Mind Matters Natural and Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis

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high-speed-fiber-optic-internet-concept-stockpack-adobe-stock
High speed fiber optic internet concept
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post
Author
News
Date
April 16, 2024
Categorized
Technology
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Bob Metcalfe on Our Connected World

Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Jay Richards interviews Bob Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet
News
April 16, 2024
1
Technology

The Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence is pleased to be able to share the videos from the 2023 COSM conference, now available on YouTube. This annual conference explores the status and the future of our era-defining technologies, from artificial intelligence to electric vehicles to new developments in biotech. Today’s video features a conversation with Bob Metcalfe, a pioneer in the field of computer science and the inventor of Ethernet. Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Jay Richards interviews Bob Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet and recipient of the prestigious Turing Award, about the predicted pathologies of the internet and the reversals associated with the rise of connectivity.

a-group-of-people-walking-together-through-a-bustling-shopping-mall-this-image-can-be-used-to-depict-a-busy-shopping-day-or-to-illustrate-consumerism-and-retail-therapy-stockpack-adobe-stock
A group of people walking together through a bustling shopping mall. This image can be used to depict a busy shopping day or to illustrate consumerism and retail therapy.
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
April 15, 2024
Categorized
Arts & Culture
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The Crisis of Identity That Tech Doesn’t Help

Consumerism works well but leaves us empty
Peter Biles
April 15, 2024
2
Arts & Culture

Writer and cultural commentator Aaron Renn wrote recently about the dissolution of identity in the United States, contending that if we don’t know who we are, we will never know what to do. Renn writes frequently on issues facing young men in America and the challenges of living well in the secular world. He writes, The reality is that a lot of people in top positions of our society act as if they want you living like Simba. They want porn available for you to watch. They want you betting on the big game on your phone. They want you focused on “experiences” and consumption, like hitting the latest hot travel destination or going to the new farm-to-table restaurant that Read More ›

modern-fridge-in-room-on-the-wooden-floor-3d-rendering-stockpack-adobe-stock
Modern fridge in room on the wooden floor, 3D rendering
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
April 4, 2024
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
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I Don’t Need an AI Refrigerator, but Thanks

We need to clarify what AI is good for and what it would only complicate
Peter Biles
April 4, 2024
2
Artificial Intelligence

The AI hype seems to know no bounds. Is there any sphere of life the optimists will leave untouched? AI techies are coming for home appliances now, too, because it isn’t enough that our refrigerators store our food for us; we need them to refashioned top-down into AI bots that can spin out recipes for us. The main problem with this domestic infestation of AI is the simultaneous invasion of privacy, as noted in a recent Futurism article. Also, it’s just a hassle to keep up with. There’s no doubt there are certain things AI simplifies, like facial recognition on apps and generating an email via ChatGPT, but when I’m in the mood for a frozen burrito, there’s really only Read More ›

abstract-dot-point-connect-with-gradient-line-and-aesthetic-intricate-wave-line-design-internationalization-social-network-or-business-big-data-connection-technology-concept-stockpack-adobe-stock
Abstract dot point connect with gradient line and aesthetic Intricate wave line design , internationalization social network or business big data connection technology concept .
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post
Author
William A. Dembski
Date
April 4, 2024
Categorized
Information Theory
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What’s the Relation Between Intelligence and Information?

The fundamental intuition of information as narrowing down possibilities matches up neatly with the concept of intelligence
William A. Dembski
April 4, 2024
4
Information Theory

The key intuition behind the concept of information is the narrowing of possibilities. The more that possibilities are narrowed down, the greater the information. If I tell you I’m on planet Earth, I haven’t conveyed any information because you already knew that (let’s leave aside space travel). If I tell you I’m in the United States, I’ve begun to narrow down where I am in the world. If I tell you I’m in Texas, I’ve narrowed down my location further. If I tell you I’m forty miles north of Dallas, I’ve narrowed my location down even further. As I keep narrowing down my location, I’m providing you with more and more information. Information is therefore, in its essence, exclusionary: the more Read More ›

man-is-using-virtual-reality-headset-image-with-glitch-effect-stockpack-adobe-stock
Man is using virtual reality headset. Image with glitch effect.
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
February 6, 2024
Categorized
Technology
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The Apple Vision Pro is Here

