Both are smart guys, and I haven’t read the book or the review, but I am fascinated by the social dynamic, which follows a common pattern: What could be an engaged and productive argument devolves quickly into insults, exasperation, uncharitable interpretations about who said what, claims of immoralities, and suggestions of lawsuits. Also fascinating is […]
Steve Patterson and Jason Brennan Read More »
Plato argued that there’s a perennial quarrel between poetry and philosophy.* Now science argues that the poets may have an edge in the dating market. If I understand this phenomenon correctly: * The poet says: Your beauty, so like a red, red rose, thrills my core with longing. * The philosopher says: Your functional properties
Do poets or philosophers romance better? Read More »
The Japanese are leading the way. Fascinating implications for the deep human need for companionship — interaction, visibility, and personal connection, even if simulated. Also: My related article on the ethics of sex with robots.
Want a Hologram Girlfriend and Assistant? Read More »
The opening of my latest column at EveryJoe: “schiz•o•phren•ic, adjective: Of, relating to, or characterized by the coexistence of disparate or antagonistic elements. “Let’s talk about one reason why politics makes us all a little crazy — its incoherent mix of laws and regulations. (Warning: overcharged metaphor ahead.) Not only does the left hand of
Our Schizophrenic Politics: Sex, Health, Religion, Money, and Other Important Stuff Read More »