Tag: sentient

• Artificial Intelligence or Personhood?

  Blake Lemoine, an engineer for Google’s responsible AI organization, described the LaMDA system he has been working on since last fall as sentient, with a perception of, and ability to express thoughts and feelings that was equivalent to a human child. In an extended discussion, Anthony and Jeff step through this fascinating story. Is it possible that this chatbot has achieved personhood, or is it merely an illusion? [more]

  June 20, 2022Episodes

• Dog Callers and Octopus Rights

  A new invention, believed to be the first of its kind, allows dogs to video call their owners. The system, dubbed DogPhone, is the brainchild of University of Glasgow’s Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas and her 10-year-old labrador, Zack. Jeff and Anthony discuss the device, and it's potential to change human-canine relations forever. Then, Octopuses, crabs and lobsters will receive greater welfare protection in the UK as the Animal Welfare Bill is extended to all decapod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs. Anthony and Jeff assess the benefits and potential dangers of defining these creatures as sentient. [more]

  December 10, 2021Episodes