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Parker's Pensées

Ep. 231 - How to Tell When Babies and Machines Are Conscious w/Dr. Claudia Passos

May 18, 2023
Dr. Claudia Passos, an Assistant Professor of Bioethics with dual PhDs in psychology and philosophy, dives into the nuanced topic of consciousness in both infants and machines. She explores how we assess consciousness without verbal communication, discussing the challenges of infant pain perception and reflexive actions. The conversation also delves into philosophical theories of consciousness, including Integrated Information Theory, and raises ethical questions about AI's potential moral status. A fascinating blend of science and philosophy awaits!
01:59:37

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the complexities of determining infant consciousness through behavioral and neurobiological markers, emphasizing the challenges in distinguishing reflexive actions from conscious experiences.
  • A significant theme discussed is the relationship between language acquisition and self-consciousness, highlighting how language enhances reflective capabilities and aids in understanding consciousness.

Deep dives

Concerns About AI and Philosophy Careers

There are growing concerns regarding the impact of AI on the job market for philosophers. As AI technologies advance, questions arise about whether philosophers will be replaced by systems that can generate philosophical arguments and papers. The discourse suggests that while AI may handle certain cognitive operations, asking fundamental questions about life, ethics, and existence remains a uniquely human endeavor. Ultimately, though AI may take over some teaching roles, the capacity for deep philosophical reflection might still preserve academic positions.

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