This text explains the history and mechanics of multilayer neural networks, a type of artificial intelligence. It details how these networks, initially dismissed, became foundational to modern AI through the development of back-propagation, a learning algorithm. The text contrasts this subsymbolic approach with symbolic AI, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each and their eventual convergence in machine learning. The ascent of machine learning is linked to increased computing power and data availability, setting the stage for further AI advancements. Finally, the text discusses the ongoing debate regarding the optimal balance between symbolic and subsymbolic AI approaches.

This episode traces the history of artificial intelligence (AI), beginning with its conception at the 1956 Dartmouth Workshop. It contrasts two major approaches to AI:

Did you know that for most of the 20th century, America only had one type of apple? Yep, that Red Delicious monstrosity that was more decorative than edible. The kind that rattled around in kids’ lunchboxes until it was inevitably traded for pretzels. I’ve never been much of an “apple person” myself. My parents, though? Hardcore apple enthusiasts. During the height of the pandemic, when all the farmer’s markets were closed, they went full pioneer mode and drove to a rural Maryland orchard to buy apples straight from the source. For me apples were were just the vague inspiration for fruit snack flavors. In this podcast, you will learn way more than you ever wanted to know about apple horticulture.

How does the history of chess relate to SBMM in games like League of Legends or Rocket League? Well, it all started with Chess and Arpad Elo—the man who invented the Elo rating system.

By the way, back in the day, the only game I owned, besides the obligatory Mario Bros/Duck Hunt combo, was Battle Chess on the NES. I was a one-game gamer. A monogamist. I committed. And now, decades later, I still stick to just one game: Call of Duty, which funnily enough, also revolves around strategic combat. History doesn’t just repeat—it rhymes.

Our hosts discuss Thinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist ⁠Daniel Kahneman⁠.

Our hosts discuss Thinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist ⁠Daniel Kahneman⁠.

Our hosts discuss Thinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist ⁠Daniel Kahneman⁠.

Our hosts discuss Thinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist ⁠Daniel Kahneman⁠.

Our hosts discuss Thinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist ⁠Daniel Kahneman⁠.

Our hosts discuss Thinking, Fast and Slow, a 2011 popular science book by psychologist ⁠Daniel Kahneman⁠.