In this episode of Are You Human with my brilliant guest Divya Chander MD, PhD, we discuss various topics, including the evolution of algorithms, artificial intelligence, consciousness, and space exploration. Divya emphasises the importance of considering the impact of emerging technologies on society and encourages a global dialogue on decision-making regarding these advancements.
We dwelve into the complexity of consciousness, where Divya emphasises that artificial intelligence doesn’t necessarily need similar sensory experiences to humans to be considered conscious. She highlights the multidimensional nature of consciousness, discussing the interplay between the level of consciousness and the contents of conscious awareness. We explore how alterations in synaptic weights and connections, such as those induced by psychedelics or meditation, can lead to an expansion of conscious awareness and potential applications in healthcare.

We also talk Divya’s interest in space travel, particularly in the context of mitigating medical risks and advancing technology to support astronauts. This conversation touches on synthetic biology, hibernation for space travel, and the potential benefits and challenges of scientific advancements.