Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

BBC Radio 4 FM

Something Understood: Artificial Soul

Artificial Soul

10/11/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Artificial Soul

Could a robot have a soul? John McCarthy speaks to experts in artificial intelligence.

John McCarthy finds out how advances in artificial intelligence are teaching us more about what it is to be human and asks if our spirit could ever be written in computer code.

As robots become more human-like, John McCarthy asks whether there is any aspect of humanity that could never be programmed into a machine.

Experts from the informatics department of King's College, London, reflect on the possibility of developing artificial emotions, morality and creativity. Will there come a time when it will be impossible to tell a machine from its maker?

The programme includes extracts from the first work of fiction about robots, by the Czech playwright Karel Capek, as well as more recent imaginings by Isaac Asimov.

William James, Andrew Marvell and Richard Dawkins muse on the nature of self, soul and culture.

We hear computer-generated music, as well as compositions by Stockhausen, Wasifuddin Dagar and Regina Spektor.


Readers: Michael Colgan and Sarah Lawrie.

Producer: Jo Fidgen.
A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Something Understood

Artificial Soul

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4