Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
@divintelligence.bsky.social
Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars and storytellers interested in the origins, nature, and future of intelligences.
Web: www.disi.org
Podcast: Many Minds (@manymindspod.bsky.social)
Web: www.disi.org
Podcast: Many Minds (@manymindspod.bsky.social)
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Applications for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute (DISI) are now open!!
Are you interested in intelligence, mind, and cognition in all its forms? Early-career scholars from any discipline—and storytellers in any medium—are encouraged to apply!
More info: disi.org
Applications for the 2025 Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute (DISI) are now open!!
Are you interested in intelligence, mind, and cognition in all its forms? Early-career scholars from any discipline—and storytellers in any medium—are encouraged to apply!
More info: disi.org
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
New episode!! 🎉🎙️
A conversation with @aliboyle.bsky.social & @jomahr.bsky.social about the functions of memory.
We may not immediately think of memory as an evolutionary puzzle. But in certain respects—and from certain angles—it is quite puzzling indeed.
Listen: disi.org/what-is-memo...
A conversation with @aliboyle.bsky.social & @jomahr.bsky.social about the functions of memory.
We may not immediately think of memory as an evolutionary puzzle. But in certain respects—and from certain angles—it is quite puzzling indeed.
Listen: disi.org/what-is-memo...
November 24, 2025 at 6:26 PM
New episode!! 🎉🎙️
A conversation with @aliboyle.bsky.social & @jomahr.bsky.social about the functions of memory.
We may not immediately think of memory as an evolutionary puzzle. But in certain respects—and from certain angles—it is quite puzzling indeed.
Listen: disi.org/what-is-memo...
A conversation with @aliboyle.bsky.social & @jomahr.bsky.social about the functions of memory.
We may not immediately think of memory as an evolutionary puzzle. But in certain respects—and from certain angles—it is quite puzzling indeed.
Listen: disi.org/what-is-memo...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
I’m recruiting PhD students at NYU (start Sept 2026).
Focus: cultural evolution, innovation & cooperation, AI & society, progress studies & development.
Deadline to apply is Dec 1- very soon.
I’ll share more about the move & new work soon.
Please share with students & retweet!
Focus: cultural evolution, innovation & cooperation, AI & society, progress studies & development.
Deadline to apply is Dec 1- very soon.
I’ll share more about the move & new work soon.
Please share with students & retweet!
November 19, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I’m recruiting PhD students at NYU (start Sept 2026).
Focus: cultural evolution, innovation & cooperation, AI & society, progress studies & development.
Deadline to apply is Dec 1- very soon.
I’ll share more about the move & new work soon.
Please share with students & retweet!
Focus: cultural evolution, innovation & cooperation, AI & society, progress studies & development.
Deadline to apply is Dec 1- very soon.
I’ll share more about the move & new work soon.
Please share with students & retweet!
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Loved this paper by @kristinandrews.bsky.social and Noam Miller. A very convincing argument for the function of consciousness.
The social origins of consciousness | Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
We present the social origins of consciousness hypothesis, according to which the
ability to coordinate with group members was the original adaptive function of consciousness.
We offer three arguments...
royalsocietypublishing.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Loved this paper by @kristinandrews.bsky.social and Noam Miller. A very convincing argument for the function of consciousness.
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
A female wolf has been doing something unusual on the Central Coast of British Columbia. She's learned to pull crab traps up from the water, yanking on a rope to bring it to the surface. But is it tool use? Very fun story from @phiejacobs.bsky.social for @science.org
Have wild wolves learned to use tools?
Video captures a lone female pulling crab traps out of the water, but does it count as tool use?
www.science.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:53 PM
A female wolf has been doing something unusual on the Central Coast of British Columbia. She's learned to pull crab traps up from the water, yanking on a rope to bring it to the surface. But is it tool use? Very fun story from @phiejacobs.bsky.social for @science.org
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
My main takeaway from this one:
Dog domestication is a singular "natural experiment" in brain evolution, one that we're just starting to understand. It's a bit bonkers more neuroscientists aren't working on it.
Dog domestication is a singular "natural experiment" in brain evolution, one that we're just starting to understand. It's a bit bonkers more neuroscientists aren't working on it.
It was long thought that domestication leads to reductions in brain size. But as we understand dog brains better, the truth is proving more complicated—and more interesting.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
November 17, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My main takeaway from this one:
Dog domestication is a singular "natural experiment" in brain evolution, one that we're just starting to understand. It's a bit bonkers more neuroscientists aren't working on it.
