This interview podcast explores the possibility of abolishing death through technological advancements. The discussion begins with the guest's background in neuroscience and then delves into different theories of consciousness, addressing the "hard problem" of how physical processes give rise to subjective experience. The conversation then shifts to the concept of self and personal identity, examining whether preserving the brain's connectome could enable future revival and the ethical implications of such technology. The guest advocates for brain preservation as a viable method for extending life, highlighting the current state of cryonics and the potential of whole-brain emulation. Finally, the interview touches upon social objections like overpopulation and the philosophical arguments surrounding the meaning of life and death. A key takeaway is the 40% probability assigned by neuroscientists to the possibility of successfully extracting memories from preserved brains and creating whole-brain emulations.
