
General Intellect Unit
General Intellect Unit
Show overview
General Intellect Unit has been publishing since 2017, and across the 7 years since has built a catalogue of 161 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 220 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run an hour to ninety minutes — most land between 1h 5m and 1h 36m — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. The publisher flags most episodes as explicit, so expect adult themes or strong language throughout. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.
The catalogue appears to be on hiatus or wound down — the most recent episode landed 2.1 years ago, with no new episodes in over a year. The busiest year was 2021, with 43 episodes published.
From the publisher
Podcast of the Cybernetic Marxists. Examining the intersection of Technology, (Left) Politics, and Philosophy
Latest Episodes
View all 161 episodes
Ep 166111 - Exit Code 0
EIn which the show ends, and Kyle & June reflect on the project. Thank you all. Links: General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net [email protected] Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network
Ep 165110 - Aesthetics of Democratic Economic Planning
EIn which Kyle interviews Eric Meier on his recent exhibition "Art, Design, Aesthetics of Democratic Economic Planning". If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: A tour of the exhibition, on Youtube "About my exhibition 'Art, Design, Aesthetics of Democratic Economic Planning'" Eric on Twitter Eric on Instagram General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 164109 - Computer Power and Human Reason, Part 6
EIn which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to continue our discussion of "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum. In this episode we cover the third an fourth chapters of the book. Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Computer Power and Human Reason on Wikipedia Turing's O-Machines General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 163108 - Computer Power and Human Reason, Part 5
EIn which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to continue our discussion of "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum. In this episode we cover the second chapter of the book. Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Computer Power and Human Reason on Wikipedia Weizenbaum's Nightmares, on The Guardian Inside the Very Human Origin of the Term “Artificial Intelligence” General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 162107 - Computer Power and Human Reason, Part 4
EIn which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to continue our discussion of "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum. In this episode we cover the first chapter of the book. Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Computer Power and Human Reason on Wikipedia Weizenbaum's Nightmares, on The Guardian Inside the Very Human Origin of the Term “Artificial Intelligence” General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 161106 - Computer Power and Human Reason, Part 3
EIn which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to continue our discussion of "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum. In this episode we cover the prefaces, introduction, and chapter one. Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Computer Power and Human Reason on Wikipedia Weizenbaum's Nightmares, on The Guardian Inside the Very Human Origin of the Term “Artificial Intelligence” General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 160105 - Computer Power and Human Reason, Part 2
EIn which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to continue our discussion of "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum. Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Computer Power and Human Reason on Wikipedia Weizenbaum's Nightmares, on The Guardian Inside the Very Human Origin of the Term “Artificial Intelligence” General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 159104 - Computer Power and Human Reason, Part 1
EIn which we are joined by Ezri of Swampside Chats, to begin a series on "Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation" by Joseph Weizenbaum. Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation (1976) by Joseph Weizenbaum displays the author's ambivalence towards computer technology and lays out the case that while artificial intelligence may be possible, we should never allow computers to make important decisions because computers will always lack human qualities such as compassion and wisdom. Weizenbaum makes the crucial distinction between deciding and choosing. Deciding is a computational activity, something that can ultimately be programmed. It is the capacity to choose that ultimately makes one a human being. Choice, however, is the product of judgment, not calculation. Comprehensive human judgment is able to include non-mathematical factors such as emotions. Judgment can compare apples and oranges, and can do so without quantifying each fruit type and then reductively quantifying each to factors necessary for mathematical comparison. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Computer Power and Human Reason on Wikipedia Weizenbaum's Nightmares, on The Guardian Inside the Very Human Origin of the Term “Artificial Intelligence” General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 158103 - Entangled Life, Part 3
EIn which we finish our reading of "Entangled Life" by Merlin Sheldrake. The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster; they are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature's processes. In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake takes us on a mind-altering journey into their spectacular world, and reveals how these extraordinary organisms transform our understanding of our planet and life itself. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Entangled Life, by Merlin Sheldrake General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 157102 - Entangled Life, Part 2
EIn which we continue our reading of "Entangled Life" by Merlin Sheldrake. The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster; they are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature's processes. In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake takes us on a mind-altering journey into their spectacular world, and reveals how these extraordinary organisms transform our understanding of our planet and life itself. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Entangled Life, by Merlin Sheldrake General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 156101 - Entangled Life, Part 1
EIn which we read "Entangled Life" by Merlin Sheldrake. The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster; they are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature's processes. In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake takes us on a mind-altering journey into their spectacular world, and reveals how these extraordinary organisms transform our understanding of our planet and life itself. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Entangled Life, by Merlin Sheldrake General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 155100 - Tree Stories
EIn which we read "Tree Stories" by Stefano Mancuso. We'd like to thank everyone who has supported us through our first one hundred episodes, and we look forward to the next hundred. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Tree Stories, at Profile Books Stefano Mancuso, in The Guardian General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 154099 - Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, Part 4
EIn which we finish our reading of "Neither Vertical nor Horizontal", by Rodrigo Nunes. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, at Verso Books. General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 153098 - Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, Part 3
EIn which we continue our reading of "Neither Vertical nor Horizontal", by Rodrigo Nunes. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, at Verso Books. General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 152097 - Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, Part 2
EIn which we continue our reading of "Neither Vertical nor Horizontal", by Rodrigo Nunes. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, at Verso Books. General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 151096 - Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, Part 1
EIn which we read "Neither Vertical nor Horizontal", by Rodrigo Nunes. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Neither Vertical nor Horizontal, at Verso Books General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 150095 - The Ministry for the Future
EIn which we read "The Ministry for the Future", a novel by Kim Stanley Robinson. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Ministry for the Future, on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 149094 - The Peripheral
EIn which we read "The Peripheral", a novel by William Gibson If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: The Peripheral, on Wikipedia General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 148093 - Internet for the People, Part 2
EIn which we conclude our reading of "Internet for the People", by Ben Tarnoff. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Internet for the People, by Ben Tarnoff General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network

Ep 147092 - Internet for the People, Part 1
EIn which we read "Internet for the People", by Ben Tarnoff. If you like the show, consider supporting us on Patreon. Links: Internet for the People, by Ben Tarnoff General Intellect Unit on iTunes http://generalintellectunit.net Support the show on Patreon https://twitter.com/giunitpod General Intellect Unit on Facebook General Intellect Unit on archive.org Emancipation Network