Jobst Landgrebe on hype cycles

This episode was recorded for my UK Column show. Please keep us independent by supporting us.Jobst Landgrebe, a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Philosophyat the University at Buffalo specialising in the philosophy of AI, complexsystems, and the ontology of physics and mathematics, elaborates on theconcept of "hype cycles" which he explores in his book "The Hype Cycle."Jobst describes hype cycles as cultural and scientific phenomena that are usedto govern societies in the absence of traditional faith or fear-based governance.He argues that these cycles are often manufactured by elites to create a stateof emergency, compelling people to conform to certain political agendas. Jobstdistinguishes between scientific hypes, like climate change and COVID-19, andcultural hypes, such as diversity and inclusion.Whilst some hype cycles may have organic roots, he suggests they are oftenexploited by rulers to reinforce their power. The discussion moves on to thecyclical nature of hypes, with Jobst noting that they repeat over time withchanging content, before emphasising the importance of resisting particularlyharmful cycles.