Dog domestication is a singular "natural experiment" in brain evolution, one that we're just starting to understand. It's a bit bonkers more neuroscientists aren't working on it.
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
It was long thought that domestication leads to reductions in brain size. But as we understand dog brains better, the truth is proving more complicated—and more interesting.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
November 17, 2025 at 5:07 PM
It was long thought that domestication leads to reductions in brain size. But as we understand dog brains better, the truth is proving more complicated—and more interesting.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
New episode!! 🎙️🎉
A conversation w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social about the diversity and evolution of canine brains.
We've lived and worked with dogs for 15,000+ years, sculpting their brains and bodies along the way. What can we learn from their singular story?
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
A conversation w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social about the diversity and evolution of canine brains.
We've lived and worked with dogs for 15,000+ years, sculpting their brains and bodies along the way. What can we learn from their singular story?
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
November 8, 2025 at 2:14 PM
New episode!! 🎙️🎉
A conversation w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social about the diversity and evolution of canine brains.
We've lived and worked with dogs for 15,000+ years, sculpting their brains and bodies along the way. What can we learn from their singular story?
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
A conversation w/ @erinhecht.bsky.social about the diversity and evolution of canine brains.
We've lived and worked with dogs for 15,000+ years, sculpting their brains and bodies along the way. What can we learn from their singular story?
Listen: disi.org/of-breeds-an...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Really enjoyed this podcast with @sheinalew.bsky.social and @dorsaamir.bsky.social on evolution and childhood. Super-smart people talking about a super-interesting topic
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
Varieties of childhood
Podcast Episode · Many Minds · 10/07/2025 · 1h 29m
podcasts.apple.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Really enjoyed this podcast with @sheinalew.bsky.social and @dorsaamir.bsky.social on evolution and childhood. Super-smart people talking about a super-interesting topic
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
How have monsters changed over history? Do they morph with shifting cultural anxieties? Or do they mostly stay the same, sprung from primal, timeless fears?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence!
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence!
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
October 30, 2025 at 5:41 PM
How have monsters changed over history? Do they morph with shifting cultural anxieties? Or do they mostly stay the same, sprung from primal, timeless fears?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence!
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence!
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
New episode!! 🎉😱
A conversation with @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence about monsters of all kinds.
Monsters seem to be everywhere—our myths, our maps, our children's books, our political discourse. What do these creatures tell us about ourselves?
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
A conversation with @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence about monsters of all kinds.
Monsters seem to be everywhere—our myths, our maps, our children's books, our political discourse. What do these creatures tell us about ourselves?
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
October 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
New episode!! 🎉😱
A conversation with @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence about monsters of all kinds.
Monsters seem to be everywhere—our myths, our maps, our children's books, our political discourse. What do these creatures tell us about ourselves?
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
A conversation with @drsurekhadavies.bsky.social & Natalie Lawrence about monsters of all kinds.
Monsters seem to be everywhere—our myths, our maps, our children's books, our political discourse. What do these creatures tell us about ourselves?
Listen: disi.org/monsters-and...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Digital lovers, robot caretakers, chatbot teachers—to many this sounds utterly dystopian. But is there an optimistic scenario for the future of social AI? What would that look like?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
October 21, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Digital lovers, robot caretakers, chatbot teachers—to many this sounds utterly dystopian. But is there an optimistic scenario for the future of social AI? What would that look like?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Many fear that AI companions will lead to widespread social "deskilling," particularly in young people. But could we harness these bots for "upskilling" instead?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
October 15, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Many fear that AI companions will lead to widespread social "deskilling," particularly in young people. But could we harness these bots for "upskilling" instead?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ Dr. Henry Shevlin!
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
New episode!! 🎙️🎉
A conversation with Dr. Henry Shevlin about the emerging world of "social AI."
Digital lovers. AI coaches and tutors. Griefbots and artificial friends. What will this mean for our relationships, our social skills, and our society as a whole?
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
A conversation with Dr. Henry Shevlin about the emerging world of "social AI."
Digital lovers. AI coaches and tutors. Griefbots and artificial friends. What will this mean for our relationships, our social skills, and our society as a whole?
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
October 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
New episode!! 🎙️🎉
A conversation with Dr. Henry Shevlin about the emerging world of "social AI."
