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The theory that connects the origin of life to the rise of intelligence

Blaise Agüera y Arcas argues that function defines life more than material does, and that AI belongs in the same story.

with Blaise Agüera y Arcas

The original symbiosis that gives rise to an organism that can reproduce itself heritably is literally the coming together of a computer. So in that sense, biology is computer science. The birth of biology is the origin of the first computers.

A man in a black t-shirt and jeans sits on a chair in front of a white backdrop, framed by a digital background of microscopic viral structures and binary code. 1hr 24mins

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Members
7 videos
Tools for thinking critically
Daniel C. Dennett
Philosopher, writer, and cognitive scientist
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5 videos
The humanity of leadership
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Chief Innovation Officer, High Conflict Institute, LLC
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Members
4 videos
Authentic executive presence
Carla Harris
Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley
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Members
12 videos
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Ruchika Malhotra
Author of “Inclusion on Purpose”, Candour, LLC
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Members
9 videos
The 6 disciplines of strategic thinking
Michael Watkins
Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change, IMD Business School, and Author, “The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking”
Mini Philosophy

You’re a Christian and a Buddhist (whether you like it or not)

Is religion defined more by beliefs or practices?

by Jonny Thomson
A close-up painting of a person with hands clasped in prayer, wearing a white head covering and a blue cloak.
Starts With A Bang

7 mind-bending comparisons between the Universe and the human body

Compared to the scale of the cosmos, a single human body might seem insignificant. But there's an entire Universe within each of us, too.

by Ethan Siegel
kalam cosmological argument
Philosophy

If AI becomes conscious, how would we treat it? Animals may hold a clue.

Our beliefs about AI consciousness may depend less on evidence and more on self-interest.

by Henry Shevlin
A wireframe digital hand representing AI consciousness reaches out from a computer screen to pet a black and white cat.
Francis Fukuyama on why we’re better than our ancestors
Everyone matters. If you believe that, it's a good sign.

by Jonny Thomson

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FIND US ON SUBSTACK

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Big Think

Our main hub on Substack.

 A red graphic with the title "MINI PHILOSOPHY" and three black icons: a direction sign, scales, and a dove; text at the bottom reads "with Jonny Thomson.

Mini Philosophy

Your daily dose of thoughtfulness.

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Starts with a Bang

Understand the universe better.

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Big Think Books

Explore the writers and ideas that have shaped our world.

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Big Think Business

The latest industry insights.
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What would you like to learn more about? We have thousands of videos from the world’s biggest thinkers to help you dive deeper into any subject.

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Jonny Thomson
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Learn business from the world’s biggest thinkers.
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Eric Markowitz
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Where science meets the human story.
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