Is AI Conscious? The 239th Evolutionary Lens with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying

In this 239th in a series of live discussions with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying (both PhDs in Biology), we talk about the state of the world through an evolutionary lens.

In this week’s episode, we discuss AI, specifically how Grok responded to the prompt “image of Cartesian crisis,” whether AI is conscious, and whether it makes art. What is art, and are humans required to make it, or do search and memory suffice? Not art: the rendering of the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention. Speaking of which: what demographic is most strongly democratic? Answer: Childless, never married women ages 20 – 45. We discuss how this affects policy and society. And: the quasi-announcement that Kennedy may leave the presidential race. Finally—Zack is going off on new adventures.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The national anthem by the women’s caucus at DNC: https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1825937644951650319

Maternal Love and the Mama Bear: https://naturalselections.substack.com/p/maternal-love-and-the-mama-bear

Brides of the State, by David Samuels in UnHerd: https://unherd.com/2024/08/the-march-of-kamalas-brides/

Rescue the Republic – September 29 on the National Mall: https://jointheresistance.org

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Timestamps:
(00:00) Countdown
(05:14) Welcome
(07:47) Sponsors
(19:19) Bret's interactions with AI
(31:24) Cartesian crisis
(52:29) Is Grok AI conscious and creating novel ideas?
(01:15:14) AI risk and creating art
(01:23:09) Zack's comments
(01:27:29) Lack of artistry in BLM and DNC convention
(01:41:39) Mama bear and queer people in nuclear policy
(01:50:14) Kamala's foot soldiers
(02:09:52) RFK Jr joining Trump campaign?
(02:16:44) Zack’s leaving and wrap up