What happens when intelligence stops being uniquely human?This episode is brought to you by NADclinic.com, the go-to destination for longevity and human performance. Check out their new NADair, a next-gen, precision breath-activated NAD⁺ wellness system using multi-patented DPI technology: https://nadairx.com/ AI may be changing more than how we work. Joscha Bach argues that it could fundamentally reshape how we think, relate to others, and understand ourselves. The future may be difficult to predict because technology is changing the very models we use to understand it.The conversation moves from AI agents and universal basic intelligence to consciousness and agency. Bach explores whether machines could become more than tools, and whether AI might eventually extend human minds and biology onto new substrates.But the biggest question may not be whether AI becomes conscious. It is whether humanity can build and govern these systems wisely. Bach argues that AI could make society more capable, but only if we develop better incentives, stronger long-term thinking, and a positive vision for the future.Joscha Bach is a computer scientist, philosopher, and researcher focused on artificial intelligence, cognition, and machine consciousness. He founded the California Institute for Machine Consciousness to explore how minds can self-organize through controlled experiments.What You’ll LearnWhy the AI revolution may be bigger than previous technological shiftsHow AI could become an extension of human intelligenceWhy agency may matter more than machine consciousnessHow the brain creates a simulated model of realityWhether consciousness could emerge on different substratesWhy AI alignment is also a problem of human alignmentHow AI could help humanity become smarter and more coherent⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:09 What Happens When AI Escapes?02:08 Can AI Become Your Second Mind?05:30 The Rise of Universal Basic Intelligence07:42 Will AI Make Everyone Smarter?10:52 Doomers vs. AI Companies16:15 Why AI Progress Surprised Everyone17:27 Why Nobody Believed in AI21:00 Could AI Become Smarter Than Humans?27:23 Your Brain Is Running a Simulation29:01 Does AI Really Need Consciousness?32:48 AI Could Help Build a Better World36:24 AI Is the Interactive Internet38:22 Is Humanity Running Out of Time?41:03 What Is AI’s Greatest Risk?43:46 We Are the AI45:30 Why China Could Lead AI48:17 Why Elon Builds What Others Won’t51:17 Who Controls How Smart AI Gets?55:47 Can AI Threaten Our Freedom?57:13 Why Does Everyone Fear AI Doom?01:00:33 The AI Panopticon Is Coming01:04:48 AI Is Already Surpassing Experts01:06:14 Can AI Actually Destroy the World?01:08:21 Why AI Experts Disagree01:09:09 Is Death Real in a Simulation?01:09:36 Do Minds Really Have Identity?01:11:55 Can Claude Actually Feel?01:14:06 Is the Universe a Computer?01:15:45 What’s the Best Advice You’ve Received?01:17:58 Is Free Will Just Psychological?01:19:06 If Tomorrow Was Your Last Day...Connect with JoschaWebsite: http://bach.ai/ Substack: https://joscha.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joschabach/ X: https://x.com/Plinz Connect with JulianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeyondtomorrowpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankissa/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/julian-issa Website: www.beyondtomorrowpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube for more stories from the edge of what is possible.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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