Guest: Dr. Yona Bouskila, Author

Website | https://www.yonabouskila.com/

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

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Episode Introduction

Hello everybody, welcome to another episode of the Audio Signals Podcast! This is Marco Ciappelli, and today’s episode is special for many reasons: I'm currently in Italy instead of my usual LA setup, and I'm joined by a remarkable guest, Yona Bouskila, tuning in from the UK. Together, we're diving into a topic that has been on everyone’s lips lately - Artificial Intelligence (AI), but from a unique perspective tied to Yona’s new book, "The Unthinkable Truth".

Meet Yona Bouskila

Yona introduces himself as a trained neuroscientist with a penchant for fiction writing. His innovative approach combines these two fields, making his work particularly significant. In "The Unthinkable Truth," Yona explores the relationships between the human mind and AI, presenting thought-provoking questions that challenge conventional perspectives. Are we, humans, as different from AI as we think?

The Human Mind and AI: A Deep Dive

Yona brings up an intriguing point: during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, people criticized leaders and each other, but not the virus itself. Similarly, we can't hold natural events responsible for their outcomes. What if humans, theoretically, are also sentient automata governed by the laws of nature just like AI? This bold hypothesis posits that our actions might not be as independent from natural laws as we believe.

Simulated or Real? Exploring Human and Machine Similarities

Marco probes further into Yona's perspective, touching on the popular simulation theory. Yona clarifies that while his book doesn’t fully subscribe to simulation theory, it does draw parallels between human decision-making and AI behaviors. An example given is how engineers observed robots showing hesitation when faced with an ethical dilemma, similar to human actions.

Fiction Meets Nonfiction: The Unique Blend in "The Unthinkable Truth"

Unlike most books which fit neatly into either fiction or nonfiction, Yona's book melds the two genres. Citing examples from historical and hard science fiction, he reveals that his narrative incorporates real-world studies published in peer-reviewed journals intertwined with a thrilling fictional storyline. This unique blend is designed to be thought-provoking yet highly engaging.

An Unforgettable Setting: Paris

Set against the backdrop of Paris, the storyline benefits from the rich history and cultural significance of the city. Paris, noted for its pivotal role in many social and scientific revolutions, provides an apt setting for the book's exploration of advanced AI within a contemporary context closely linked to UNESCO.

Balancing Optimism and Caution in AI Development

The conversation also delves into the societal implications of AI. Recognizing its immense potential in fields like medical diagnostics, Yona emphasizes the need for cautious development. He warns about the risks associated with AI surpassing human capabilities, advocating for a balanced approach to incorporating AI into daily life.

The Future of Storytelling and AI

Wrapping up the discussion, Yona shares insights into his motivations and influences from a lifetime of reading both fiction and nonfiction. He expresses his hope that his book will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about AI and its impact on humanity. The podcast concludes with a heartfelt invitation to readers to explore and ponder the deeply intertwined future of AI and human existence.

Final Thoughts

As Yona succinctly puts it, if you're looking for a light read, "The Unthinkable Truth" may not be your choice. However, if you're keen on diving into a thought-provoking, entertaining narrative that pushes the boundaries of your understanding of AI and human nature, then this book will undoubtedly leave you pondering for days.

So, keep an eye out for "The Unthinkable Truth," releasing on May 28, 2024. Whether you're an avid reader of AI discourse, a lover of thrilling narratives, or both, Yona Bouskila's latest work promises to be an enriching addition to your collection.

About the Book

In the hope of distracting himself from his heartache, George Bennet, a mild-mannered professor of theoretical physics, accepts an invitation by UNESCO to join a dream team of experts assisted by a powerful AI, tasked with unravelling the enigma of the human mind.

As this seemingly innocent academic investigation twists and turns, George suspects that they are being duped into aiding a sinister plan, which threatens to shatter the very foundations of society. When the unthinkable truth emerges as their final conclusion, and the plan is exposed, George and the team must be silenced. No matter the cost.

What is the unthinkable truth? Will George survive to reveal it? Only one thing is certain: humanity will never be the same.

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Resources

The Unthinkable Truth (Book, Amazon US): https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila/dp/1803782013/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

The Unthinkable Truth (Book, Amazon UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila/dp/1803782013/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704905558&sr=1-2

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For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllQvnJ8eHUlVX8AuyhehtexA

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