I, robot? AI and consciousness

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<p>The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/08/20/could-ais-become-conscious?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ever have it</a>? We dive into the data that reveal a <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/08/09/sexually-transmitted-infections-are-surging-in-europe?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">surge</a> in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/08/20/mary-de-rachewiltz-devoted-her-life-to-defending-ezra-pound" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mary de Rachewiltz</a>, translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound. </p><br><p><em>Watch extended clips from Insider </em><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alok Jha, science & technology editor</li><li>Stephen Hurford, newsdesk writer</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>AI, consciousness</li><li>sexual health, STIs, STDs, Europe</li><li>Mary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>