I, robot? AI and consciousness

<p>The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines <a href="economist.com/leaders/2026/08/20/could-ais-bec…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ever have it</a>? We dive into the data that reveal a <a href="economist.com/europe/2026/08/09/sexually-trans…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">surge</a> in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of <a href="economist.com/obituary/2026/08/20/mary-de-rach…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mary de Rachewiltz</a>, translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound. </p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alok Jha, science & technology editor</li><li>Stephen Hurford, newsdesk writer</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>AI, consciousness</li><li>sexual health, STIs, STDs, Europe</li><li>Mary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><br></p>

<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a>; for more information.</p>