What exactly is the point of this new, painfully expensive piece of gadgetry?
Peter Biles
February 6, 2024
3
Technology
Given what we've seen so far, it seems like this new release from one of the world's foremost technology companies is more of a fancy toy than a genuine tool. Read More ›
servers-data-center-room-with-bright-bokeh-light-going-through-the-corridor-3d-rendering-stockpack-adobe-stock
Servers data center room with bright bokeh light going through the corridor 3D rendering
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post
Author
Jeffrey Funk
Date
January 30, 2024
Categorized
Global Technology
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The Allure of General Purpose Technologies

Generative AI is merely the most recent one.
Jeffrey Funk
January 30, 2024
7
Global Technology
I don’t believe that economists intended to create a monster when they coined the term “general purpose technology”, but they have. Read More ›
communication-technology-for-internet-business-global-world-network-and-telecommunication-on-earth-cryptocurrency-and-blockchain-and-iot-elements-of-this-image-furnished-by-nasa-stockpack-adobe-stock
Communication technology for internet business. Global world network and telecommunication on earth cryptocurrency and blockchain and IoT. Elements of this image furnished by NASA
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post
Author
Russ White
Date
January 12, 2024
Categorized
Technology
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Is Tech Still Innovating?

Is it just me, or is the world of technology feeling a bit … stale?
Russ White
January 12, 2024
4
Technology
Maybe IT is slowing down. But maybe that is a good thing. Read More ›
3d-abstract-render-of-blue-glass-cubes-in-grid-forming-data-trend-stockpack-adobe-stock
3d abstract render of blue glass cubes in grid forming data trend
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
November 20, 2023
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
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Sam Altman Out at OpenAI, Microsoft Picks Him Up

Will Microsoft become the prime leader in the AI movement, and what will be the future of OpenAI?
Peter Biles
November 20, 2023
3
Artificial Intelligence
According to the Wall Street Journal, Altman was "shocked" that he was ousted at OpenAI. But, he also fostered a close connection with Microsoft. Read More ›
hand-holds-a-disposable-film-camera-stockpack-adobe-stock
hand holds a disposable film camera
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
October 21, 2023
Categorized
Social Media
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Trying to Solve Social Media’s Problems Through…More Social Media

Alternative social media apps still have to figure out ways to keep you scrolling.
Peter Biles
October 21, 2023
3
Social Media

Last month a friend invited me to download a new photography app called “Lapse.” Perhaps you’ve already heard of it and downloaded it yourself. I decided to try it and see what all the fuss was about. The app’s opening screen was dramatic, with captions about the failures of previous social media apps to truly “capture” the present moment. The business model of social media apps, the Lapsers rightly contend, revolves around “likes” and gaining “friends.” What happened to taking pictures of real, human moments without minding the social reward they might reap? Photo-taking was about holding on to moments that mattered. It wasn’t about filters, validation, or identity. Lapse promises to be different. It’s a disposable camera on your Read More ›

armed-robbery-stockpack-adobe-stock
ARMED ROBBERY
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post
Author
Russ White
Date
October 18, 2023
Categorized
Social Media
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The Great Trust Heist

When social media companies are mining data, trust is naturally undermined.
Russ White
October 18, 2023
5
Social Media
Machines that process the private information you share with people you trust find ways to nudge you towards beliefs and actions the owners of the social media network want. Read More ›
trader-with-laptop-looking-at-financial-bitcoin-cryptocurrency-crypto-graph-data-trade-created-with-generative-ai-tools-stockpack-adobe-stock
Trader with laptop looking at financial bitcoin cryptocurrency crypto graph data trade. Created with Generative AI tools
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Author
News
Date
August 16, 2023
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Technology
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SPACs, IPOs, and Direct Listings

What are the new tools to unlock capital markets?
News
August 16, 2023
1
Technology

