Eastern philosophy covers a wide range of topics and ideas. It can be difficult to know where to start when exploring this area of study. This crash course will give you a brief overview of the most important concepts in eastern philosophy, from Confucianism to Zen Buddhism. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding … Read more
Friedrich Nietzsche is one of the most controversial philosophers of the modern era. His works are often misinterpreted and misused, especially by groups like the Nazis who co-opted his ideas for their own nefarious purposes. In his book, “Nietzsche and the Nazis,” Dr. Steven Hicks provides a clear and concise overview of Nietzsche’s work and … Read more
In his book, “Our Mathematical Universe“, Max Tegmark attempts to answer some of the most fundamental questions about our existence. Tegmark, a physics professor at MIT, takes us on a journey through the history of cosmology and physics in order to better understand how we got to where we are today. He then turns his … Read more
In Human Compatible, Russell examines the future dangers of AI technology through the lens of control. He posits that AI systems must be made subservient to human needs and objectives in order to avoid detrimental outcomes, and he offers solutions for instituting this level of control. Russell’s chief concern is that current AI technology is … Read more
The world is a far better place than it was even just a few decades ago. Thanks to advances in technology, we now have the ability to provide for everyone’s basic needs—and then some. In his book, Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think, author and futurist Peter Diamandis paints a beautiful picture of … Read more
In his book The Singularity is Near, Ray Kurzweil argues that the exponential progression of technology will lead to a point where machines surpass human intelligence, leading to a future in which humans merge with technology. He predicts that this will happen by 2045. Kurzweil begins by discussing the history of technology and how it … Read more
In The Open Society and Its Enemies, philosopher Karl Popper articulates a defense of the liberal democratic tradition against what he sees as the twin threats of Marxism and fascism. Popper begins by critiquing the Hegelian dialectic, which he believes provides a justification for totalitarism. He then turns his attention to Marx, critiquing both his … Read more
In his book AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order, Kai-Fu Lee outlines his vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI). He believes that AI will bring about a “greater divide” between those who have the skillset to take advantage of it and those who don’t. As such, he envisions a … Read more
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark is a book that explores the implications of artificial intelligence and its effect on humanity. It delves into topics about the potential for AI to be used for good or evil, and the responsibility of humans to ensure that AI works for … Read more
How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed by Ray Kurzweil is a book about artificial intelligence. The book tells the story of how the human brain works and how this knowledge can help scientists replicate it in robots. Kurzweil believes that if our machines can understand what makes us human, they … Read more