In Episode 8 of EBKP I’m joined by theoretical computer scientist Scott Aaronson to explore one of the deepest questions at the intersection of philosophy, physics, and computation.

We discuss whether the brain could, even in principle, be simulated by a digital computer, what the Church–Turing thesis actually says about minds, and how quantum mechanics complicates questions of free will, prediction, and consciousness.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Preview

00:33 Is the brain a computer?

04:49 Is consciousness finite?

10:00 Information, physics, and limits

17:14 Interpreting quantum mechanics

24:53 Many worlds and decision-making

28:09 Free will and predictability

37:37 Could AI be conscious?

46:17 What is a quantum computer?