Matt McIlwain, Managing Director of Madrona Venture Group, moderates a panel on exciting new investment tools: SPACs, IPOs, and Direct Listings. Panelists include Kristin Zimmerman, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Michael Nordtvedt, Partner at Wilson Sonsini, and Byran Mistele, CEO of INRIX. We’ve been sharing a number of lectures from past COSM conferences and other videos related to artificial intelligence and technology. This video is just one of many you can find at the Bradley Center’s YouTube page. There you’ll find several lectures, interviews, and panels dealing with issues that range from economics, Big Tech, and artificial intelligence. Notable speakers include 2022 Kyoto Prize winner Carver Mead, venture capitalist Peter Thiel, and George Gilder, co-founder of Discovery Institute and author of Life After Capitalism: The Meaning of Read More ›

high-internet-speed-stockpack-adobe-stock
High internet speed
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Author
News
Date
August 11, 2023
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Technology
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What is the Future of the Internet?

Jay Richards interviews University of Texas Professor of Innovation Bob Metcalfe regarding the future of the internet
News
August 11, 2023
2
Technology

In today’s featured video from a past COSM conference, Discovery Institute Senior Fellow Jay Richards interviews University of Texas Professor of Innovation Bob Metcalfe regarding the future of the internet. Be sure to register now for the COSM 2023 conference, which will be held in November in Bellevue, Washington. COSM is an exclusive national summit on the technologies remaking the world as we know it. The mission of the conference is to stimulate debate and deliberation amongst industry leaders, illuminating the synergy between Seattle and the world and providing a scene of civilized conversation and exchange. We’ve been sharing a number of lectures from past COSM conferences. This video is just one of many you can find at the Bradley Read More ›

COSM-2021-audiece-174A3275
Distinguished guests at COSM 2021
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News
Date
May 26, 2023
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Technology
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Tackling the Big Questions with Carver Mead

Mead said that COSM attendees argued in good faith in order to reach the truth
News
May 26, 2023
1
Technology

Dr. Carver Mead, Professor Emeritus and California Institute of Technology and recipient of the prestigious 2022 Kyoto Prize for Advanced Technology, gave the closing remarks for last year’s COSM conference. “We’ve tackled the big questions,” Mead said. Mead noted that in a system where free information is bountiful, our adversaries will try to set us at odds against each other. “That’s the one thing that can cripple us,” he said. “Is when we get at odds with each other. This COSM has been a wonderful example of us arguing over things not because we have a fixed idea and we don’t want to change because of some preconceived notion, but because we want to get to the truth.” You can Read More ›

tv-news-studio-recording-and-broadcasting-media-in-a-modern-set-design-with-blue-background-for-journalists-generative-ai-stockpack-adobe-stock
TV News studio - recording and broadcasting media in a modern set design with blue background for journalists. Generative AI
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post
Author
News
Date
May 2, 2023
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
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Media and Tech Companies Continue to Struggle

Vice reportedly is opting for bankruptcy, while Meta's metaverse flounders
News
May 2, 2023
2
Artificial Intelligence

According to a report from The New York Times, Vice Media Group, the entertainment outlet, is expected to file for bankruptcy. The news arrives amid considerable downsizing in the once leading media giant. Vice has long been known for its outreach to younger audiences and popularizing itself on social media platforms. Buzzfeed also recently announced the closure of its news division. After years of edgy and “irreverant” reporting, it seems the act is over. Other major technology companies are cutting expenses and laying off employees. With Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, the woes seem to amount to the failed metaverse project, which was apparently was supposed to be so groundbreaking that it merited a makeover of the company name. With its vague Read More ›

clock
Business times concept people walking overlay with time clock
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Author
News
Date
March 29, 2023
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Technology
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It’s About Time

The cliche phrase "time is money" needs to be subverted by better metaphors, according to Odell
News
March 29, 2023
2
Technology

