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.

Join our Patreon for more Good Is In The Details and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails

Subscribe to our Substack: https://giitd.substack.com

Check out the pod's Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails

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
Her Phil-Life-Sophy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:19
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Dr. Cori Wong (Meta Level Love Podcast) about her work in public philosophy, her Ted Talk on Feminist Friendship, and the art of living. https://coriwong.com https://www.patreon.c…
How to Navigate Social Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:58
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back comedian Erin Darling Torralva to the pod! We discuss comedy, the documentary The Social Dilemma, and her podcast Hot Pizza Ass. Erin also answers a few questions from Professo…
It's a Men's Issue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:15
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with scholar-activist-author, Jackson Katz Ph.D. (The Macho Paradox and Man Enough?). How can the narrative regarding violence be reframed? What is the role of culture and media in our…
The Psychology of Social Distancing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:08
How are our habits changing because of social distancing? Our moods? Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Psychology Professor Maire Ford (Loyola Marymount University) about her research on the psychological impact o…
What is Existential Sociology? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:41
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Professor Jack Fong (Cal Poly Pomona) about the study of groups and how that helps us navigate being in the world. Dr Fong explains the meaning of existentialism as a way to appro…
Ancient Ideas Everyday Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
How has Ancient Greek thought impacted our understanding of the body? Science? What is the value of philosophy? Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Philosophy Professor Dr. Christia Mercer (Columbia University) abou…
Season 2 Teaser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51
The discussions continue! More philosophy, psychology, culture, books, and wit. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails
Politics, meet Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:14
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo interview candidate for Massachusetts 4th congressional district, Natalia Linos. Natalia's science background offers a unique perspective to the realm of politics. We discuss health care, C…
Examining Ex Machina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:44
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo team up with hosts of Two Philosophers Drink Beer & Discuss Film Podcast, Dr. Daniel Murphy and Dr. Gregory D Jackson. We discuss the Sci-fi film Ex Machina. The conversation covers philoso…