Digital lovers. AI coaches and tutors. Griefbots and artificial friends. What will this mean for our relationships, our social skills, and our society as a whole?
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
A conversation with Dr. Henry Shevlin about the emerging world of "social AI."
Digital lovers. AI coaches and tutors. Griefbots and artificial friends. What will this mean for our relationships, our social skills, and our society as a whole?
Listen: disi.org/the-age-of-s...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Incorporating AI into scientific research may well boost productivity. But it could also leave scientists vulnerable to illusions.
Just one of the topics discussed in our recent episode, w/ @mjcrockett.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/science-ai-a...
Just one of the topics discussed in our recent episode, w/ @mjcrockett.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/science-ai-a...
October 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Incorporating AI into scientific research may well boost productivity. But it could also leave scientists vulnerable to illusions.
Just one of the topics discussed in our recent episode, w/ @mjcrockett.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/science-ai-a...
Just one of the topics discussed in our recent episode, w/ @mjcrockett.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/science-ai-a...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Bird brains aren't the same as mammal brains. They took their own twisty evolutionary path. So what can they teach us about brains in general?
A lot, it turns out.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter!
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
A lot, it turns out.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter!
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
October 2, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Bird brains aren't the same as mammal brains. They took their own twisty evolutionary path. So what can they teach us about brains in general?
A lot, it turns out.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter!
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
A lot, it turns out.
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter!
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
New episode!! 🎉🎙️
A chat w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter about their new book, 'Bird Brains and Behavior.'
Birds do some astonishing things. They sing, fly, migrate, cache food, and hunt in total darkness. How do their brains make all this possible?
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
A chat w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter about their new book, 'Bird Brains and Behavior.'
Birds do some astonishing things. They sing, fly, migrate, cache food, and hunt in total darkness. How do their brains make all this possible?
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
September 26, 2025 at 5:49 PM
New episode!! 🎉🎙️
A chat w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter about their new book, 'Bird Brains and Behavior.'
Birds do some astonishing things. They sing, fly, migrate, cache food, and hunt in total darkness. How do their brains make all this possible?
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
A chat w/ @evoneuro.bsky.social & Georg Striedter about their new book, 'Bird Brains and Behavior.'
Birds do some astonishing things. They sing, fly, migrate, cache food, and hunt in total darkness. How do their brains make all this possible?
Listen: disi.org/brains-of-a-...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Nature is good for us. It can lift our spirits, reset our attention, even help us heal. But what is it—specifically—about nature that does this? Can we isolate the active ingredients?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, with Dr. Marc Berman!
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, with Dr. Marc Berman!
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
September 24, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Nature is good for us. It can lift our spirits, reset our attention, even help us heal. But what is it—specifically—about nature that does this? Can we isolate the active ingredients?
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, with Dr. Marc Berman!
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
Just one of the topics discussed in our latest episode, with Dr. Marc Berman!
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Why do we smile?
What makes pulling back the lip corners a fundamentally positive act? Why don’t we beam out good vibes by blinking our eyes or wrinkling our noses?
From our archive, @kensycoop.bsky.social's essay about the (murky) origins of the smile: disi.org/dawn-of-the-...
What makes pulling back the lip corners a fundamentally positive act? Why don’t we beam out good vibes by blinking our eyes or wrinkling our noses?
From our archive, @kensycoop.bsky.social's essay about the (murky) origins of the smile: disi.org/dawn-of-the-...
September 22, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Why do we smile?
What makes pulling back the lip corners a fundamentally positive act? Why don’t we beam out good vibes by blinking our eyes or wrinkling our noses?
From our archive, @kensycoop.bsky.social's essay about the (murky) origins of the smile: disi.org/dawn-of-the-...
What makes pulling back the lip corners a fundamentally positive act? Why don’t we beam out good vibes by blinking our eyes or wrinkling our noses?
From our archive, @kensycoop.bsky.social's essay about the (murky) origins of the smile: disi.org/dawn-of-the-...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
New episode!! 🎉🎉
A chat w/ Dr. Marc Berman about the emerging field of "environmental neuroscience."
Spending time in nature often leaves us feeling replenished. But why? What aspects of nature are most restorative? And what is it, really, that's being restored?
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
A chat w/ Dr. Marc Berman about the emerging field of "environmental neuroscience."
Spending time in nature often leaves us feeling replenished. But why? What aspects of nature are most restorative? And what is it, really, that's being restored?
