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Artwork for The Theory of Anything

The Theory of Anything

Bruce Nielson and Peter Johansen
David Deutsch
Critical Rationalism
Artificial General Intelligence
Karl Popper
Video Games
Douglas Hofstadter
Constructor Theory Of Knowledge
Darwinian Evolution
Moral Progress
Deutsch's Theory Of Knowledge
Animal Memes
Astrology
Heat Death
Universal Explainers
Problem Of Open-Endedness
Evolutionary Epistemology
Theory Of Knowledge
Libertarianism
Popper's Paradox Of Tolerance
Scientific Method

A podcast that explores the unseen and surprising connections between nearly everything, with special emphasis on intelligence and the search for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) through the lens of Karl Popper's Theory of Knowledge. David Deutsch argued that Quantum Mechanics, Darwinian Evolution, Karl Popper's Theory of Knowledge, and Computational Theory (aka "The Four Strands") represent ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes119Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Theory of Anything

Latest Episodes

This week we talk to Micah Redding, the host of the Christian Transhumanist podcast. We discuss: What is the significance of a singularity? What is free will from a many worlds perspective? Does Omega Point cosmology solve the problem of evil? And mo... more

This week we had the absolute honor of interviewing Jonathan Rauch. Rauch is an extremely influential public intellectual (journalist and author) who is also a Popperian. His 1993 book, Kindly Inquisitors, makes the epistemic case for free speech. It... more

This week Bruce take a deep critical rationalist dive into Michael Strevens’s book, The Knowledge Machine: How Irrationality Created Modern Science, which is an attempt to describe how science is a self-correcting system designed to create knowledge ... more

This week we consider: Is falsification falsifiable? Was Popper a “naive falsificationist”?

Why do so many people think he was? (Including at least one of his own students!)

Is falsification itself a philosophical theory that makes it immune from ... more

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Recent Guests

Jonathan Rauch
Influential public intellectual and author, known for his works on free speech and democracy.
Episode: Episode 117: Jonathan Rauch
Sadia Naeem
Physicist with a PhD, interested in foundational issues in science
Independent researcher and physicist
Episode: Episode 109: Genes, Emergence, and Platonism (round table with Sadia and Ivan)
Michael Levin
Biologist known for his work on cell cognition
Episode: Episode 105: Michael Levin's Unseen World of Cell Cognition
Chris Johansen
Professional jazz musician based in New York City
Episode: Episode 97: Karl Popper On Conservatism in Music (w/Chris Johansen)
Kenneth Stanley
AI researcher and author of 'Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, The Myth of the Objective'
Episode: Episode 96: Kenneth Stanley on the Pursuit of What’s Interesting
Stephen Hicks
Professor of Philosophy and author known for works defending liberalism and critiquing postmodernism
Rockford University
Episode: Episode 94: Stephen Hicks on Critical Rationalism vs Objectivism
Ivan Phillips
PhD in theoretical physics, involved in science and critical thinking outreach
Software Industry
Episode: Episode 90: Bayesianism for Critical Rationalists!?
Dan Gish
Computer science background, interested in the infinite growth of knowledge
Episode: Episode 87: Is the Universal Explainer Hypothesis Falsifiable?
Kenneth O. Stanley
Theorist known for his work on open-endedness in evolution
Episode: Episode 74: The Problem of Open-Endedness

Host

Bruce Nielson
Host and co-host, focuses on epistemological themes and discussions around intelligence and AGI.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 77 ratings
  • Intense

    Really substantial stuff here. Cuz i am serious about popper and deutsch and this podcast is perfect for me.

    You guys def deserve more (positive) reviews! Where are the reviews?!! :)

    May 4, 2025

    Really enjoyed the episode. Just a quick thought on the point about Bayesian epistemology vs. Bayesian reasoning. The key difference, I think, is that Bayesian reasoning offers a useful *description* of how agents might update beliefs. That’s fine on its own. But Bayesian epistemology goes further—it ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wiggy woggy
    Canada5 months ago
  • Intense

    Really substantial stuff here. Cuz i am serious about popper and deutsch and this podcast is perfect for me.

    You guys def deserve more (positive) reviews! Where are the reviews?!! :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wiggy woggy
    Canadaa year ago
  • Intense

    Really substantial stuff here. Cuz i am serious about popper and deutsch and this podcast is perfect for me.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    wiggy woggy
    Canada2 years ago
  • Popper in-depth

    Gets into the weeds on Popper in a wonderful way. Highly recommended.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Al Pittampalli
    United States2 years ago
  • Promulgating Popper = 👍👍

    Well done folks!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    E-ric____
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

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Listeners appreciate the intellectual depth of the discussions, often finding the content profoundly thought-provoking. Many reviews highlight the quality of explanations regarding complex philosophical concepts, making them accessible and engaging. The conversational style is noted for being both stimulating and entertaining, appealing to those who enjoy critical thinking.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 108: AI and Obedience (with Dan Gish)
Q: How close are we to developing AGI?
The consensus is that while significant progress has been made, true AGI is still a distant goal that requires further research and understanding.
Episode 108: AI and Obedience (with Dan Gish)
Q: What do you think about the crit-rats having a negative view of AI?
Dan believes this negativity stems from the misunderstanding of AGI and its relation to today's AI technologies.
Episode 103: Neo-Darwinism vs Post-Darwinism
Q: Does this theory of Shapiro's play into this idea of something inherent in the laws of physics that's almost like a creative force?
Shapiro seems more interested in solving evolutionary problems than advocating for inherent meaning in physics.
Episode 100: Interview with David Deutsch
Q: When can we expect a book?
I'm writing several books. They are all going very slowly.
Episode 100: Interview with David Deutsch
Q: Why do you call it free will? Is there other terms that could be used?
I don't want to get hung up on what to call things... as long as we don't define away what we're talking about.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Theory of Anything

What is The Theory of Anything about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast takes listeners on a journey through the interconnections of various disciplines, focusing heavily on themes of intelligence and the quest for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Utilizing Karl Popper's Theory of Knowledge as a foundation, the discussions often involve critical explorations of philosophy, science, and computational theory, with special attention given to concepts like epistemology, evolutionary theory, and the philosophical implications of technology. Notably, the content promotes deep thinking and aims to challenge traditional perceptions, making it ideal for listeners who appreciate intricate dialogues that blend diverse fields and inspire intellectual curiosity.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Theory of Anything?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Theory of Anything:

1. Increments
2. Dwarkesh Podcast
3. Into the Impossible With Brian Keating
4. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
5. Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST)

How many episodes of The Theory of Anything are there?

The Theory of Anything launched 6 years ago and published 119 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Theory of Anything?

Recent guests on The Theory of Anything include:

1. Jonathan Rauch
2. Sadia Naeem
3. Michael Levin
4. Chris Johansen
5. Kenneth Stanley
6. Stephen Hicks
7. Ivan Phillips
8. Dan Gish

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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