Making Sense with Sam Harris #317 — What Do We Know About Our Minds?
106 snips
Apr 20, 2023 
In this engaging conversation, Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, discusses the interplay of psychology, creativity, and morality. They explore fiction's role in understanding the mind, dissect the ethics of AI, and challenge the impact of misinformation on our beliefs. Bloom shares insights on the difference between bullshitting and lying in politics, the nuances of consciousness versus intelligence, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating authority in science and society. It's a thought-provoking dive into the complexities of human cognition.
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AI Development Concerns
- Sam Harris expresses concern about the rapid advancement and adoption of AI, particularly GPT-4.
- He worries about the lack of caution and control in its development, comparing it to a nuclear test.
Psychology vs. Fiction
- Paul Bloom acknowledges psychology's insights into important life questions, but notes its limitations.
- He suggests fiction often provides more profound understanding than psychology textbooks.
AI's Impact on Understanding the Mind
- Recent AI developments like GPT-4 have surprised Paul Bloom, raising concerns about its implications.
- He questions how much these models reveal about human intelligence.
