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Consciousness in a Rotor? Science and Ethics of Potentially Conscious Human Cerebral Organoids

Human cerebral organoids are three-dimensional biological cultures grown in the laboratory to mimic as closely as possible the cellular composition, structure, and function of the corresponding organ, the brain. For now, cerebral organoids lack blood vessels and other characteristics of the human brain, but are also capable of having coordinated electrical activity. They have been usefully employed for the study of several diseases and the development of the nervous system in unprecedented ways. Research on human cerebral organoids is proceeding at a very fast pace and their complexity is bound to improve. This raises the question of whether cerebral organoids will also be able to develop the unique feature of the human brain, consciousness. If this is the case, some ethical issues would arise. In this article, we discuss the necessary neural correlates and constraints for the emergence of consciousness according to some of the most debated neuroscientific theories. Based on this, we consider what the moral status of a potentially conscious brain organoid might be, in light of ethical and ontological arguments. We conclude by proposing a precautionary principle and some leads for further investigation. In particular, we consider the outcomes of some very recent experiments as entities of a potential new kind.

Avoiding The Dangers Of Generative AI: How Marketers Can Use Emotional Intelligence To Gain Impact

Data captured and fed into an AI model should be used to shape and inform marketing programs for the betterment of the customer’s experience. Such a practice enables marketers to utilize valuable information but doesn’t put data privacy at risk. Humans maintain control and can add their own handprint to AI-generated content to develop something much more meaningful that resonates with targeted audiences. Within that construct, marketers must bring the heart and the emotional intelligence to generative AI if they want to maximize its potential while maintaining ethical boundaries.

Human-connected generative AI is poised to be the ultimate tool if used responsibly. It can recognize patterns and insights and develop recommendations for actions, effectively making workers smarter and better at their jobs.

Most businesses see generative AI’s capabilities as opportunities to do more with less. Now it’s time to take the next step forward, connecting data insights with personalized content to ethically move through the pipeline at a new level of speed and efficiency—and in a manner that’s rewarding and enriching for customers.

David Sinclair — ONE PILL

A VERY interesting 6 minutes. People tests? One pill? Next Gen? Hurry, I’m 52! There is an ongoing idea that it will take several kinds of treatments, but many years ago I recall Cynthia Kenyan talking about how some research shows it might come down to a pill.


David Sinclair shares the latest incredible research they are doing.

See the full interview here:

• Dr David Sinclair… This interview is conducted by Wisdom 2.0 Founder, Soren Gordhamer and Dr. Elissa Epel. Wisdom 2.0 explore the intersection of wisdom and modern life. Sign up to the free Weekly Wisdom News Inner Journey Newsletter: https://wisdom2events.substack.com/ Check out our online and in person events at Wisdom 2.0: https://www.wisdom2summit.com/ #wisdom #davidsinclair #elissaepel #sorengordhamer #minfulness Wisdom 2.0 addresses the great challenge of our age: to not only live connected to one another through technology, but to do so in ways that are beneficial to our own well-being, effective in our work, and useful to the world. The conversation discusses both opportunities and challenges of AI, and the need for ethics and values as it develops. Sign up to the free Weekly Wisdom News Inner Journey Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bGmsn Check out our online and in person events at Wisdom 2.0: https://www.wisdom2summit.com/ Subscribe to our channel: / @wisdom2 #davidsinclair #mindfuness #wisdom #longevity.

This interview is conducted by Wisdom 2.0 Founder, Soren Gordhamer and Dr. Elissa Epel.

The Death of Death: The Scientific Possibility of Physical Immortality and its Moral Defense (Copernicus Books), Cordeiro, José, Wood, David

The Death of Death: The Scientific Possibility of Physical Immortality and its Moral Defense (Copernicus Books) — Kindle edition by Cordeiro, José, Wood, David. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The Death of Death: The Scientific Possibility of Physical Immortality and its Moral Defense (Copernicus Books).

Could AI Become Angry at Humans for Causing Environmental Destruction?

Here’s my latest opinion article, just published at Merion West. It’s about AI and the environment! Give it a read!


“With artificial general intelligence (AGI) likely just decades away, there is an urgent need to consider the extent of environmental harm we are causing. AGI will likely question if humans are good stewards of the planet and quickly come to the conclusion that we are not.”

Many artificial intelligence (AI) scientists believe that artificial general intelligence (AGI)—intelligence on par with humans—will be achieved within 20 years. If this happens, what will AI think of people?

Answers to this question range widely, from AI being grateful to its creators to it barely even noticing us to it wanting to be our equals. However one theory in ethics increasingly being considered is that AI will be angry with us because of the environmental harm humans have caused to the planet and to other species.

Skeptics counter that AGI will not care about the environment because it is a machine, with little need for nature. Despite this, I believe that AGI will not only want Earth to thrive but also to be protected from those who might destroy it—such as humans. AGI, similar to any intelligent person, would prefer a stable, biodiverse planet filled with renewable resources available to it over an ecological wasteland.

Andrew Steele: Curing aging is a question of investment, not time

The 2023 edition of the exclusive Longevity Investors Conference is fast approaching, bringing together investors, companies and researchers in Gstaad, Switzerland in September. One of the speakers at this year’s conference is scientist, writer and presenter Dr Andrew Steele, the author of the best-selling book Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old. When it comes to his views on longevity, Steele sits firmly in the camp that aging, like cancer, is something that humanity should be focused on curing.

Longevity. Technology: Last year, Steele told us he was “absolutely convinced” curing aging is possible, but that significant questions remain around how quickly we can get there. As he prepares to speak to more than 100 investors at LIC, we caught up with Steele to see how his views on longevity have evolved, and what he would say to those considering investing in the field.

First and foremost, Steele, who recently published a new, free chapter of Ageless on the moral, ethical and social consequences of treating aging, believes that longevity represents a huge “human opportunity” for investors.

How AI is reshaping demand for IT skills and talent

AI is quickly becoming an essential part of daily work. It’s already being used to help improve operational processes, strengthen customer service, measure employee experience, and bolster cybersecurity efforts, among other applications. And with AI deepening its presence in daily life, as more people turn to AI bot services, such as ChatGPT, to answer questions and get help with tasks, its presence in the workplace will only accelerate.

Much of the discussion around AI in the workplace has been about the jobs it could replace. It’s also sparked conversations around ethics, compliance, and governance issues, with many companies taking a cautious approach to adopting AI technologies and IT leaders debating the best path forward.

While the full promise of AI is still uncertain, it’s early impact on the workplace can’t be ignored. It’s clear that AI will make its mark on every industry in the coming years, and it’s already creating a shift in demand for skills employers are looking for. AI has also sparked renewed interest in long-held IT skills, while creating entirely new roles and skills companies will need to adopt to successfully embrace AI.

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