‘Could AI Ever Replace Humanity?’ & ‘How Should We Flourish in an AI World?’
LONDON, Aug. 30, 2023 – Premier Insight, the Christian media group behind the popular “Unbelievable?” podcast, continues to prompt important discussion among leading thinkers across the belief spectrums in science and religion, with the latest episode of “The Big Conversation,” releasing Sept. 8 and 22 (Sept 1 and Sept. 15 for subscribers).
Currently in its 5th season, The Big Conversation, hosted by comedian and apologist Andy Kind, features some of the biggest minds in the Christian, atheist and religious world to debate some of the biggest questions of science, faith, philosophy and what it means to be human. Episodes 5 & 6 of this season feature a two-part discussion between AI expert Dr. Nigel Crook and neuroscientist Anil Seth about robotics, the future of artificial intelligence and the subsequent concerns of morality surrounding these advancements.
“The core issue for me is the more human-like [AI systems] get, the more power they have in society, the more we will be tempted to give them agency, and the more that we will effectively put ourselves potentially at risk in doing that,” Dr. Crook explains. “...I do think that there is a risk in losing that distinction between humans, AI and robotics, and that does worry me.”
Crook, a distinguished figure recognized for his innovative contributions to the realm of AI and robotics, focuses extensively on research related to machine learning inspired by biological processes and the domain of social robotics. He serves as the Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at Oxford Brooks University and is the Founding Director at the Institute for Ethical AI. His latest endeavors, stemming from his investigations into AI's limitations in achieving consciousness, revolve around the concept of self-governing ethical robots. In this pursuit, he is examining ways to imbue robots with certain degrees of moral capability.
Also joining this valuable discussion is Dr. Anil Seth, an internationally acclaimed scientist known for his ground-breaking research on cognitive neuroscience. In addition to his role as Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, Seth’s most recent book, “Being You: A Novel Science of Consciousness,” specifically highlights the enigmatic essence of consciousness, delving into the realms of neuroscience, philosophy and psychology, embarking on a quest to provide insight into the distinctive qualities that make us human.
“A related danger with systems like that which embed themselves in our lives, is the loss of data privacy,” notes Dr. Seth. “The cost is not made transparent to us. In doing this, we are allowing large companies and governments to learn so much about us to be able to predict what we will do; and when you can predict what somebody does, you can control them.”
This thought-provoking exchange on ethics in AI is sure to leave listeners informed and intrigued to learn more regarding robotics, sentience and the future of humanity relating to cyber-dependency, automation regulation and abuses of power in technology.
In partnership with John Templeton Foundation, the 5th season of The Big Conversation continues to attract audiences across the belief spectrum. Featuring six engaging discussions on science, faith, philosophy and culture, this season offers insight into various disputed worldviews, intricacies and bases of morality surrounding science and religion.
The Big Conversation is a unique video series from Unbelievable?, the flagship apologetics and theology discussion show on Premier Insight.
About Premier Insight
Through its various programs, Premier Insight offers something unique, born from the largest Christian media organization in the U.K. with 25 years of ministry experience in a post-Christian context, combined with a tremendously rich Christian heritage. Premier Insight seeks to be both a connector and a facilitator that unapologetically points to the unchanging truth and insight of God’s Word in a culture in dire need of redemption.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934
melany@alarryross.com