The Future of Technology

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Dick Bostrom: Much of what gives life, its zest is not material well being. The world's going to be very different in 25 years and maybe in 100 years. We have no inkling of what a planet-sized mind billions of years old that can re-engineer its own internal processes could look like. If we use these new capabilities wisely, the future could be wonderful beyond our ability to imagine.

Nick Bostrom of the University of Oxford talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about his book, Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Bostrom argues that when machines exist which dwarf human intelligence they will threaten human existence unless steps are taken now to reduce the risk. The conversation covers the likelihood of the worst scenarios, strategies that might be used to reduce the risk and the implications for labor markets, and human flourishing in a world of superintelligent machines.