James Hughes

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.

James Hughes, Executive Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, and Eli Sennesh, a neuroscience postdoc at Vanderbilt, dive into the intricate world of technology and transhumanism. They examine the validity of the acronym TESCREAL and argue against fears of future transhumanism while grappling with present technologies. The duo critiques bourgeois futurism and explores the socio-political implications of AI, healthcare challenges, and the connection between gender ideology and transhumanism, presenting a complex dialogue on our technological future.

Eli Sennesh, a postdoctoral neuroscience researcher, and James Hughes, Executive Director at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, dive deep into technology's future. They critique the TESCREAL acronym, arguing it misrepresents the complexity of transhumanist ideas. The duo discusses how fears of transhumanism overshadow critical tech issues of today, the political divides in futurism, and the impact of AI. They highlight the need for the left to engage with technology to foster real change, rather than getting lost in abstract dystopias.