Cosmic Queries: Minds and Machines

About This Episode

“We must consider this question, can machines think?” Alan Turing asked that question many years ago, but these days that question is taking on a whole new dimension. On this episode of StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson, comic co-host Chuck Nice, and neuroscientist Gary Marcus answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries on the intersection of minds and machines. You’ll learn what distinguishes the human mind from the minds of other mammals. Explore the mysteries of memory and the future of memory storage. You’ll also learn how humans have “context addressable memory” whereas computers have “location addressable memory.” Find out more about human augmentation and hear why Neil is hesitant to combine human biology with technology via implants. Gary explains some of the pitfalls inherent in deep learning. We also ponder if sentient artificial intelligence should be subject to the same laws and right as humans. All that, plus we discuss ELIZA, the Matrix, driverless cars, creating toys controlled by thoughts, and if AI could be used to assist in the mental health field as virtual therapists. 

NOTE: All-Access subscribers can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: Cosmic Queries: Minds & Machines.