Intelligence Squared

Is This Reality? VR, AI, and the Mystery of Consciousness - Part 1

Jun 19, 2023

David Chalmers, a leading philosopher and neural science expert, delves into the complex interplay between virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and consciousness. He raises thought-provoking questions about our deepening reliance on technology and the risks it poses. Chalmers discusses the philosophical implications of AI potentially gaining consciousness, and explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI rights. He also examines how digital experiences may redefine our understanding of reality, blurring the line between the virtual and the actual.

42:27

Episode guests

David Chalmers

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

Techno-Philosophy: Consciousness in a Virtual Age

15min

Exploring AI Consciousness: Advances and Implications

5min

AI Consciousness and the Blurring Line of Reality

5min

Reality in the Digital Age

13min

Throughout the year, AI development has taken significant strides. We are living in a society that is becoming increasingly reliant on digital technology, which soon could be flooded with computer-generated content. As technology advances, it will become harder to distinguish between the virtual and the real, eventually almost impossible. Is this a cause for concern?

In part one of this partnership with the Swedish publishing house and ideas forum Fri Tanke we hear from keynote speaker David Chalmers, Professor of Philosophy at New York University.

We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be.

This event took place in May 2023 in Stockholm.

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