Interview with idealist physicist and inventor of the microprocessor, Federico Faggin

Physicist Federico Faggin is none other than the inventor of both the microprocessor and silicon gate technology, which spawned the explosive progress in computer technology we have witnessed over the past five decades. He is also probably the world’s most well rounded idealist alive. Mr. Faggin approaches idealism from both a deeply technical and a deeply personal, experiential perspective. In this interview, Essentia Foundation’s Natalia Vorontsova engages in an open, free-ranging but very accessible conversation with Mr. Faggin.

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00:16 Discussion on past beliefs about consciousness
02:09 Personal experience consciousness
05:10 Origins of that experience of consciousness
10:16 Explaining consciousness to a child
13:28 Scientific proof for consciousness
16:07 Contrasting classical and quantum physics
19:05 New theory developed with Professor D’Ariano
22:15 Experience of unity
24:34 ‘disappearance’ of self in unitary consciousness
25:55 Purpose of life and the body
28:14 Creative drive in existence: Love vs knowledge
31:57 Knowledge through personal experience
34:29 Persistence of experiences in incarnated consciousness
36:40 Consciousness in atoms, molecules, and AI potential
40:38 Future of AI in chess, art, and machine design
42:57 Use of AI in medicine, or defense
43:32 Potential merging of biology and technology
44:27 Experiments in DNA, cloning, and brain implants
45:11 Thoughts on achieving immortality through technology
46:18 Deciphering inner perceptions through fMRI
46:47 Technical limitations in downloading information, experiences
48:27 Foundation for scientific study of consciousness
51:09 Where to find Federico’s new theory.
51:34 Paradigm shift towards primacy of consciousness
54:12 Advice for science-related careers