“The human brain is also a statistical machine.”

Artificial intelligence has evolved at remarkable speed. From the rule‑based systems that dominated research in the 1970s to today’s statistical and data‑driven models, the field has undergone a profound transformation. As these technologies evolve, societies adapt alongside them, learning to navigate a world where interactions with AI are increasingly part of everyday life.

In the latest episode of the “Despolariza” podcast, Arlindo Oliveira, INESC‑ID researcher and president of INESC, reflects on this evolution and how AI is reshaping scientific and technological landscapes. Throughout the conversation, he revisits key moments of his career while exploring themes such as how machines learn and why language remains such a unique human ability. The discussion also addressed broader questions: whether AI systems may one day replace human roles, and how societies adapt when technology reshapes work, value, and opportunity.

Listen to the full episode (in Portuguese) here.

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Image: © “Despolariza”