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Prosthetic Gods

Prosthetic Gods

By: James Hughes and Nir Eisikovits
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 Welcome to “Prosthetic Gods,” the podcast where bioethicist James Hughes and philosopher Nir Eisikovits engage in spirited debates on the ethics and politics of emerging technologies. Hughes, a pro-technology transhumanist, and Eisikovits, with his Luddite stance, explore topics from brain-computer interfaces to artificial intelligence. Tune in and explore the promise and perils of technological advancements with us!Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Philosophy Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • De-extinction

    De-extinction
    May 5 2025
    Episode 18 - De-extinction

    This week Nir and J discuss the hottest topic in fantasy ecoscience, the genetic resurrection of extinct species. In particular we are discussing the work of Colossal, a firm working on modern versions of the mammoth, dire wolf, thylacine and dodo.

    Show Notes:

    The Direwolf is Back

    Amazon in White House crosshairs over report of displaying tariff costs

    Credits:

    Hosted by James Hughes and Nir Eisikovits Produced by Jake Burley Music by Jake Burley
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    53 mins
  • Designer Babies

    Designer Babies
    Apr 21 2025
    Episode 17 - Designer Babies

    This week on Prosthetic Gods, Nir and J discuss the ethics of parents being able to choose the genetic characteristics of their children. Is “germinal choice” good for parents, children, society?

    Show Notes:

    He Jiankui and Gene-Edited Babies

    Sandel Michael J. 2007. The Case Against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineering. Cambrige: Harvard University Press

    De-extinction of Direwolves

    Credits:

    Hosted by James Hughes and Nir Eisikovits Produced by Jake Burley Music by Jake Burley
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Cognitive Offloading

    Cognitive Offloading
    Mar 31 2025
    Episode 16 - Cognitive Offloading

    This week on Prosthetic Gods Nir and J discuss the problem, and opportunity, of “cognitive off-loading,” our tendency to forget knowledge and skills once we have reliable digital tools. Is it possible to educate ourselves and our students to use these tools in ways that enrich and extend their cognitive skills and productivity? Along the way, we discuss Ted Chiang’s short story “The Truth of Fact The Truth of Feeling,” which compares the transition to literacy to the adoption of 24/7 lifelogging.

    Show Notes:

    Gong & Yang 2024. “Google effects on memory: a meta-analytical review of the media effects of intensive Internet search behavior.”

    Nosta 2025. “Cognitive offloading with AI boosts performance but may hinder deeper learning”

    Ted Chiang “The Truth of Fact The Truth of Feeling”

    “Emboldened by Trump, A.I. Companies Lobby for Fewer Rules” NYT

    Credits:

    Hosted by James Hughes and Nir Eisikovits Produced by Jake Burley Music by Jake Burley
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    1 hr and 7 mins

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