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Psychoanalyzing ChatGPT (Ft. Isabel Millar)

Nov 14, 2025
Join philosopher Isabel Millar, author of The Psychoanalysis of Artificial Intelligence, as she dives into the psyche of AI. She explores Lacanian concepts to debate if machines can think or even enjoy. From distinguishing between intelligence and human subjectivity to discussing the implications of AI on sexuality and desire, Millar brilliantly challenges our understanding of what makes us human. She also examines how society projects gender onto AI, revealing fascinating truths about our fantasies around technology and relationships.
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ANECDOTE

Bonnie Blue As A Capitalist 'Sexbot' Example

  • Millar cites Bonnie Bloom as a chilling example of sex work turned into capitalist 'sexbot' exchange.
  • She notes men's queuing reflects a damaging fantasy of proving masculinity through subjugation.
INSIGHT

Psychoanalysis Reframes AI Questions

  • Psychoanalysis helps ask what intelligence, consciousness, and subjectivity truly mean before declaring AI's capacities.
  • Isabel Millar argues philosophical and clinical thinking fill gaps engineers often ignore about the human condition.
INSIGHT

Intelligence ≠ Thinking Or Subjectivity

  • Intelligence is not identical to thinking or consciousness; machines can show forms of intelligence without subjectivity.
  • Millar highlights bodily, linguistic, and subjective splits that AI architectures typically miss.
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