Artificial Intelligence, Free Will, and Consciousness

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Professor Neil McArthur (University of Manitoba) about his work on the ethics of sexbots. Are sexbots the future of human connection or a threat to it? Explore the fascinating intersection of ethics, technology, and intimacy. Together, they unpack cultural anxieties, philosophical implications, and the surprising ways AI companions might actually be good for society. From the film Ex Machina to real-world robotics, this conversation examines what it means to be human when machines start to mimic love, emotion, and desire. Whether you're curious about AI ethics, the philosophy of technology, or how innovation challenges our moral compass, this episode invites you to think deeper.  What you'll learn: Why fears around sexbots may be misplaced, how technology redefines intimacy and autonomy, and what philosophy teaches us about love, consent, and machine ethics. Follow GIID on Instagram: @GoodIsInTheDetailsPod Join our Patreon & support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo invite Physicist Samir Varma (The Science of Free Will) to discuss how AI reveals our understanding of the classical philosophical debate: Free Will vs Determinism.  What are the possibilities with AI and how can it be useful without disrupting our humanity?  Are we purely material beings interacting with an "alien" intelligence?  If all of our actions and thoughts are caused does that necessarily mean we are not free? Critical Thinking + Practical Philosophy + Science.  Get Samir's book: The Science of Free Will. Join our Patreon for more Good Is In The Details and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Subscribe to our Substack: https://giitd.substack.com Check out the pod's Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Pod music by Rich Balling.

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome author of Human is the New Vinyl, Micah Voraritskul.  How can the metaphor of vinyl help us understand our humanity? What can humans do that leave AI underwhelming?  How should we interact with AI and keep our humanity in tact? Practical Philosophy and Critical Thinking is employed to appreciate the uniqueness of our being and the role of AI in our lives.   Learn more about Micah and get his book: https://www.micahvoraritskul.com Thank you to Rich Balling for the pod music! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Philosophy Professors and authors of Somebody Should Do Something, Dr. Alex Madva (Cal Poly Pomona) and Dr. Daniel Kelly (Purdue).  How can one participate in big social changes?  What is the impact of individual choices and how can that shift to tackling larger legal and cultural issues? We see practical philosophy at work in understanding root causes of problems that then allow for proportional solutions to be implemented.   Learn more about Dr. Madva and Dr. Kelly and get their book!  Read Dr. Madva's OpEd in The NY Times: Guest Essay Join our Patreon for more GIID content: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails  

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome producer and host of the Women on Men podcast, Rafael Gomez. We discuss what "Red Pill" content means, how it's impacting boys and men, and ways to counter the negative messaging.  Rafael breaks down the details on the consequences of not addressing harmful ideas of what it means to be a man.  Sharpen your critical thinking skills from Philosophy as we apply these principles to understanding the impact of "Red Pill" content.  Listen to Rafael's podcast: Women on Men Join Good Is In The Details on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Instagram: GoodIsInTheDetailsPod TikTok: ProfDolske Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged.  Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com Pod music by Rich Balling.

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back friend, third time guest of the pod, expert in Fitness, Education for Sports Medicine, Rich Fahmy (National Academy of Sports Medicine).  We dive into the world of influence, social media, and marketing tricks that intentionally mislead consumers.  From our Critical Thinking tool box, Rich breaks down the importance of science based research for health and how we can distinguish truth from rhetoric.   Learn more about Rich Fahmy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-fahmy/ Bioethicist mentioned in the Introduction: Evan Thornburg. Shoutout to our friend & podcast guru, Greg Wasserman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/ Music for GIID by Rich Balling. Get more of GIID: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com 

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome journalist Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling (The Ghost Lab). What does it mean to be in the paranormal space? How do we understand belief, religion, and spirits?  What cultural and economic factors are considered when we examine mediums, Tarot, Ghost Hunters, and all things UFO? What does Rudy really think about aliens?   Learn more about Matt's work and get his book: https://www.matt-hongoltzhetling.com Check out Rudy's Substack: https://thecommute.substack.com/?utm_medium=podcast Check out the pod's new Pinterest page! https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome Professor/Author Desiree Zamorano (Cal State Long Beach).  We learn about the history of Los Angeles in the 1930s.  What cultural and economic forces brought about mass deportations? What does it mean to be Mexican-American?  How does media reflect ideas about Mexican-Americans?  How do generations of immigants deal with integration and other-ing?  And how can fiction foster a better understanding of the Mexican-American experience? (Read Dispossessed by Zamorano!) Thank you to Rich Balling, the Rockstar Educator, for producing music for Good Is In The Details! Learn more about Desiree's novel Dispossessed: https://desireezamorano.com/dispossessed/ Get extra content and support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Deepen your knowledge of Philosophy with Philosophy Unplugged Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com

Gwendolyn welcomes owner of Master Your Presence and fellow podcaster, Kate Ziuz.  In partnership with Modern Day Wife, Good Is In The Details brings you Business Details!  Kate offers advice for women on how to speak and present themselves with confidence.  What is presence?  How do our gestures and attire impact our ability to communicate expertise?  Learn concrete tips for your next presentation. Learn more about Kate's work: https://masteryourpresence.com Check out Gwendolyn's interview on Kate's podcast Confidence Secrets. Join our Patreon and get more out of GIID: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back finance and relationship expert Brian Page of Modern Husbands.  In honor of Father's Day we're diving into the meaning of fatherhood.  How has the role changed?  What should one prioritize as a father?  How can stress be managed? What cultural dynamics impact ideas of fatherhood?  Learn more about Brian Page's work: https://www.modernhusbands.com Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged.  Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Check out Matt Ritter's podcast: Man of the Year Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com