Stanford Symbolic Systems

Symbolic Systems is a unique program for undergraduates and graduates at Stanford University devoted to the interdisciplinary study of mind, language, computation, and logic. We did our first collaboration with SymSys in 2015, when founding Philosophy Talk host Ken Taylor was director of the program. That year, former CIA analyst Edward Snowden joined us from an undisclosed location in Russia to discuss the Ethics of Whistleblowing. Since then, SymSys has provided support for live recordings of the program, featuring each year’s Wasow Visiting Scholar as our guest. You can listen to these episodes below.

Stack of books with an apple, ABC blocks, and colored pencils on a desk

How Do We Learn?

Guest: Catherine Hartley, Professor of Psychology and Neural Science, New York University
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Two silhouettes share colorful question marks, symbolizing mind sharing and communication.

Mind Sharing

Guest: Julian Jara-Ettinger, Professor of Psychology and Computer Science, Yale University
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Cross-section of head smelling roses; olfactory system highlighted. Philosophy of smell.

The Philosophy of Smell

Guest: Asifa Majid, Professor of Cognitive Science, University of Oxford
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Stanford University 2018 Frankenstein-themed logo featuring a stylized Frankenstein's monster head with medical and scientific imagery.

Monstrous Technologies?

Guest: Persis Drell, Provost, Stanford University
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Warning sign: Moral Dilemma Ahead, depicting a self-driving car.

Driverless Cars at the Moral Crossroads

Guest: Joshua Greene, Professor of Psychology, Harvard University
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Edward Snowden "I Want You" poster: Blow the whistle in defense of our liberty.

Edward Snowden and the Ethics of Whistleblowing

Guest:

Former CIA analyst and NSA contractor Edward Snowden

Read More about Edward Snowden and the Ethics of Whistleblowing