Artist and writer Jenny Odell, author of the new book Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock, was recently interviewed by Wired. Odell’s 2019 book is called How to Do Nothing. In the interview, Odell discussed how the invention of the clock has altered the way people think about time, labor, and productivity. The cliche phrase “time is money” needs to be subverted by better metaphors, according to Odell, ones that emphasize meaning instead of mere activity. When she was asked how she avoided productivity “burnout” in her own writing life, Odell responded, If you’re not thinking of time as money, the other thing that you could be trying to find is meaning. That’s ultimately what I want out Read More ›

retro-wave-80s-computer-all-in-one-illuminated-by-neon-light-isolated-on-black-stockpack-adobe-stock
Retro wave 80s computer all-in-one illuminated by neon light isolated on black
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News
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March 17, 2023
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AI is Old News, Says Tech Consultant

AI actually dates back to the 1950s. It is not new, says Funk
News
March 17, 2023
1

This week, Robert J. Marks sat down with technology consultant and retired professor Jeffrey Funk, who contributes often to Mind Matters, usually in tandem with Gary Smith. Marks and Funk talked about tech startups, where the industry is headed, and the exaggerated hype that currently attends the discourse over AI. Funk talked about the various stages of AI development. “AI is not new,” he said. AI is 70 years old. ChatGPT and other generative AI models are based on neural networks, which have become economical through Moore’s Law, through this incredible increase in computing power that has been going on since the 1950s. But it’s slowed dramatically. -Jeffrey Funk, Jeffrey Funk on AI, Startups, and Big Tech | Mind Matters Read More ›

Screenshot 2023-02-24 133413 Robert Marks take 2
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Author
News
Date
February 24, 2023
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence
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Robert J. Marks Appears On “The Agenda”

Watch Dr. Marks engage with two leading artificial intelligence thinkers on "The Agenda"
News
February 24, 2023
1
Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Robert J. Marks, director of the Walter Bradley Center, appeared on a segment of “The Agenda” recently to speak on the topic of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. He was joined with Melanie Mitchell of the Sante Fe Institute and MIT’s Max Tegmark. Hosted by Steve Paikin, the three discussed the benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human in a technological age, as well as the perennial question of consciousness. You can watch the entire conversation on YouTube: Dr. Marks had the opportunity to discuss some of the key themes he discusses in his book Non-Computable You: What You Do That Artificial Intelligence Never Will, contending that AI, while it has benefits, does not Read More ›

living forever
Sci-fi fantasy futuristic background art scifi artwork tech technology Architecture digital illustration art wallpaper future concept dystopia cyberpunk
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
February 15, 2023
Categorized
Transhumanism
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Humans Have Limits. Transhumanists Want to Overcome Them

The prophetic words of C.S. Lewis still strike home today
Peter Biles
February 15, 2023
4
Transhumanism

This article originally appeared as a blog post at Salvo on May 13th, 2022. C.S. Lewis wrote an apt and prophetic line in his book The Abolition of Man that feels even more prescient today: “There is something which unites magic and applied science while separating both from the wisdom of earlier ages. For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality, and the solution had been knowledge, self-discipline, and virtue. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men.” I think it’s safe to say that today, the world’s elites in government, tech, media, and education embody precisely the opposite of Lewis’s understanding Read More ›

surveillance
Video camera lens
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post
Author
Peter Biles
Date
January 31, 2023
Categorized
Artificial Intelligence, China
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China Leads the World in Face Recognition Exports

The global power is exporting the AI to weak and autocratic countries, according to a report from Brookings Institute
Peter Biles
January 31, 2023
2
Artificial Intelligence, China

China is the world’s leading exporter of facial recognition technology, according to a study conducted by researchers from Harvard and MIT. The study aimed to elucidate the ramifications of the AI revolution and what it means for such technology to be exported from a global power like China. They found that China is more likely than other countries to export AI technology to other countries. China also focuses on exporting facial recognition to countries with weak democracies that are experiencing social unrest and upheaval. Political motivation might be driving such trades. The authors write, The Chinese government’s demand for surveillance and political control translates into more exports of AI. Moreover, our finding that autocrats and would-be autocrats abroad demand surveillance Read More ›