Ep. 46: When AI Meets Sci-Fi - A Talk with Award-Winning Author Ken MacLeod

In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication. The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms. Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior. The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today.

In 'Life 3. 0,' Max Tegmark discusses the evolution of life in three stages: Life 1. 0 (biological), Life 2. 0 (cultural), and the theoretical Life 3. 0 (technological), where life designs both its hardware and software. The book delves into the current state of AI research, potential future scenarios, and the societal implications of advanced technologies. Tegmark also explores concepts such as intelligence, memory, computation, learning, and consciousness, and discusses the risks and benefits associated with the development of artificial general intelligence. The book advocates for a thoughtful and collaborative approach to ensure that AI benefits humanity and emphasizes the importance of AI safety research.

In *The Blind Watchmaker*, Richard Dawkins presents a comprehensive explanation of the theory of evolution through natural selection. He argues against the creationist metaphor of the skilled watchmaker by introducing the concept of a 'blind watchmaker,' where natural selection acts without foresight or purpose. Dawkins uses examples such as the evolution of the eye and computer simulations to illustrate how complexity can arise from simple organisms through cumulative selection. The book also addresses common criticisms of evolution and argues against the existence of a divine creator, emphasizing that the Darwinian world-view is the only known theory that could explain the mystery of our existence.

In 'Emergence,' the third book of The Corporation Wars trilogy, Ken MacLeod continues the story of Carlos, a terrorist revived in a virtual reality environment to fight for the Direction against rogue robots. The narrative explores the political factions of Earth's past, the current climate, and the ethical dilemmas of killing conscious beings. The robots, now calling themselves the Freebots, are central to the story, discussing their newfound free will and the legal ramifications of their existence. This book delves into themes of consciousness, identity, and the contrast between human and robotic life.

In 'The Child That Books Built', Francis Spufford reflects on how reading shaped his childhood and continues to influence his life. The book is a personal and introspective exploration of the power of literature to form and transform us. Spufford delves into his favorite books and authors, discussing how they helped him navigate the complexities of growing up and understanding the world around him.