Daniel Cloud

Daniel Cloud

Author: Smart People Industries November 18, 2014 Duration: 40:18
Daniel Cloud - This week we tackle the question, "What is life?" Seriously, our guest wrote an entire doctoral dissertation on that exact question. And we don't just stop there! We also discuss the evolution of human language, where it came from, and where it may be going. Have you ever thought about what words mean and where they came from? Why do you use a certain work in conversation instead of another? The choice of which words to use and in which sense to use them is both a "selection event" and an intentional decision.   Our guest this week is Dan Cloud, and in his brand new book, The Domestication of Language: Cultural Evolution and the Uniqueness of the Human Animal, Dan explores the analogy between Darwin's model of domestication and the evolution of human languages and cultures. Daniel received his Ph.D from Princeton and became a Junior Fellow there soon after.  He currently teaches philosophy at Princeton University.   "The idea of cultural evolution is older than the idea of biological evolution." - Daniel Cloud Quotes from Dan:  What we learn in this episode: What is Schrodinger's Crystal and how might it solve the question, "What is life"? What is an aperiodic pattern?  Why do words mean what they mean? Why do we use particular words in each situation? Why does the world have so many various dialects? Resources: The Domestication of Language: Cultural Evolution and the Uniqueness of the Human Animal http://www.cup.columbia.edu/book/978-0-231-16792-5/the-domestication-of-language/reviews -- This episode is brought to you by: Our Amazon Page! Support the show by making your Amazon purchases through our affiliate link! It's the easiest way to support the show and NO cost to you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every other week, Chris Stemp and Jon Rojas sit down with a guest who has fundamentally shaped their field, driven not by a rigid agenda but by genuine curiosity. The Smart People Podcast from Smart People Industries is built on the idea that the most compelling insights emerge from relaxed, authentic dialogue. You’ll hear authors, innovators, and cultural leaders-each with significant recognition in areas like business, education, or society-speak in a way that often feels more like a fascinating dinner conversation than a formal interview. Chris’s thoughtful questioning, paired with Jon’s producer perspective, gently guides discussions into unexpected territories, revealing the personal journeys and nuanced ideas behind public achievements. This podcast thrives in the space between expertise and accessibility, making complex topics relatable without sacrificing depth. It’s for anyone who believes that learning is a continuous, engaging process, and that the best lessons come from listening to people who think differently. Tune in biweekly for conversations that are as intellectually substantial as they are genuinely enjoyable, reminding us that smart discourse can be both enlightening and warmly human.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 500

Smart People Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Dr. Gary Chapman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:34
Do you ever reflect on your relationship and wonder why your partner does some of the things they do? “Honey, can you mow the lawn?” “Why don’t we ever sit down and talk?” “I feel like our physical relationship is lackin…
Kerry Patterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:31
This week’s episode is one that we probably should be airing closer to the New Year. See, most people start off the new year with lofty goals for the future – the infamous new years resolution. However, we all know the p…
Dr. Mike Rose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:46
What does it mean to be educated? What does intelligence truly mean? These are tough questions, but luckily we get the chance to sit down with Dr. Mike Rose to discuss them Dr. Rose received a B.A. from Loyola University…
Donna Dunning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:03
People enjoy doing things that they are good at – this is no secret. However, many people don’t even know how to assess themselves and find their strengths. How can you find your path, what truly makes you happy, if you…
Jeff Eisenberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:53
You’ve all had the feeling before. You’re laying and bed and you start to itch somewhere on your body. Then that itch spreads. After a few moments panic is running through your head. “Oh man. What if I have bed bugs?!!?”…
Andrew Breitbart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:45
This week on the podcast we have the very polarizing author and political commentator, Andrew Breitbart. Andrew got his first break in 1995 when he contacted Matt Drudge and became part of the now infamous Drudge Report.…
Nicole Daedone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:36
Warning: SEX We spend the majority of this episode talking about sex and the female orgasm. Ohhhh, so NOW you’re interested?? You pervert (just kidding!). Join us this episode as we speak with author, sex coach and thera…
Jancis Robinson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:15
Jancis started her academic career at Oxford University studying mathematics and philosophy. After working for a travel company, she decided that she wanted to follow her passion and became the assistant editor for Wine…
Dr. Pamela Rutledge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:32
Be honest. How often do you check social media sites throughout the day? How much do you now rely on carrying around a cell phone on a day to day basis? Do you ever stop to think about all the interaction we have with te…
Dr. Tom Woods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
Almost everyone in America felt the effect of the latest financial crisis. From foreclosures to lay offs, many of us have tried to come up with a solution to our financial woes. The government tried to do it’s part with…