In this podcast episode, the hosts tackle the intriguing question of whether AI can truly grasp concepts like humans do, using David Deutsch's constructor theory to assess AI capabilities. They differentiate between functional understanding—where AI successfully applies knowledge—and creative understanding, which entails generating original insights. The conversation also delves into the essence of consciousness, proposing it may be an "evolutionary hack" that boosts human comprehension and social cooperation. As they explore these themes, they raise bold questions about AI's potential to exceed our cognitive limits, suggesting a future where our understanding of both artificial intelligence and human consciousness could change dramatically.
