rethinking ethics through ancient automata
In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of ancient automata—mechanical devices created by civilizations thousands of years ago—and what they can teach us about our relationship with modern artificial intelligence.
"The ancient Greeks didn't just imagine automata—they built them, and in doing so, they were already wrestling with the same philosophical questions we face with AI today."
From Hero of Alexandria's mechanical theaters to the legendary automata of Hephaestus described in Greek mythology, we examine how earlier societies conceptualized and responded to self-moving machines. These historical perspectives offer surprising insights into contemporary ethical questions surrounding AI agency, responsibility, and the boundaries between the created and the creator.
Mechanical Marvels
The ingenious devices of antiquity and their cultural significance in ancient societies.
Natural vs. Artificial
How ancient philosophers distinguished between natural processes and human-made creations.
Ethical Frameworks
Ancient perspectives on responsibility and creation that can inform modern AI development.
Mimicking Life
The recurring human fascination with creating entities that simulate living beings.
Guest Expert: Dr. Georgios Steiris, Professor of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Filmed at the National and Kapodistrian University School of Philosophy Library in Athens, Greece on January 12, 2025.