# I, robot? AI and consciousness

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/economist-podcasts-921330/i-robot-ai-and-consciousness
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/economist-podcasts-921330/i-robot-ai-and-consciousness.md
Podcast: [Economist Podcasts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/economist-podcasts-921330)
Published: 2026-08-21T08:48:39+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/theintelligencepodcast/episodes/i-robot-ai-and-consciousness
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/d556eb54-6160-4c85-95f4-47d9f5216c49/a/theeconomistallaudio/e/6a880840b0d5e24ea40c7015/media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=1ieigEOwF7FpCJwVbVKt_gfK1JFjRC_5vBf-z46Apwc
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/economist-podcasts-921330/episodes/i-robot-ai-and-consciousness
Duration seconds: 1488

## Resource

The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it ? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz , translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound.  Watch extended clips from Insider here . Guests and host: Alok Jha, science & technology editor Stephen Hurford, newsdesk writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered:  AI, consciousness sexual health, STIs, STDs, Europe Mary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology— subscribe to The Economist . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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