Author: SelfAwarePatterns

A middle aged guy who loves discussing science, philosophy, history, science fiction, and many other nerdy topics.

Ask Ethan #17: The Burden of Proof – Starts With A Bang

Perhaps no word in the English language generates as much misunderstanding as the word theory. In scientific circles, this word has a very specific meaning that’s different from everyday use, and — as a theoretical astrophysicist myself — I feel it’s my duty to help explain exactly what we mean when we use it. via … Continue reading Ask Ethan #17: The Burden of Proof – Starts With A Bang →

Over-Extended Metaphor for the day – Charlie’s Diary

Over the beer, the conversation turned—for no sane reason—to computer operating systems. There being some non-technical folks at the table, I then had to cough up a metaphor to contextualize the relationship between Mac OS X and UNIX, thuswise: There is one true religion in operating systems, and it is UNIX. Or maybe it\'s not … Continue reading Over-Extended Metaphor for the day – Charlie’s Diary →

TRANSHUMAN – Do you want to live forever? | Machines Like Us

Philosopher Anders Sandberg does not accept death as a foregone conclusion. According to him it will become possible this century to upload your mind into a computer. He is a member of a small group that calls itself the transhumanists. TRANSHUMAN is a short documentary film by director Titus Nachbauer. It is about radical life … Continue reading TRANSHUMAN – Do you want to live forever? | Machines Like Us →

Singularity assumptions that should be questioned

The upcoming movie, Transcendence, looks like it will be interesting, but the trailer includes common assumptions about the singularity that I'm not sure are justified. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY-cc1MLAI4 To be sure, the assumptions are held by a lot of singularity believers.  Below I offer some reasons why these assumptions shouldn't be taken as self evident. Assumption 1: … Continue reading Singularity assumptions that should be questioned →

Merry Christmas!

Whatever Christmas means for you, whether it be a religious observance, a holiday for visiting with friends and family and exchanging gifts, or just a day off of work, I hope you have a great day! If you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a great Wednesday!

The History and Future of the Everything — Time

Wow!  If you enjoyed my little post the other day on perspectives on deep time, you'll definitely want to check this video out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XkV6IpV2Y0 An awesome blog entry with much the same content is at the Wait but why blog. Related articles Time: The History and Future of Everything (milkandcookies.com) [Video] The History and Future … Continue reading The History and Future of the Everything — Time →

Big Gods: An interesting read

A while back, I read Ara Norenzayan's book, 'Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict'.  I'm posting this review somewhat from memory, but I've had a couple of conversations about it lately and I think it might be good to move the discussion here. In the book, Norenzayan asks an interesting question.  How did … Continue reading Big Gods: An interesting read →

Quantum Theory Won’t Save The Soul – Neuroskeptic | DiscoverMagazine.com

Could quantum mechanics save the soul? In the light of 20th century physics, is free will plausible? Such as been the hope of some philosophers, scientists (and pretenders to those titles) – but neuroscientist Peter Clarke argues that it’s just not happening, in an interesting new paper: Neuroscience, quantum indeterminism and the Cartesian soul via … Continue reading Quantum Theory Won’t Save The Soul – Neuroskeptic | DiscoverMagazine.com →