Big Think

Sneak preview of the next chapter of @cosmos_inst, coming out tomorrow. Interview in collaboration with the superb @BobbyHugh and @freethinkmedia @bigthink.

Every builder’s first duty is philosophical: decide what they should build for. Silicon Valley once understood this. Now it’s been mostly forgotten. New video dropping tomorrow.

Why self and free will are actually illusions | Annaka Harris @annakaharris 0:00 The illusion of self 4:22 The brain as a dynamic process 6:53 Decision-making & “free will" 10:33 Neuroscience of the self 13:11 Losing the self

How do we move away from transactional thinking? @ericmarkowitz @bfeld #BTBusiness "Take a longer view. Be present. Give first without expecting immediate returns." — Brad Feld For practical examples read the full interview with Eric Markowitz: bigthink.com/the-long-game/…

Whatever we build is driven by some philosophy, whether examined or not. This is why I'm a fan of @cosmos_ins's call for philosopher-builders (link below). The future isn't fixed, what we choose to build -- and why -- matters. It's worth examining our OS to check for upgrades.

Honored to participate in @cosmos_inst's philosopher-builder conversation. We must garden emergence, not dictate structure--vital in the AI era. Human flourishing means breaking from defaults: instead of systems that harvest engagement, we need tech that helps people grow.

Excited to support @mbrendan1 & the Cosmos team! Like the printing press and internet, AI will fundamentally transform our relationship with information. Cosmos is training philosopher-builders that can bridge the gap between theory and praxis at this critical inflection point.

Introducing the Philosopher-Builder Movement: For every founder, the fundamental question is: what future do I want to build? @mbrendan1 and @cosmos_inst are starting a movement to create a new type of technologist - a philosopher-builder, inspired by Benjamin Franklin and…

What it really takes to be a CIA agent. | Full interview with Andrew Bustamante @EverydaySpy 00:00:00 Part 1: Becoming a spy 00:00:19 What do people get wrong about being a spy? 00:01:29 What are the qualities of a potential spy? 00:04:56 What is the process for becoming a CIA…

Why is “F = ma” still the most important equation in physics? It's been over 300 years since Newton's laws were first written down, and we've learned so much more in all the time since. So, why does F = ma remain such an important equation? bigthink.com/starts-with-a-…

How penicillin became the most important medical discovery of the 20th century | Derek Thompson @DKThomp 0:00 The implementation of penicillin 2:02 OSRD and scaling penicillin 3:41 Have we forgotten how to implement? 5:01 Operation Warp Speed

Will AI friends become the norm? @DKThomp

Oxonians! I'll be exploring "the mystery of consciousness" with none other than Jonny Thomson @philosophyminis at The North Wall Arts Centre on Sep 16th. Tickets are free - courtesy of @bigthink. More details: thenorthwall.com/whats-on/big-t…

Every builder's first duty is philosophical: to decide what they should build for. AI is beginning to decide what ideas reach your mind—your next action, your next job, your next relationship. It will tempt you to outsource your thinking in ways you’ve never been tempted before.…

Your mind is all you have. What if AI starts thinking for you? The next trillion dollars in AI investment will have irreversible consequences. Through our partnership with the @cosmos_inst, @mbrendan1 reveals what’s at stake.

Are we becoming less social? @DKThomp

Can video games cure cancer? Read more: bigthink.com/health/video-g… @JeffYoshimi @BerkeleyLab @Foldit

Scientists have discovered the heaviest black hole ever, using a technique called laser inferometery. Now funding cuts threaten to kill it all. Read more: bigthink.com/starts-with-a-… #StartsWithABang @StartsWithABang