, and the disjunction between meaningful work and economic realities. Recommendations for further reading are provided to deepen understanding of these themes.

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• #159 - Roy Casagranda's Dreams and Genocide: Yemen, the United Arab Republic, Yemen's Civil War, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Henry Kissinger, Houthi Revolutionaries, Climate Change, and the Arab Spring

  Come join my Patreon!https://patreon.com/HemlockPatreonCheck out Roy's YouTube Page:https://www.youtube.com/@DrRoyCasagranda00:00-Introduction 02:30-The 1919 Revolution: A Catalyst for Change10:38-Emergence of Dominant Ideologies in the Arab World20:59-The United Arab Republic: A Pan-Arab Dream23:48-Yemen's Civil War: Echoes of History28:24-The 1973 Arab-Israeli War and Its Aftermath38:27-Kissinger's Chaos and Middle Eastern Alliances41:20-The Rise of Tyranny and Civil Wars45:45-The Arab Spring: A Wave of Change52:31-Yemen's Fragile Democracy and the Houthi Revolution56:44-The Complexity of Yemen's Civil War01:01:43-The Future of Yemen: Hope or Despair?01:07:47-The Impact of Climate Change on Yemen's Stability-//-

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• Consolatio #2 - To Oppose Evil Men is the Chief Aim We Set Before Ourselves: Book I, Entrance of Philosophy to the Dungeon, Condemnation of Stoics and Epicurus, Pi & Theta, Fear Nothing, Hope Nothing

  It's finally here, and we're just getting started: Book I of Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy with a new intro by me.(00:00:00) - Historical Introduction(00:22:54) - Note on Translation & Performance(00:26:16) - Book 1(01:03:23) - OutroPlease consider purchasing the book that inspired this project, the Ignatius Critical Edition translated by Scott Goins and Barbara H. Wyman:https://a.co/d/3A2j8PSFull Text of the Cooper Translation:https://faculty.georgetown.edu/jod/boethius/jkok/1m1_u.htm-//-

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• #158 - Mircea Eliade and the Cycles of Time: Darren Staloff on Comparative Mythology, Symbolic Archetypes, the History of Religion, Eliade's Religious Scholarship, and the Theophany of Profane Events

  Suggestions for the show:[email protected]:https://www.patreon.com/HemlockPatreon-//-(00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:55) - Staloff on Eliade-//-Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/william-engels.bsky.socialDarren Staloff:https://hamilton.center.ufl.edu/people/darren-staloff/Mircea Eliade:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mircea_Eliade

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• #157 - Learn to Die So You Can Learn to Live: Cornel West on Socratic Legacy, Blues, Chekhov's Christ, American Democracy, Deep Education, Jazz, Augustine, and the Blue Note in the American Song

  Patreon: https://patreon.com/HemlockPatreonHang in there.Original Video, Published Feb 2014https://youtu.be/EwPCJ9WpH7EThank you to Wheaton College for recording and uploading this talk.https://www.youtube.com/@wheatoncollege

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