This podcast discusses academics complaining about AI, 200 years of US failure in Haiti, American high school slackening, and the public fight between Biden and Bibi benefiting both. It also explores escalating AI model costs, AGI development, violence in Haiti, educational standards, and favorite religious sites around the world.
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Quick takeaways
Academic researchers struggle to keep up with AI advancement due to resource gap with industry.
Increased graduation rates in public high schools may indicate a decline in academic standards.
Deep dives
Challenges Facing Academic Researchers in AI Field
The sky-high cost of working with AI models is posing a challenge for academic researchers to compete with tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft. This resource gap has led to a significant decrease in AI breakthroughs originating from universities. The public sector lags behind in resources compared to the industry, impacting the development of technology focused on public goods.
Violence in Haiti and US Response
Airlifting of embassy staff from Haiti due to escalating violence as gangs attack government buildings in Port-au-Prince. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry faces protests amid criticism of US support. US Secretary of State to discuss the situation in an emergency meeting with regional leaders, while uncertainty surrounds the attendance of the stranded Prime Minister.
Education Standards and Graduation Rates in Public High Schools
Graduation rates in public high schools have increased while SAT scores have fallen, suggesting a potential lowering of academic standards. Creative grading strategies in low-performing schools raise concerns about the quality of education. The economist's analysis highlights the weakening correlation between test scores and graduation rates, indicating a shift towards enabling more students to graduate rather than focusing on academic rigor.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss academics whining about AI, 200 years of U.S. failure to save Haiti, the Great Slackening in American high schools, and why Biden and Bibi both benefit from fighting each other in public.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.