Monthly Archives: December 2015

Introducing Unsong

I. In retrospect, there had been omens and portents. (“We are now approaching lunar sunrise,” said William Anders, “and for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send … Continue reading

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Links 12/15: Link-Manuel Miranda

[New link disclaimer: I’ve read or skimmed these articles, but not necessarily researched them exhaustively, and can’t 100% vouch for their accuracy. If you notice an issue, point it out to me and I’ll edit it into the post.] Latin … Continue reading

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Things That Are Not Superintelligences

[Not the most interesting topic in the world, but I’m posting it so I have something to link to next time I see this argument] I talk about superintelligence a lot, usually in the context of AI or genetically engineered … Continue reading

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How Bad Are Things?

One “advantage” of working in psychiatry is getting a window into an otherwise invisible world of really miserable people. I work in a wealthy, mostly-white college town consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the country. If … Continue reading

OT38: Brighter Than Threaday

This is the weekly open thread. Post about anything you want, ask random questions, whatever. Also: 1. I will be at the New York Solstice tomorrow. I’ll see some of you there. There will probably be a big meetup Sunday … Continue reading

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Links 12/15: Winter Wond-URL-and

The time the government tried to ban encryption of digital communications – specifically, of telegraph messages. Finance startup Swanluv will pay for your dream wedding, but you owe them all the money back plus extra interest if you get divorced. … Continue reading

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Should AI Be Open?

I. H.G. Wells’ 1914 sci-fi book The World Set Free did a pretty good job predicting nuclear weapons: They did not see it until the atomic bombs burst in their fumbling hands…before the last war began it was a matter … Continue reading

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OT37: One Horse Open Sleigh

This is the weekly open thread. Post about anything you want, ask random questions, whatever. Also: 1. I’ll see some of you at the Bay Area Solstice tonight! 2. Comments of the week are Yarbel on why Israel would demand … Continue reading

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List Of Passages I Highlighted In My Copy Of “Hive Mind”

Even though simple logic said “there will be blood”, there were nevertheless long stretches [of WWI] when all was quiet on the Western front. Why? Axelrod said this was due to the power of tit for tat, which we discussed … Continue reading

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Book Review: Hive Mind

[Conflict of interest notice: Author Garett Jones sometimes reads this blog and is generally great.] Garett Jones’ book Hive Mind is classic pop science writing: an intriguing hypothesis, a long parade of interesting studies presented as catchy anecdotes, and not … Continue reading

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