In the first episode of our series on metaphysics, Michael Herman joins us from Episode #14 on “What is consciousness?” to discuss reality. More specifically, the question of objects in reality. The team explores Plato’s forms, Aristotle’s realism, emergence, and embodiment to determine whether AI models can approximate from what humans uniquely experience.

Defining objects via properties, perception, and persistence
Banana and circle examples for identity and ideals
Plato versus Aristotle on forms and realism
Ship of Theseus and continuity through change
Samples, complexes, and emergence in systems
Embodiment, consciousness, and why LLMs lack lived unity
Existentialist focus on subjective reality and meaning
Why metaphysics matters for AI governance and safety

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What we're reading:

[Mumford's] Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction (Andrew)

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Metaphysics and modern AI: What is reality?