Computers Tagged Episodes

Is Optimism Rational?

December 8, 2024

When the odds are against you, believing in yourself can be a source of strength—but…

Animated boy standing in floodwater, looking optimistic.

The Social Lives of Robots

February 18, 2024

Machines might surpass humans in terms of computational intelligence, but when it comes to social…

Timeline of robot development from 1999-2030, showcasing various robot designs.

Conscious Machines

June 5, 2022

Computers have already surpassed us in their ability to perform certain cognitive tasks. Perhaps it…

Brain displayed on computer screen, connected to lightbulbs representing emotions like joy, grief, and fear. Conscious machines concept.

What Is Religious Belief?

December 5, 2021

Many people profess to believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing, benevolent God. Yet psychological data shows…

Diverse religious symbols including a cross, Om symbol, Star of David, and hand of Fatima illustrate the concept of religious belief.

Does Reputation Matter?

June 27, 2021

We think about about our own reputation all the time, and we constantly reference the…

Woman checking phone, rating friends app. Does reputation matter?

The Ethics of Algorithms

April 18, 2021

Recent years have seen the rise of machine learning algorithms surrounding us in our homes…

Diagram showing algorithm ethics: thumbs up leads to positive feedback (five stars) and theatrical masks representing positive and negative user experiences.

Does Science Over-reach?

April 4, 2021

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t argue with science.” Appealing to scientific fact as…

Graphic: SCIENCE Ruining Everything Since 1543. Image shows crossed-out icons of the geocentric model, a mythical creature, and a unicorn, questioning science's impact.

Faith and Humility

December 20, 2020

Some would argue that faith requires that one blindly—rather than rationally— believe. Faith in one…

Silhouette of a kneeling man contemplating; the word HUMILITY is overlaid.

The Internet of Things

February 16, 2020

Smart TVs, refrigerators, cars, and entire houses—the internet of things refers to the networking of…

Illustration of interconnected devices and a face resembling Big Brother, with text: "Big Brother is Watching You." Internet of Things concept.

Turbo-Charging the Mind

June 7, 2015

The rapid advance of computer technology in recent decades has produced a vast array of…

Man with electrodes on his head, undergoing brainwave monitoring for mind enhancement.

Creativity

October 17, 2010

What makes an idea or work of art creative?  Can creativity be measured?  Can a…

Lightbulb inside a head, symbolizing creativity and new ideas.

Digital Selves

October 10, 2010

Second Life and dozens of other online adventures involve creating digital selves, and millions of…

Animated woman wearing an "I ♥ Nerds" shirt. Digital self representation.

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