Episode Details

Guest: Dr. Yona Bouskila, Author

Website | https://www.yonabouskila.com/

_____________________________

Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

_____________________________

This Episode’s Sponsors

Are you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?
👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsor-the-itspmagazine-podcast-network

_____________________________

Episode Introduction

Hello everybody, welcome to another episode of the Audio Signals Podcast! This is Marco Ciappelli, and today’s episode is special for many reasons: I'm currently in Italy instead of my usual LA setup, and I'm joined by a remarkable guest, Yona Bouskila, tuning in from the UK. Together, we're diving into a topic that has been on everyone’s lips lately - Artificial Intelligence (AI), but from a unique perspective tied to Yona’s new book, "The Unthinkable Truth".

Meet Yona Bouskila

Yona introduces himself as a trained neuroscientist with a penchant for fiction writing. His innovative approach combines these two fields, making his work particularly significant. In "The Unthinkable Truth," Yona explores the relationships between the human mind and AI, presenting thought-provoking questions that challenge conventional perspectives. Are we, humans, as different from AI as we think?

The Human Mind and AI: A Deep Dive

Yona brings up an intriguing point: during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, people criticized leaders and each other, but not the virus itself. Similarly, we can't hold natural events responsible for their outcomes. What if humans, theoretically, are also sentient automata governed by the laws of nature just like AI? This bold hypothesis posits that our actions might not be as independent from natural laws as we believe.

Simulated or Real? Exploring Human and Machine Similarities

Marco probes further into Yona's perspective, touching on the popular simulation theory. Yona clarifies that while his book doesn’t fully subscribe to simulation theory, it does draw parallels between human decision-making and AI behaviors. An example given is how engineers observed robots showing hesitation when faced with an ethical dilemma, similar to human actions.

Fiction Meets Nonfiction: The Unique Blend in "The Unthinkable Truth"

Unlike most books which fit neatly into either fiction or nonfiction, Yona's book melds the two genres. Citing examples from historical and hard science fiction, he reveals that his narrative incorporates real-world studies published in peer-reviewed journals intertwined with a thrilling fictional storyline. This unique blend is designed to be thought-provoking yet highly engaging.

An Unforgettable Setting: Paris

Set against the backdrop of Paris, the storyline benefits from the rich history and cultural significance of the city. Paris, noted for its pivotal role in many social and scientific revolutions, provides an apt setting for the book's exploration of advanced AI within a contemporary context closely linked to UNESCO.

Balancing Optimism and Caution in AI Development

The conversation also delves into the societal implications of AI. Recognizing its immense potential in fields like medical diagnostics, Yona emphasizes the need for caut