Exploring the Limits of Machine Computation and the Quest for Transcendence

Explore the complex relationship between AI and human insight in this thought-provoking episode with John Vervaeke, Ken Lowry, Jonathan Pageau, and DC Schindler. While deeply engaging with the scientific and philosophical aspects of artificial intelligence, the panel discusses its broad implications for our understanding of consciousness, culture, and rational thought. Key points include AI's challenge to our self-perception, its potential to reshape societal norms, and the critical examination of whether AI can approach human-like wisdom and ethical reasoning. The dialogue invites listeners to contemplate AI's role in redefining human rationality, wisdom, and the foundational structures of our societies.

Ken Lowry is a dedicated explorer of the good, true, and beautiful through his channel Climbing Mt Sophia, focusing on wisdom and virtue dialogues. His work fosters key collaborations, enhancing discussions on spirituality and philosophy.

Jonathan Pageau, a French Canadian icon carver and speaker, examines symbolic patterns to reconnect modern life with traditional arts, advocating for the re-enchantment of our contemporary world through ancient wisdom.

DC Schindler, a philosopher and professor, delves into metaphysics, ethics, and cultural philosophy, examining classical philosophy's impact on modern challenges, including AI, and its influence on culture and understanding.

John Vervaeke:

Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke  

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Ken Lowry:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climbingmt.sophia

Substack: https://kenlowry.substack.com/

Jonathan Pageau:

Website: https://thesymbolicworld.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jonathanpageau  

DC Schindler:

Website: https://www.johnpaulii.edu/academics/faculty/d-c-schindler/

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The Vervaeke Foundation - https://vervaekefoundation.org/

Awaken to Meaning - https://awakentomeaning.com/

Books, Articles, Publications, and Videos

• AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist - John Vervaeke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-_RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8Vui2YOOfrxbeRwJk5jZPmAth&index=1

• Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne https://www.amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent-ebook/dp/B0CBXKL7P1

• Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH8W8XLF

• Divination and Human Nature: A Cognitive History of Intuition in Classical Antiquity - Peter Struck https://www.amazon.com/Divination-Human-Nature-Cognitive-Intuition/dp/0691183457/

Quotes

"I do not honestly see how it is possible for humans to make something that is not derivative of themselves... the idea that these things could not be either ways to increase certain people's power or parasites on our own consciousness seems to me not conceivable." - Jonathan Pageau [00:24:22]

"One of the problems that I'm seeing is that a lot of this is motivated by economic, by greed, by the capacity to be economically superior to other companies... what is actually driving AI is something like mammon." - Jonathan Pageau [00:21:39] 

"I wonder whether it's possible to be intelligent without first being alive. There's something about the nature of a living thing that allows intelligence to emerge. Intelligence is a way of being before it's a way of acting and is analogous to what it means to be alive rather than just carry out functions that look like life." - DC Schindler [00:42:59]

Chapters 

[00:00:00] - Opening Remarks: AI's Scope and Impact

[00:03:00] - Defining AI: Weak, Strong, and AGI

[00:18:30] - Ethical and Philosophical AI Considerations

[00:32:35] - Integrating Wisdom with AI Development

[00:41:40] - Distinguishing Intelligence and Rationality in AI

[00:51:48] - Aligning Humanity to AI-Driven Cultural Shifts

[01:23:00] - Consciousness and Technology: Extending the Human Mind

[01:42:23] - Speculating AI's Future Directions

[01:57:44] - Final Thoughts: Reflecting on AI's Complexity