
Mind Matters
On the Mind Matters podcast, Discovery Institute’s Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence considers the implications and misconceptions, the opportunities and limitations, and the applications and challenges presented by intelligent agents and their algorithms. Episode notes and archives available at mindmatters.ai/podcast.
Latest episodes

Sep 19, 2024 • 8sec
Dr. Robert J. Marks Reads From Minding the Brain
Is your mind the same thing as your brain? Or are there aspects of mind that are external to the biology of the brain? This is the mind-body problem, and it has captivated curious minds since the dawn of human contemplation. Today many insist that the mind is completely reducible to the brain. But is that claim justified? On this Read More ›
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Sep 12, 2024 • 27sec
AI’s Boundaries and Human Creativity: A Conversation with Dr. Robert J. Marks
Dr. Robert J. Marks, a professor at Baylor University and director of the Discovery Institute’s AI center, delves into the fascinating interplay between AI and human creativity. He underscores the irreplaceable qualities of human imagination and debates the limitations of AI, which relies on existing information for its outputs. The discussion also touches on educational initiatives surrounding intelligent design and the implications of AI in warfare. Marks emphasizes the need for caution, advocating for human oversight in navigating AI's potential and challenges.

Sep 5, 2024 • 25min
The Rational Soul: Rethinking Materialism with Neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Egnor
In this episode, Pat Flynn and Dr. Michael Egnor conclude their discussion of Dr. Egnor’s contribution to the recent volume Minding the Brain. Flynn and Dr. Egnor discuss Thomistic dualism and its relation to neuroscience and the soul. Thomistic dualism is the belief that the soul is a separate entity from the body and that the rational aspects of the soul, Read More ›
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Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 50min
Richard Stevens on All Things AI and Law
In this episode, lawyer and Mind Matters News contributor Richard W. Stevens is on the show to discuss the legal issues and challenges around copyright, fair use, and the use of copyrighted material by AI systems. They discuss the implications of a recent Supreme Court case, Warhol vs. Goldsmith, that tackles the legal concepts of “derivative work” and “transformative work.” Read More ›
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Aug 22, 2024 • 34min
Dr. Michael Egnor: Neuroscience, the Soul, and the Limits of Materialism
In this episode, Pat Flynn and Dr. Michael Egnor continue their discussion of Dr. Egnor’s contribution to the recent volume Minding the Brain. Flynn and Egnor discuss various criticisms of materialism in neuroscience. They touch on topics such as near-death experiences, the limitations of the computational theory of mind, and the nature of artificial intelligence. Dr. Egnor also addresses common questions Read More ›
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Aug 15, 2024 • 41min
The Science of Mind: Debunking Materialism, with Dr. Michael Egnor
On this episode, host Pat Flynn begins a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Michael Egnor about topics such as mind, brain, dualism, the nature of the human person, neuroscience, and the soul. Dr. Egnor argues for dualism, stating that there are aspects of the mind that are not generated by the brain. They also discuss research on split-brain patients and its Read More ›
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Aug 8, 2024 • 29min
How to Rise Above Addictive Technologies to Find Real Freedom
Doug Smith, a software engineer and author, dives into the deceptive allure of addictive technologies with host Robert Marks. They critique the Apple Vision Pro VR headset and its spiritual marketing tactics, questioning the authenticity of tech-induced experiences. The discussion touches on a California church idolizing AI and explores how technology shapes societal perceptions. Smith emphasizes the urgent need for moderation in media use, advocating for real connections over screen addiction.

Aug 1, 2024 • 37min
Doug Smith on The Pitfalls of Virtual Reality (VR)
On this episode, software engineer and author Doug Smith discusses the growing problem of virtual reality (VR) pornography and its negative effects. He also talks about Apple’s new VR headset, Vision Pro, and raises concerns about its potential impact on users. Smith criticizes Apple’s marketing of Vision Pro, highlighting the false vision, false connection, and false control it promotes. He Read More ›
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Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 16min
Caring for the Deeply Forgetful: An Interview with Dr. Stephen Post
How can we best compassionately relate to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease? Is there more to the mind than just the brain? On this episode of Mind Matters News, neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Egnor interviews Dr. Stephen Post. They discuss topics such as memory, consciousness, medical ethics, and the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Post emphasizes the importance of Read More ›
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Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 5min
Robert Marks & Zoltan Istvan Debate AI and Transhumanism
Are we on the verge of an era of incalculable human progress because of the power of AI, or are we threatened with being made obsolete and perhaps extinguished in an age of intelligent machines? In this episode, Robert J. Marks and author Zoltan Istvan debate secular transhumanism and artificial intelligence (AI). Marks argues that AI can never be creative Read More ›
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