{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/d556eb54-6160-4c85-95f4-47d9f5216c49/6a880840b0d5e24ea40c7015?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"I, robot? AI and consciousness","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62e286a934d4d93d6587424a/1787299865685-b47401ce-bd85-4ca1-ab5c-916e719471be.jpeg?height=200","description":"<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&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=theintelligence&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;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&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&amp;utm_source=theintelligence&amp;utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&amp;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.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><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&amp;utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&amp;utm_source=economist&amp;utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&amp;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 &amp; 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:&nbsp;</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>","author_name":"The Economist"}