Closer To Truth James Hughes on AI Consciousness: Buddhism & Posthuman Futures
16 snips
Jul 2, 2025 James Hughes, the Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, dives into the fascinating intersection of AI, consciousness, and Buddhist philosophy. He discusses how emerging technologies may reshape our understanding of identity and autonomy, while examining the ethical implications of AI decision-making. The conversation touches on transhumanism and the philosophical concerns from both Buddhist and Western perspectives. Notably, they explore the illusion of self and how technology challenges traditional notions of consciousness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
BCIs and Extended Mind
- Brain-computer interfaces extend our mind into digital tools, changing how we think and remember.
- Buddhist thought sees the self as a fluid, ongoing self-creation, compatible with this extended mind concept.
James Hughes' Buddhist Experience
- James Hughes was briefly ordained as a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka and studied Zen in Japan.
- He appreciates Buddhist meditation and metaphysics, setting aside some traditional doctrines.
Digital Avatars Challenge Selfhood
- Digital avatars and twins will challenge our sense of self and moral choices around identity.
- Such AI agents may even outlive us, becoming part of our legacy and digital memorials.
