May 17, 2018 8:15 pm

This Week Discover More About Minds and Machines with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary Marcus

“We must consider this question, can machines think?” It’s time to re-familiarize yourself with the Turing test because this week on StarTalk Radio we’re investigating the intersection of minds and machines. Neil deGrasse Tyson is joined by comic co-host Chuck Nice, and we welcome back neuroscientist Gary Marcus.

In order to have a conversation about the intersection of minds and machines we first have to understand what qualifies as a “mind.” You’ll hear what distinguishes the human mind from the mind of other mammals and how humans have “context addressable memory” whereas computers have “location addressable memory.”

We explore the mysteries of memory and ponder whether, if humans had perfect memory storage, that would make us less creative? You’ll also find out more about human augmentation and why Neil is hesitant to combine human biology with technology via implants.

Of course, on this episode we also answer fan-submitted Cosmic Queries. Gary addresses whether computers will ever have the ability to download and store human memories, and explains some of the pitfalls inherent in deep learning. You’ll also hear about creating toys that can be controlled via thoughts, and we debate whether sentient artificial intelligence should be subject to the same laws and rights as human beings.

Now, back to Mr. Turing. I agree that “we must consider this question, can machines think?” However, I think a more important iteration of the question is this: “When machines can think, then what?” It almost seems inevitable that we’re headed for sentient artificial intelligence and depending on who you ask, that’s either the end of ends or the beginnings of a greater society. However, everyone can agree that it’s a discussion worth having.

Please join us tomorrow night for Cosmic Queries – Minds & Machines at 7pm ET right here on our website, as well as on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and TuneIn. If you’re an All-Access subscriber, you can watch or listen to this episode ad-free at 7pm, too.

That’s it for now. Keep Looking Up!
–Ian Mullen