Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman

In this engaging discussion, Ramesh Raskar, a professor at MIT Media Lab and an innovator in decentralized AI, shares fascinating insights about the evolution of intelligence in both humans and artificial systems. He explores the parallels between complex neural networks of the brain and decentralized AI, highlighting the transformative potential of small AI agents in healthcare. Raskar emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks as these technologies develop and reflects on how cooperative and competitive dynamics shape both human cognition and AI advancements.

What if AI could enhance our humanity? Dive into discussions about AI's transformative impact on communication, creativity, and even strategic games like chess and Go. The podcast explores the potential of AI to challenge our perceptions and push the boundaries of human talent. It raises thought-provoking questions about how technology influences debate and public opinion. Plus, the journey from personal computers to AI reveals ethical implications we all must consider as we integrate these innovations into our lives.

In this conversation with Bruce Hood, a developmental psychologist and author of *Super Sense*, the exploration of why our brains embrace superstition is captivating. Hood discusses how humans assign meaning to objects, like wearing a murderer’s sweater, and the childhood roots of magical thinking. The interplay between rationality and cultural myths reveals deep psychological insights. Additionally, he delves into cognitive biases behind our belief in the unbelievable and how emotional attachments shape our identities, connecting all of this to everyday life.

Join Matthew Cobb, an evolutionary neurobiologist from the University of Manchester and author of The Idea of the Brain, as he delves into the mysteries of the human brain. Discover how historical theories have evolved alongside technology, from skull bumps to AI. He discusses the legacy of Frankenstein and the intricate relationship between brain function and our understanding of consciousness. Get insights into brain plasticity, the limitations of machine metaphors, and the evolving interplay between neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

Greg Lukianoff, a constitutional lawyer and president of FIRE, passionately discusses the intricate relationship between brain science and free speech. He highlights the necessity of defending free expression to promote cognitive growth and societal safety. The conversation tackles the challenges faced on college campuses where free speech is increasingly suppressed. Lukianoff examines the implications of cancel culture and the role of literature in truth-seeking, along with the potential effects of AI on free dialogue and diverse perspectives.

Explore the fascinating connections between color perception and culture, including why purple became the royal color. Discover how the brain interprets color and the concept of 'impossible colors' that challenge our understanding. Delve into the intriguing effects of colorblindness and synesthesia on perception across different cultures. Uncover the historical significance of colors and their meanings, shaped by cultural narratives and technological advancements. Finally, ponder future possibilities in color perception through biotechnology.

Discover why hunters wear orange and how color influences animal behavior. Explore the intriguing ways birds and bees select flowers based on color and the evolution of human color vision. Delve into the psychological aspects of color perception and its role in social interactions. Uncover the significance of color in warning signals and camouflage in nature. Learn about the unique color vision capabilities of women and the fascinating relationship between flowers and their pollinators.

What if you could eat a burger made from human muscle cells? This topic raises fascinating questions about ethics, morality, and societal norms. The discussion delves into lab-grown meat's implications for animal conservation and how it may impact our views on endangered species. Listeners explore the emotional dimensions of disgust and how they shape our culinary choices. Cultural identity and ownership of biological material come into play, challenging long-held beliefs about what is acceptable to consume and the future of food.

Pablos Holman, a hacker, inventor, and venture capitalist at Deep Future, dives into the wild world of innovation. He discusses the unique human drive that fuels groundbreaking ideas—from self-driving ships to laser-proofing mosquitoes. The conversation also touches on the undervalued contributions of inventors compared to artists and the shift from science to entrepreneurship. Holman emphasizes the importance of collaboration in tech advancements and highlights revolutionary energy solutions like space-based solar farms, advocating for a cultural recognition of inventors in solving global challenges.

Sam Arbesman, a complexity scientist and author of 'The Magic of Code,' joins to explore the enchanting similarities between computer code and magic. He discusses how code influences our daily lives and the challenges posed by increasingly complex systems. Arbesman delves into AI-generated code, the historical context of language, and hidden connections in science. He also draws fascinating parallels between coding and biological systems, highlighting creativity in programming and envisioning a future where coding is revered like art.