After developing the first commercially-produced microprocessor for Intel more than a half-century ago, physicist and engineer Federico Faggin has seen it all in the world of computing.

That is, until Federico spent many years working on creating a conscious computing experience before concluding such a thing was impossible.

Federico shares his journey from creating some of the world’s first microprocessors to a sharp detour into the mysteries of the consciousness (that began with an amazing experience during a vacation in Lake Tahoe) along with his thoughts about the creeping encroachment of artificial intelligence (AI) in everything we do, this week on Spirit Gym.

Learn more about Federico on his website and the Faggin Foundation website. Find him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X and LinkedIn.

Timestamps

8:10 Federico built the world’s first commercially produced microprocessor (the Intel 4004) in 1971.

11:32 Federico’s curiosity about consciousness blooms.

20:16 “Matter is an expression of consciousness.”

32:37 “Once you understand that consciousness is a property of quantum field and so is free will, you can begin to rethink the foundation of physics.”

43:03 What is the mind?

49:37 “A judgement is a conscious decision of a field.”

55:32 Consciousness and free will are parts of one’s spirit, not of mind or body.

1:05:40 The reality of consciousness.

1:16:33 Potential does exist.

1:27:32 “In quantum physics, the sum of the parts — which is the superposition of parts — is not the same.”

1:38:20 Panpsychism: The only explanation for solving the hard problem of consciousness.

1:44:40 “The principle of the survival of the fittest is a crime against humanity.”

1:52:51 Can AI achieve consciousness like a human?

2:01:46 Self-destruction.

2:13:35 What can humanity do collectively to bring itself back into harmony?

Resources

Irreducible by Federico Faggin

Silicon by Federico Faggin

Federico’s appearance on the Know Thyself podcast on YouTube

Hilbert space

Find more resources for this episode on our website.

Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz) by Brave as Bears

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Irreducible: Consciousness, Life, Computers, and Human Nature

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