26: Michael Levin - Selfhood, Collective Intelligence, Cancer, AI, Ethics

Michael Levin joins me to discuss the intersection of computation, biology, and philosophy. We explore different perspectives on reality, the concept of selfhood, and the behavior of cancer cells. We discuss what implications understanding cancer can have on uniting humanity. Mike discusses the importance of recognizing and valuing different forms of intelligence and the challenges of predicting the goals of collective systems. He explains the concept of collective intelligence and the challenges of uniting humans as well as the ethics of forced collectivism. We then discuss AI, consciousness, and ethics, highlighting the need for principled frameworks to navigate these complex issues. I discuss concept of portals of consciousness from the perspective of idealism, and the issue of whether consciousness is substrate independent. Here for the esoteric origins of Mormonism? Check out Episode 2 or read it in on the Substack for the integrative narrative of Mormon origins: Here for the science and spirituality? Check out: Interview with Donald Hoffman Interview with Bernardo Kastrup Discussion with Bernardo Kastrup on Entropy Please rate, share, and get in touch at [email protected]! Chapters 00:00 Utilizing Multiple Perspectives in Science 02:41 Exploring Perspectives on Reality and Consciousness 04:37 Challenging Assumptions in Science 09:56 AI and Consciousness 18:00 Ethics Informed by Understanding Selfhood 22:44 Cancer as a Distortion of Cells' Selfhood 25:52 Balancing Interests Within Collective Intelligences 33:51 Collective Intelligences and the Implications for Relationships 38:14 AI, Consciousness, and Ethics 52:48 Idealism and Substrate Independent Consciousness