Retirement has allowed him to return to his passion for science, philosophy and design, and exploring the role of technology in our lives.
"Since I retired from business a couple years ago, I have started a non-profit foundation for the study of consciousness," said Faggin. "Consciousness, in my way of looking at it, is the new frontier. It is what defines a human being, and distinguishes it from a machine.
"They [computers] will allow human beings to recognize what makes them human and people will recognize how much more powerful a human being is than a machine."
He believes that quantum computers could fundamentally change the nature of computing beyond the capabilities of today's mechanical computer.
"As for whether computers that are quantum or not can rival human intelligence, I have my doubts," said Faggin.
Does Faggin believe that computers can replicate human intelligence or consciousness?
Yes. I would.
What are his views on self-awareness and how that enters into this discussion?