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
September 19, 2025 at 7:58 PM
New episode!! 🎉🎉
A chat w/ Dr. Marc Berman about the emerging field of "environmental neuroscience."
Spending time in nature often leaves us feeling replenished. But why? What aspects of nature are most restorative? And what is it, really, that's being restored?
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
A chat w/ Dr. Marc Berman about the emerging field of "environmental neuroscience."
Spending time in nature often leaves us feeling replenished. But why? What aspects of nature are most restorative? And what is it, really, that's being restored?
Listen: disi.org/how-nature-r...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
You've heard of the human "cognitive revolution" around 40 kya—a moment when our species suddenly became "behaviorally modern." Have you also heard that this story is wrong?
From the archive, our episode w/ @elliescerri.bsky.social & @manuelwill.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/revisiting-t...
From the archive, our episode w/ @elliescerri.bsky.social & @manuelwill.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/revisiting-t...
September 9, 2025 at 4:48 PM
You've heard of the human "cognitive revolution" around 40 kya—a moment when our species suddenly became "behaviorally modern." Have you also heard that this story is wrong?
From the archive, our episode w/ @elliescerri.bsky.social & @manuelwill.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/revisiting-t...
From the archive, our episode w/ @elliescerri.bsky.social & @manuelwill.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/revisiting-t...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
A new academic year is ramping up. Have you considered adding us to your syllabus?
Podcasts episodes are a great way to add variety & boost engagement, and they offer a launchpad for exploration. A number of instructors have used our episodes to good effect!
(Let us know if you're among them!)
Podcasts episodes are a great way to add variety & boost engagement, and they offer a launchpad for exploration. A number of instructors have used our episodes to good effect!
(Let us know if you're among them!)
September 5, 2025 at 5:39 PM
A new academic year is ramping up. Have you considered adding us to your syllabus?
Podcasts episodes are a great way to add variety & boost engagement, and they offer a launchpad for exploration. A number of instructors have used our episodes to good effect!
(Let us know if you're among them!)
Podcasts episodes are a great way to add variety & boost engagement, and they offer a launchpad for exploration. A number of instructors have used our episodes to good effect!
(Let us know if you're among them!)
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Where are memories stored in the brain? The textbook answer is that memories live in the synaptic connections between neurons. But there's long been a dissenting view, and it's showing signs of revival.
From the archive, our interview with @gershbrain.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-molecules...
From the archive, our interview with @gershbrain.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-molecules...
September 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Where are memories stored in the brain? The textbook answer is that memories live in the synaptic connections between neurons. But there's long been a dissenting view, and it's showing signs of revival.
From the archive, our interview with @gershbrain.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-molecules...
From the archive, our interview with @gershbrain.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/of-molecules...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Spiders have a mixed reputation in popular culture. But through their extraordinary sensory systems, their silken structures, and their sheer diversity, they offer an astounding model for the cognitive sciences.
From the archive, an all-time listener-favorite episode! disi.org/consider-the...
From the archive, an all-time listener-favorite episode! disi.org/consider-the...
Consider the spider - Many Minds podcast
Exploring our world's diverse forms of mind—human, animal, machine—from diverse perspectives.
disi.org
August 14, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Spiders have a mixed reputation in popular culture. But through their extraordinary sensory systems, their silken structures, and their sheer diversity, they offer an astounding model for the cognitive sciences.
From the archive, an all-time listener-favorite episode! disi.org/consider-the...
From the archive, an all-time listener-favorite episode! disi.org/consider-the...
Reposted by Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute #DISI
Super fun having @manvir.bsky.social on the podcast (again)!
I strongly recommend his new book—especially if you like your non-fiction laced with personal narrative, quirky characters, & history of ideas.
I strongly recommend his new book—especially if you like your non-fiction laced with personal narrative, quirky characters, & history of ideas.
We often treat religion and shamanism as fundamentally different. But the two are deeply enmeshed, and a push and pull between them has played out repeatedly across history.
Just one of the topics discussed in latest episode, with @manvir.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/the-shaman-w...
Just one of the topics discussed in latest episode, with @manvir.bsky.social!
Listen: disi.org/the-shaman-w...
August 7, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Super fun having @manvir.bsky.social on the podcast (again)!
I strongly recommend his new book—especially if you like your non-fiction laced with personal narrative, quirky characters, & history of ideas.
I strongly recommend his new book—especially if you like your non-fiction laced with personal narrative, quirky characters, & history of ideas.