Curiosity ⇔ Entangled

What does it mean to be human in an age of advanced artificial intelligence? How will transhumanism shape the future of humanity? And can we navigate the ethical challenges of AI and emerging technologies before it’s too late? In this thought-provoking episode of Curiosity ⇔ Entangled, Susan Schneider, renowned philosopher and director of the Center for the Future Mind, joins Zoltan Istvan, journalist, futurist, and transhumanist presidential candidate, for an enlightening conversation about the intersection of AI, consciousness, and the human future. Their dialogue explores risks and promises of AI, the philosophical implications of emergent technologies, and the global challenges of aligning advanced AI systems with human values. With candor and curiosity, Susan and Zoltan explore what it means to thrive in a world where humanity may soon no longer hold the top spot in intelligence. Don’t miss the chance to see Susan and Zoltan speak at MindFest 2025 this March—where philosophy, science, and curiosity converge! Visit philevents.org/event/show/131378 Curiosity Explored: 1. The ethical implications of AI systems developing emergent intelligence and how philosophers view the concept of sentience in machines. 2. How AI could exacerbate geopolitical risks and reshape power dynamics between nations. 3. The philosophical questions surrounding transhumanism, radical longevity, and the role of humanity in the future of intelligence. 4. How universal basic income (UBI) could address societal disruptions from automation and AI advancements. 5. The philosophical frameworks for navigating the alignment of AI with human well-being and flourishing. Links to Explore Further: MindFest 2025: Dive into cutting-edge discussions about the future of intelligence at this exciting event featuring Susan and Zoltan. Join experts in Boca Raton this March to explore the intersections of philosophy, science, and technology. Visit philevents.org/event/show/131378 Susan Schneider’s Official Website: Discover her writings, projects, and insights into the future of mind and AI ethics. Visit schneiderwebsite.com Zoltan Istvan’s Official Website: Explore Zoltan’s bold ideas on transhumanism, politics, and the future of humanity. Visit zoltanistvan.com Center for the Future Mind: Learn more about Susan Schneider’s work and her team’s research into consciousness and emerging technologies. Visit fau.edu/future-mind Timestamps: 00:00:25 – Introduction to Susan Schneider and Zoltan Istvan 00:03:11 – Transhumanism: Past optimism versus current challenges 00:07:45 – Emergent AI intelligence and the ethics of alignment 00:16:03 – The global race for AI dominance and geopolitical risks 00:26:14 – Longevity, transhumanism, and the fight against aging 00:33:45 – AI’s potential to create and destroy: navigating the dichotomy 00:42:37 – Philosophical perspectives on the role of humanity in a post-AI world 00:52:08 – Closing thoughts: Building a better future amidst uncertainty

What sparks the emergence of life in the cosmos, and where might curiosity lead us in the future? In this premiere episode of Curiosity ⇔ Entangled, Avi Loeb, astrophysicist and Baird Professor of Science at Harvard University, joins George Church, pioneering geneticist and professor at Harvard Medical School, for a fascinating dialogue on the origins of life and the possibilities for humanity’s future. Their conversation spans from the Big Bang to panspermia, synthetic biology, and the existential risks and opportunities that define our place in the universe. With curiosity as their guide, these two visionary thinkers explore profound questions about science, survival, and what lies ahead. Curiosity Explored: 1. How the chemistry of life could have started in regions enriched with heavy elements shortly after the first stars formed. 2. Whether life on Earth could have originated on Mars, delivered here through meteorite impacts billions of years ago. 3. The possibility of mirror life being suppressed by terrestrial life and why we might not recognize alien life among us. 4. The hypothesis that extraterrestrial “gardeners” seeded Earth with self-replicating probes to create life as we know it. 5. Humanity’s future, from augmented brains and the fight against aging to escaping Earth’s eventual demise through space exploration. Timestamps: 00:00:25 – Opening thoughts: Life in the universe and the Big Bang 00:02:54 – The first stars, heavy elements, and the conditions for life 00:05:27 – Panspermia and life’s potential Martian origins 00:09:04 – Synthetic biology and its role in shaping humanity’s future 00:17:01 – Designing humans for interstellar travel and long-term survival 00:27:13 – Ethical considerations in biotechnology and artificial intelligence 00:36:50 – Existential risks and the future of technological civilizations 00:53:12 – How close are we to finding a cure for aging and redefining humanity itself? 01:03:27 – Closing reflections: The infinite frontiers of curiosity and discovery