Engineering "Instinct" in AI

Across species, evolution “pre-installs” compact neural programs that deliver immediate, reliable behaviors (standing, pecking, web-building) with minimal learning. These behaviors arise from embodied control circuits (reflexes, central pattern generators, innate releasing mechanisms) tuned by morphology and neuromodulators, then refined by fast, local plasticity during early experience.

In this episode, we explore the timeless debate between nature and nurture — and what it means for the future of artificial intelligence. Modern AI has largely followed the human model — learning everything from scratch — but at a steep cost in time, data, and energy. Researchers now argue that this “blank slate” approach misses evolution’s secret: built-in intelligence. By pre-wiring the brain with innate patterns — reflex loops, motivation systems, and hierarchical control — evolution gives organisms a massive head start. Intelligence, isn’t just learned — it’s evolved.