

Jeff Sebo
Professor of philosophy at NYU, author of the book "The Moral Circle." His work focuses on expanding moral consideration to various beings, including AI.
Top 10 podcasts with Jeff Sebo
Ranked by the Snipd community

111 snips
May 23, 2025 • 3h 35min
Beyond human minds: The bewildering frontier of consciousness in insects, AI, and more
Megan Barrett, an insect neurobiologist, discusses the evolutionary case for insect sentience. Jeff Sebo, specializing in ethics, explores moral considerations for AI systems. David Chalmers contemplates the feasibility of artificial consciousness, while Bob Fischer examines the moral weight of animals like chickens. Cameron Meyer Shorb highlights the suffering of wild animals, and Jonathan Birch warns about the nuances of newborn pain. The conversation challenges our understanding of consciousness across species and prompts deep questions about our moral responsibilities.

94 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 16min
Do All Creatures, Great and Small, and Made From Silicon, Have Rights? (with Jeff Sebo)
Philosopher Jeff Sebo from NYU dives into the ethics of extending moral consideration beyond humans to animals and even AI. He discusses whether monkeys should have the same rights as humans and examines the implications of consciousness in various beings. Sebo challenges human exceptionalism and explores our ethical obligations to all sentient creatures. The conversation raises compelling questions about animal welfare, the ethics of AI, and the responsibilities we have in a rapidly changing world.

57 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 14min
Should we widen our moral circles to include animals, insects, and AIs? (with Jeff Sebo)
In this thought-provoking discussion, Jeff Sebo, an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at NYU and expert in animal ethics and AI, dives into the urgent ethical implications of our responsibilities toward non-human entities. He questions the moral status of not just animals, but also insects and even AIs, challenging us to reconsider our ethical frameworks. The conversation explores critical concepts like consciousness, sentience, and the complexity of measuring welfare across diverse life forms, encouraging listeners to engage with these pressing moral dilemmas.

50 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 34min
Will Future AIs Be Conscious? (with Jeff Sebo)
Join philosopher Jeff Sebo from NYU as he navigates the intriguing landscape of artificial consciousness. He explores the nuances of measuring AI sentience and the ethical implications of granting rights to these systems. Sebo discusses substrative independence and the relationship between consciousness and cognitive complexity. He raises critical questions about AI companions, the moral status of machines, and how intuition contrasts with intellect in understanding consciousness. This thought-provoking conversation reveals the tightrope between innovation and responsibility.

30 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 2h 38min
#173 – Jeff Sebo on digital minds, and how to avoid sleepwalking into a major moral catastrophe
Join Jeff Sebo, a NYU professor and ethics expert, as he explores the profound implications of AI sentience and our moral responsibilities towards it. He discusses the potential for AI systems to possess rights and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their existence. The conversation dives into complex topics like the implications of AI copying itself and the balance of moral consideration between humans and nonhumans. Sebo urges listeners to reconsider societal norms as we advance towards a future where digital minds may play pivotal roles.

17 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 27min
Who Counts? Ethics in the Treatment of Animals and AI
In this engaging discussion, Jeff Sebo, an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at NYU, dives into the intricate realms of moral philosophy and animal rights. The conversation examines who belongs in our moral circle, questioning the ethics of insect farming and the future of animal agriculture. Sebo also explores the budding sentience of advanced AI and what it means for ethical treatment among different beings. From canine consciousness to the complexities of legal rights in abortion, this dialogue pushes the boundaries of our moral understanding.

4 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 24min
EP 291 Jeff Sebo on Who Matters, What Matters, and Why
In an engaging conversation, Jeff Sebo, an Associate Professor at NYU with a focus on ethics and animal rights, explores the moral implications of our responsibilities toward non-human beings. He discusses the moral circle and its expansion beyond just humans. The landmark case of Happy the elephant prompts a debate on legal personhood for animals. Sebo delves into consciousness, AI ethics, and human exceptionalism, urging us to reevaluate our roles as custodians of the Earth while envisioning a future where humanity and nature coexist harmoniously.

4 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 31min
Highlights: #173 – Jeff Sebo on digital minds, and how to avoid sleepwalking into a major moral catastrophe
Jeff Sebo, expert on digital minds and preventing moral catastrophes, discusses extending moral consideration to AI systems, determining moral weight for sentient AI, assessing the likelihood of AI satisfying conditions, repugnant conclusion in relation to insects and humans, and unintentional exploitation of AI systems.

Feb 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Moral Circle: Are AI and Animals Included? | Jeff Sebo
In this thoughtful conversation, philosopher Jeff Sebo, author of 'The Moral Circle', dives into our ethical obligations towards non-human beings, from Neanderthals to AI. He explores who deserves a spot in our moral circle, scrutinizes animal welfare, and examines the moral implications of treating sentient entities differently. Jeff also tackles the complexities of population ethics and the balance between human and animal suffering, sparking a compelling dialogue on the future of ethics in an AI-driven world.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
Expanding our Moral Circle with Philosopher Jeff Sebo
Jeff Sebo, an Associate Professor at NYU and author of "The Moral Circle," shares his insights on moral considerations beyond humans. He discusses expanding our ethical framework to include nonhuman animals, insects, plants, and even AI systems. Sebo delves into the complexities of moral standing, consciousness, and the utilitarian trade-offs we grapple with in a multi-species world. He also highlights the urgent need for thoughtful policy-making around AI ethics and explores the burgeoning understanding of cognitive abilities in various life forms.