The Theory of Anything
Bruce Nielson and Peter JohansenA 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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 142 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CulturePhilosophy | |||
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Latest Episodes
This week we are joined for the 4th time by physicist Sam Kuypers. From his Conjecture Institute profile: “Quantum physicist, interested in foundational questions. In his research, published in reputable scientific journals, he explores the quantum t... more
Ad hoc saves and immunizing stratagems are phrases Karl Popper used to describe moves humans make when we try to protect our theories from refutation. We all do this every day in one way or another.
But immunizing stratagems hurts theories in that t... more
This week we talk about doomers, specifically AI doomers. Why has it become such a popular notion, especially amongst those who consider themselves the most rational kinds of people, that this kind of apocalypse, amongst others, is imminent? What ass... more
Bruce has made a controversial claim on this show: today's "CritRats" (Critical Rationalists on X) have drifted from what Popper intended. And surprisingly, some of the drift traces back to David Deutsch's reinterpretation of Popper in an attempt to ... more
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- Amazing series
Very glad to have come across this series.
Apple Podcasts5Di$-appointed user
India6 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?!! :)
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 Podcasts5wiggy woggy
Canadaa year 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 Podcasts5wiggy woggyCanada2 years ago - Intense
Really substantial stuff here. Cuz i am serious about popper and deutsch and this podcast is perfect for me.
Apple Podcasts5wiggy woggyCanada2 years ago - Popper in-depth
Gets into the weeds on Popper in a wonderful way. Highly recommended.
Apple Podcasts5Al Pittampalli
United States3 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #192 | United States/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #16 |  Indonesia/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #142 |  Poland/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #153 |  Chile/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #170 |  Norway/Society & Culture/Philosophy |
Apple Podcasts | #203 | Indonesia/Society & Culture |
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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?
A deep, idea-rich discussion space that centers epistemology, critical rationalism, and the nature of knowledge, often through contrasts between Popper and Deutsch. Episodes frequently tackle AGI, Bayesianism, memes, and the science of explanation, weaving philosophy with practical concerns about education, society, and technology. The show stands out for its rigorous, sometimes provocative debates, willingness to challenge established views, and a persistent interest in how knowledge grows in open societies. The format favors long-form conversations and guest interview segments, appealing to listeners who enjoy conceptual rigor and interdisciplinary thought about science, philosophy, and AI.
Where can I find podcast stats for The Theory of Anything?
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How many listeners does The Theory of Anything get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Theory of Anything?
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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. Conjecture Institute
3. Conversations with Tyler
4. EconTalk
5. Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
How many episodes of The Theory of Anything are there?
The Theory of Anything launched 6 years ago and published 142 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. Ray Scott Percival
2. Michael Golding
3. Micah Redding
4. Logan Chipkin
5. Jonathan Rauch
6. Ivan Phillips
7. Sadia Naeem
8. Michael Levin
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.