Psychohistory : we are in a Seldon Crisis

Psychohistory : we are in a Seldon Crisis

Author: Damien Walter July 10, 2022 Duration: 46:09
Psychohistory is among the most important ideas born in science fiction. A science that allows us to predict the future of human civilisation. It's tempting to ask...could Psychohistory be real? Algorithms can control masses of humankind. Complexity science and agent based modelling are already predicting mass human behaviour. And as we face our civilisational "Seldon Crisis" can we learn a less from Isaac Asimov about the future of humankind? 00:00 We are in a Seldon crisis 01:48 Isaac Asimov's Foundation 03:51 Why do civilisations collapse? 06:17 What is the Foundation saga about? 12:12 Psychohistory 17:50 The Metacrisis 26:07 Psyche & Civilisation 39:28 Resolving the Metacrisis Follow the the Science Fiction podcast and become a member https://damiengwalter.com/podcast/ Advanced Scifi & Fantasy Writing https://damiengwalter.com/advanced-scifi-and-fantasy/ The Rhetoric of Story https://damiengwalter.com/the-rhetoric-of-story/ Join the discussion on the Science Fiction community https://www.facebook.com/groups/324897304599197 The best book to understand Ken Wilber https://amzn.to/3NSwBnu Read the Foundation saga https://amzn.to/3yp65MN

Damien Walter has spent years thinking about how the future shapes our present, and in his Science Fiction podcast, he shares those conversations. Rather than just reviewing books or films, this series digs into the ideas that make the genre so vital, using it as a unique lens to examine everything from current technology and social change to ancient myths and human psychology. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a well-read friend, one who can draw a line from classic novels to the latest TV series with ease. You’ll hear analysis of stories that predicted our world, explorations of how fictional futures reflect our deepest anxieties and hopes, and considerations of why certain narratives endure. Walter’s background as a writer and storyteller informs a approach that is both accessible and deeply insightful, making connections across the arts, science, and popular culture. This isn't about escapism; it's about using the imaginative tools of science fiction to better understand the reality we're all living in. For anyone who finds themselves wondering about the world that's coming next, this podcast offers a compelling and regular dose of perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 88

Science Fiction
Podcast Episodes
Prof. Elana Gomel on Stanislaw Lem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:26
00:00:57 Introduction 00:03:39 Professor Elana Gomel 00:09:55 Charles Dickens as scifi writer 00:14:17 Stanislaw Lem and The Other 00:18:59 Anti-Humanism 00:22:46 Lem vs the SFWA 00:26:27 Beyond Humanism 00:28:12 LEM and…
Iain McGilchrist interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:54:11
00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:50 Is Iain McGilchrist a scifi fan? 00:07:05 Iain McGilchrist's work and philosophy 00:17:34 Reason vs Rationalisation 00:22:30 Kubrick's 2001 and the hemispheres 00:27:14 Why do we take every…
The Verhoeven Paradox with Olga Yakimenko [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14:17
Olga Yakimenko is a filmmaker who sometimes answers questions in the Science Fiction community https://www.facebook.com/groups/324897304599197/ Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion…
The Age of the Rockstar Critic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:10
BUY MERCH https://my-store-ef7a8e.creator-spring.com Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion Website - https://damiengwalter.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DamienWalter/member…
J G Ballard vs Andreessen Horowitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:11
Watch J G Ballard's Towering Inferno https://youtu.be/XYjjaalZHlY Music 'Sensula' by Ralph Cree https://soundcloud.com/ralphcree/sensula The Techno-Optimist Manifesto https://a16z.com/the-techno-optimist-manifesto/ Becom…
Loki Who? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:46
PS - man with midlands accent is Alan Moore There is an ancient English ritual, performed in the grey and rainy times (which is the entire year save 2 weeks in July), when the tribes people gather around a glowing screen…
Isaac Asimov’s Foundation and Hegelian history [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04:34
Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion Website - https://damiengwalter.com/members/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/DamienWalter/membership Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Damie…
The dangerous philosophy of Ursula Le Guin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:28
Listen to the full podcast episode by becoming a member and adding the members RSS feed to your app Become a member of the Science Fiction community to continue the discussion Website - https://damiengwalter.com Patreon…