# I, robot? AI and consciousness

An episode of [The Intelligence from The Economist](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1449631195), 21 Aug 2026, 25 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/theintelligencepodcast/e/6a880840b0d5e24ea40c7015/media.mp3?tk=eyJ0ayI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJhZHMiOnRydWUsInNwb25zIjp0cnVlLCJzdGF0dXMiOiJwdWJsaWMifQ==&sig=xVRs6dnYVFN1diYs3l4kS50TIQsqJxRHwikL0sB0YZ0

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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