The map and the terrain

The map and the terrain

From The Radicalist by David Josef Volodzko

September 13, 2025 · 1h 13m

About this episode

The episode explores the limits of human and artificial intelligence through a conversation with Yevgeny Simkin.

Not even the most advanced form of artificial intelligence can ever replace man. Because there is something in human beings that is irreducible to machine knowledge: self-awareness, free will, doubt, feelings. * Federico Faggin , Tiscali notizie interview , May 2024 This week, Yevgeny Simkin and I explore the limits of human and artificial intelligence. It’s a conversation about brains, machines, and the fragile thread of freedom that connects them. Simkin is a Soviet refugee, contributor at The Bulwark , former guest on The Radicalist , founder of the social platform Sez Us , and co-founder of Samizdat Online , which keeps the world’s banned news sites alive in places such as Russia, China, and Iran. The Radicalist is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theradicalist.com/subscribe

People in this episode

Host: David Josef Volodzko

Guest: Yevgeny Simkin

Topics covered

  • artificial intelligence
  • human intelligence
  • freedom
  • self-awareness
  • technology
  • society

Keywords

  • artificial intelligence
  • human intelligence
  • freedom
  • self-awareness
  • technology
  • Yevgeny Simkin

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tiscali notizie, The Bulwark, Sez Us, Samizdat Online

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