Skip to content
I, robot? AI and consciousness episode artwork

Aug 21, 2026 24 min

I, robot? AI and consciousness

from Economist Podcasts

The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz, translator and tireless defender of her father, Ezra Pound. Watch extended clips from Insider here. Guests and host: Alok Jha, science & technology editor Stephen Hurford, newsdesk writer Ann Wroe, obituaries editor Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence” Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence” Topics covered: AI, consciousness sexual health, STIs, STDs, Europe Mary de Rachewiltz, Ezra Pound Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.

Episode details come from the podcast's RSS feed.

Embed this episode

Ready to play

I, robot? AI and consciousness

0:00 24:48

No transcript yet.

Requests help us decide what to transcribe next.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this episode of Economist Podcasts?

This episode is 24 minutes long.

When was this Economist Podcasts episode published?

This episode was published on August 21, 2026.

Can I download this Economist Podcasts episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.