Why Our Minds Are More Than “Meat Computers”

Why Our Minds Are More Than “Meat Computers”

Author: Discovery Institute Center on Natural and Artificial Intelligence May 15, 2025 Duration: 0:00
Some scientists and philosophers hold the view that our brains are basically brains made of meat. Today, Dr. Eric Holloway and Dr. Robert J. Marks explain what’s wrong with this idea in the concluding segment of their conversation with guest host Patrick Flynn. For starters, the computational theory of mind may be incompatible with materialism or physicalism, as formal, abstract Read More ›

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What does it mean to think, to create, or to be conscious in an age of machines? Mind Matters, from the Discovery Institute Center on Natural and Artificial Intelligence, digs into these profound questions without easy answers. This isn't a series of dry technical lectures; it's a thoughtful exploration where technology intersects with philosophy, culture, and the very fabric of society. Each episode examines the real-world impact of intelligent systems, separating hype from reality while considering both their staggering potential and their inherent limitations. You'll hear discussions that go beyond algorithms to ask what these developments reveal about human nature itself. The conversations hosted by the Walter Bradley Center tackle misconceptions, ethical challenges, and the practical applications that are reshaping our world. Tune in for a nuanced perspective that connects the dots between silicon and soul, offering a essential guide to understanding not just how our tools work, but what they mean for our future. This podcast provides a unique space to grapple with the ideas that will define the coming decades.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 201

Mind Matters
Podcast Episodes
The Unique Relationship Between Consciousness and Its Bearer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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What kind of being must exist for consciousness to exist? On this episode, hosts Robert J. Marks and Angus Menuge conclude their discussion with Dr. Mihretu Guta about his contribution to the recent volume Minding the Br…
In What Sense is Consciousness a Property? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
On this episode, hosts Robert J. Marks and Angus Menuge welcome Dr. Mihretu Guta to discuss his contribution to the recent volume Minding the Brain. Dr. Guta discusses the nature of consciousness and the challenges in un…
The Impact of Descartes on the Philosophy of Mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
On this episode out of the vault, neuroscientist Dr. Michael Egnor welcomes Dr. Joshua Farris for a discussion about his recent published paper “Descartes’ New Clothes: Cartesian Thought in Philosophy, Neuroscience and T…
Dr. Robert J. Marks Reads From Minding the Brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Is your mind the same thing as your brain? Or are there aspects of mind that are external to the biology of the brain? This is the mind-body problem, and it has captivated curious minds since the dawn of human contemplat…
Richard Stevens on All Things AI and Law [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50:06
In this episode, lawyer and Mind Matters News contributor Richard W. Stevens is on the show to discuss the legal issues and challenges around copyright, fair use, and the use of copyrighted material by AI systems. They d…