Functions and consequences of artificial intelligence
in the science and higher education organization
Innovation analysis and transfer development
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PODCAST
The writer and computer scientist Michael Wildenhain explores the intellectual history of AI. Image: Annette Hauschild
How ideas became machines
From Faust to Frankenschein to ChatGPT: a brief history of artificial intelligence
Broadcast: 22 December 2025, 8:15 p.m.
Updated: 22 December 2025, 9:16 p.m.
Contributors: Michael Wildenhain, Phillipp Krüger, and Marcel Schütz
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An inspiring historical walk between fact and fiction
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Literary-artistic and technological paths of AI up to the present day
-
Texts, minds (and spirits), programs – an unconventional approach
In this episode of KInote, the focus is on Michael Wildenhain’s book A Short History of AI—and thus on the content of a narrative that approaches artificial intelligence from its historical models and trajectories. Is artificial intelligence becoming more similar to humans—or even superior to them? Fascination with and fear of automata, robots, and artificial intelligence have accompanied humanity for a long time. The award-winning author Michael Wildenhain traces this history in exemplary fashion and explores the question of whether AI could one day be more than a technical tool—and whether it might even develop its own consciousness.
At the latest with the emergence of ChatGPT in November 2022, the debate has gained new intensity. Using key historical milestones, Wildenhain describes the development and interpretation of AI: from literary predecessors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to early programming pioneers Herbert A. Simon, Allen Newell, and Alan Turing, and on to philosophical interpreters such as Gottlob Frege and John Rogers Searle. In this way, a dense narrative of AI emerges that interweaves the history of technology, ideas, and culture. Wildenhain discusses in depth in what sense AI systems—measured against human standards—can be considered intelligent, where their limits lie, and whether increasing complexity could indeed lead to an independent consciousness that might one day even surpass humans.
A brief journey through the short history of AI is undertaken together with the author at the microphone by Phillipp Krüger and Marcel Schütz from KIWIT.
The current podcast episode with Michael Wildenhain is available on YouTube and Spotify.
Ausgewiesene Gäste, konzentrierte Gespräche, ruhige Atmosphäre und sorgfältig produzierte Folgen: KInote – der andere Ton unter den KI-Podcasts.
Broadcast: 22 December 2025, 8:15 p.m.
Updated: 22 December 2025, 9:16 p.m.
Contributors: Michael Wildenhain, Phillipp Krüger, and Marcel Schütz
-
An inspiring historical walk between fact and fiction
-
Literary-artistic and technological paths of AI up to the present day
-
Texts, minds (and spirits), programs – an unconventional approach
In this episode of KInote, the focus is on Michael Wildenhain’s book A Short History of AI—and thus on the content of a narrative that approaches artificial intelligence from its historical models and trajectories. Is artificial intelligence becoming more similar to humans—or even superior to them? Fascination with and fear of automata, robots, and artificial intelligence have accompanied humanity for a long time. The award-winning author Michael Wildenhain traces this history in exemplary fashion and explores the question of whether AI could one day be more than a technical tool—and whether it might even develop its own consciousness.
At the latest with the emergence of ChatGPT in November 2022, the debate has gained new intensity. Using key historical milestones, Wildenhain describes the development and interpretation of AI: from literary predecessors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to early programming pioneers Herbert A. Simon, Allen Newell, and Alan Turing, and on to philosophical interpreters such as Gottlob Frege and John Rogers Searle. In this way, a dense narrative of AI emerges that interweaves the history of technology, ideas, and culture. Wildenhain discusses in depth in what sense AI systems—measured against human standards—can be considered intelligent, where their limits lie, and whether increasing complexity could indeed lead to an independent consciousness that might one day even surpass humans.
A brief journey through the short history of AI is undertaken together with the author at the microphone by Phillipp Krüger and Marcel Schütz from KIWIT.
The current podcast episode with Michael Wildenhain is available on YouTube and Spotify.
KIWIT Coordinator Prof. Dr. Heinke Röbken (Project Lead, University of Oldenburg): “Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a spirit of innovation, we are strengthening research in economics and business administration. I think we can already take a little pride in our achievements after just one year.” (Photo: UOL)
Prof. Dr. Stefan Kühl (Project Leader, Bielefeld University): “My favorite part is the AI Research Class. Every week we discuss a text, often with the author joining the discussion. We have researchers and practitioners from all over Germany, representing various universities and companies.” (Photo: Brand Eins)
The research group’s communication formats: science, technology, knowledge transfer, and interdisciplinarity. Research networking and public science take place on an ongoing basis across various channels, both analog and digital.
KIWIT Coordinator Prof. Dr. Heinke Röbken (Project Lead, University of Oldenburg): “Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a spirit of innovation, we are strengthening research in economics and business administration. I think we can already take a little pride in our achievements after just one year.” (Photo: UOL)
Broadcast: 22 December 2025, 8:15 p.m.
Updated: 22 December 2025, 9:16 p.m.
Contributors: Michael Wildenhain, Phillipp Krüger, and Marcel Schütz
-
An inspiring historical walk between fact and fiction
-
Literary-artistic and technological paths of AI up to the present day
-
Texts, minds (and spirits), programs – an unconventional approach
In this episode of KInote, the focus is on Michael Wildenhain’s book A Short History of AI—and thus on the content of a narrative that approaches artificial intelligence from its historical models and trajectories. Is artificial intelligence becoming more similar to humans—or even superior to them? Fascination with and fear of automata, robots, and artificial intelligence have accompanied humanity for a long time. The award-winning author Michael Wildenhain traces this history in exemplary fashion and explores the question of whether AI could one day be more than a technical tool—and whether it might even develop its own consciousness.
At the latest with the emergence of ChatGPT in November 2022, the debate has gained new intensity. Using key historical milestones, Wildenhain describes the development and interpretation of AI: from literary predecessors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to early programming pioneers Herbert A. Simon, Allen Newell, and Alan Turing, and on to philosophical interpreters such as Gottlob Frege and John Rogers Searle. In this way, a dense narrative of AI emerges that interweaves the history of technology, ideas, and culture. Wildenhain discusses in depth in what sense AI systems—measured against human standards—can be considered intelligent, where their limits lie, and whether increasing complexity could indeed lead to an independent consciousness that might one day even surpass humans.
A brief journey through the short history of AI is undertaken together with the author at the microphone by Phillipp Krüger and Marcel Schütz from KIWIT.
The current podcast episode with Michael Wildenhain is available on YouTube and Spotify.