Podcasts · The Intelligence from The Economist
I, robot? AI and consciousness
· 25 min
Episode I, robot? AI and consciousness
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
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Links in the notes 6
- 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
- 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
- https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/08/20/mary-de-rachewiltz-devoted-her-life-to-defending-ezra-pound
- 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
- https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus
- https://acast.com/privacy
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