Jobst Landgrebe on hype cycles

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Jobst Landgrebe, a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Philosophy

at the University at Buffalo specialising in the philosophy of AI, complex

systems, and the ontology of physics and mathematics, elaborates on the

concept of "hype cycles" which he explores in his book "The Hype Cycle."

Jobst describes hype cycles as cultural and scientific phenomena that are used

to 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 state

of emergency, compelling people to conform to certain political agendas. Jobst

distinguishes between scientific hypes, like climate change and COVID-19, and

cultural hypes, such as diversity and inclusion.

Whilst some hype cycles may have organic roots, he suggests they are often

exploited by rulers to reinforce their power. The discussion moves on to the

cyclical nature of hypes, with Jobst noting that they repeat over time with

changing content, before emphasising the importance of resisting particularly

harmful cycles.