#2193 - Jack Symes

At a Glance

• Importance of Philosophy in Society - “We’re like stuck in this idea of scientism, the view that science can solve all of these problems and questions.” This highlights the importance of philosophy in challenging societal norms and beliefs.

• Discussion on Consciousness and Technology - “What’s to stop someone from making an army of Donald Trump’s?” Raises ethical questions about the implications of advanced technology on consciousness and identity.

• Value of Civil Discourse - “I just wanna just tell me what you think and I’ll try to steel man it.” Emphasizes the importance of civil discourse and understanding different perspectives in conversations.

• Barney Frank Debate - “Barney Frank kind of annihilated him.” Illustrates the power of effective argumentation and critical thinking in debates and discussions.

• Role of Podcasts in Public Discourse - “The beautiful thing about a podcast as opposed to almost any other form of media is that no…” Highlights the unique platform that podcasts provide for in-depth discussions and exploration of diverse topics.

What to Do

• Live your life in the way that you want to live your life - This advice encourages individuals to prioritize their own desires and aspirations, promoting self-fulfillment and personal growth.

• Aspire to be the person you pretend to be when you’re trying to get laid - This advice suggests that individuals can strive to embody their ideal selves, drawing inspiration from moments when they present their best qualities.

• Try to acquire conversations and experiences from people that elevate your understanding of yourself and how you interact with others - This advice emphasizes the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations and experiences that contribute to personal development and broaden perspectives.

What to Get

• Star Trek - Amazon - To understand the concept of teleportation and how it differs from copying and pasting

• The Bible - Amazon - To explore the origins of religious experiences and their potential connection to psychedelic experiences

• The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Christian Myth by John Allegro - Amazon - To delve into the theory that Christian religion had its origins in fertility rituals and psychedelic mushroom therapy

• The Essential Turing: Seminal Writings in Computing, Logic, Philosophy, Artificial Intelligence, and Artificial Life plus The Secrets of Enigma by Alan Turing - Amazon - To understand the historical persecution of individuals based on their sexual orientation

Summary

In this podcast episode, the hosts engage in a deep conversation about the importance of philosophy, public discourse, and the role of podcasts in shaping our understanding of the world. They discuss the concept of the multiverse and how philosophers need to think beyond the constraints of scientism, which suggests that science can solve all problems and questions. The conversation delves into the idea that philosophy is like plumbing, where philosophers help unclog societal conversations and keep them flowing smoothly. They also touch on the need for diverse perspectives in public discourse, highlighting the importance of exploring different viewpoints and engaging in civil discussions.

The hosts also talk about the power of podcasts in sparking curiosity and expanding one’s understanding of various topics. They emphasize the value of listening to different viewpoints, even if they differ from our own, as a way to elevate our understanding of ourselves and how we interact with others. The conversation touches on the challenges of discussing controversial topics, such as non-human animal rights, in mainstream media and the importance of creating space for diverse voices to be heard.

Overall, the episode explores the role of podcasts in fostering meaningful conversations, challenging societal norms, and encouraging listeners to think critically about the world around them. It highlights the power of open dialogue, curiosity, and empathy in shaping our perspectives and understanding of complex issues.