Artificial Intelligence, Free Will, and Consciousness

Artificial Intelligence, Free Will, and Consciousness

Author: Gwendolyn Dolske, PhD & Rudy Salo | Philosophy & Education Podcast October 16, 2025 Duration: 43:54

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo invite Physicist Samir Varma (The Science of Free Will) to discuss how AI reveals our understanding of the classical philosophical debate: Free Will vs Determinism.  What are the possibilities with AI and how can it be useful without disrupting our humanity?  Are we purely material beings interacting with an "alien" intelligence?  If all of our actions and thoughts are caused does that necessarily mean we are not free? Critical Thinking + Practical Philosophy + Science. 

Get Samir's book: The Science of Free Will.

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Pod music by Rich Balling.


Hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D., and Rudy Salo, Good Is In The Details operates on the belief that the most profound insights are often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be unpacked. This philosophy and education podcast doesn't just skim the surface of big topics; it lingers there, examining the nuances of how we think, learn, and ultimately live our lives. You'll hear thoughtful, meandering conversations with scholars, authors, and practitioners from diverse fields, all centered on how ideas from ethics, culture, and critical thinking intersect with our daily realities. The hosts have a knack for breaking down complex academic concepts without losing their depth, making each episode feel like an engaging seminar you can enjoy on a walk or during your commute. Rather than offering easy answers, this podcast provides the tools and perspectives to ask better questions, finding the substance in the subtleties that we often overlook. It’s for anyone who believes that understanding the framework of an argument or the history of a thought is just as important as the conclusion. Tune in for a consistently thoughtful exploration of the books, theories, and cultural forces that quietly shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 190

Good Is In The Details
Podcast Episodes
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Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back to the pod Josephti Cruz (Wealth Garden Financial Services). What does it mean to respect money? What is the importance of credit? How to budget? How do women invest/spend diff…
The Ethics of Sexbots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Professor Neil McArthur (University of Manitoba) about his work on the ethics of sexbots. What are some of the moral and legal implications regarding robot sex? What can we learn…
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Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo team up with Overthink Podcast hosts Dr. Anderson and Dr. Pena-Guzman to discuss public philosophy and the role of philosophy in podcasting. We also cover topics such as free speech in univ…
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Duration: 33:24
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk about some of their favorite moments on Good Is In The Details. Read Rudy's work on Forbes.com Support the Show: Patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails
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Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with actor/producer/musician John F Thomas about his work in film and production. We learn about he importance of storytelling and the work behind the creative process. And... who was…
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Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo learn about the business of matchmaking with Tammi Pickle of Elite Connections. What is it like to be a professional matchmaker? Elite Connections: https://www.eliteconnections.com/elite-ad…
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Duration: 53:20
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Alexandra Beattie (creator of Divide and Thrive) and financial advisor Josephti Cruz about the emotional and financial aspects of divorce, and how to flourish post divorce. We dis…