AI is killing choice and chance – which means changing what it means to be human
By letting machines recommend movies and decide whom to hire, humans are losing their unpredictable nature – and possibly the ability to make everyday judgments, as well.
Feb. 24, 2021 • ~7 min
Visual illusion that may help explain consciousness – new study
How we perceive what's going on in the periphery can reveal a lot about our conscious minds.
Dec. 17, 2020 • ~7 min
Solve suffering by blowing up the universe? The dubious philosophy of human extinction
Driven by a desire to eliminate pain, some people have shockingly advocated taking the rest of nature with us.
Nov. 17, 2020 • ~8 min
If a robot is conscious, is it OK to turn it off? The moral implications of building true AIs
Philosophers say now is the time to mull over what qualities should grant an artificially intelligent machine moral standing.
Oct. 27, 2020 • ~10 min
Challenge trials for a coronavirus vaccine are unethical – except for in one unlikely scenario
Challenge trials – purposefully exposing volunteers to the coronavirus – could speed up the development of a vaccine. But there are serious ethical concerns with this approach.
Aug. 24, 2020 • ~8 min
Strong opinions are irrational – here's why we should all be agnostic
Those with strong beliefs tend to be admired.
April 30, 2020 • ~7 min
Devs: explaining the philosophy at the centre of Alex Garland's mind-bending TV show
If every action spilts the universe into different versions, what does that mean for free will?
April 30, 2020 • ~6 min
Why can't I stop thinking about my dead parents?
Whether we miss them, feel guilty about not having appreciated them more or struggle to forgive them, remembering our parents can hurt. Here's how to move on.
April 16, 2020 • ~11 min
Why coronavirus death rates can't be summed up in one simple number
A lot of numbers are being tossed around about COVID-19 and what to expect in the future. They're being used to make critical public health decisions, but they aren't as simple as they appear.
April 10, 2020 • ~8 min
Free thought: can you ever be a truly independent thinker?
The captain of a ship, or a soul, doesn't sail while ignoring the wind – sometimes they go with it, sometimes against it, but they always account for it.
March 12, 2020 • ~8 min
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