William Hahn

Professors Elan Barenholtz and William Hahn dive deep into a radical idea: what if language shapes our thoughts and behavior like an autonomous software? Barenholtz argues that language operates independently in our minds, while Hahn extends this to virtual machines, suggesting consciousness is just one among many running programs. They discuss cognition as a dynamic output rather than mere storage, questioning how concepts like memory and even God could just be tokens in a vast informational system. Their insights challenge our understanding of self and reality.

William Hahn, a renowned AI scientist specializing in the intersection of consciousness and computation, discusses his groundbreaking work unifying concepts from Leibniz and Wolfram. They explore the idea of consciousness as a spectrum, suggesting that even non-traditional entities, like rocks or AI, may exhibit cognitive traits. Hahn compares the mind to an immune system and examines how language shapes cognition. The conversation also touches on creativity, mental health, and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to foster innovation.

In this engaging discussion, William Hahn, Director of AGI & AI Safety and founder of Hahn AI, explores the fascinating intersection of AI, consciousness, and language. He examines how advancements in AI challenge our understanding of emotions and free will, and draws parallels between human cognition and machine processing. Hahn also reflects on the historical context of AI regulation and the profound implications of virtual machines on spirituality. Together, they navigate the intricate relationship between technology, consciousness, and the evolving nature of intelligence.