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#196 – Jonathan Birch on the edge cases of sentience and why they matter

80,000 Hours Podcast

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Exploring AI Sentience and Neural Emulation

This chapter examines the idea of sentience in artificial systems, introducing the 'brainstem rule' as a criterion for recognizing potential consciousness. It discusses the challenges and ethical considerations of neural organoids and research initiatives like the OpenWorm project while emphasizing the distinction between sentience and intelligence. The conversation ultimately advocates for a regulatory framework that weighs the benefits of organoid studies against the risks, encouraging a reevaluation of our perceptions of consciousness.

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