#35 - Allison Duettman - Cooperation, Technology and the Power of Existential Hope

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Jan 23, 2025

Allison Duettman, an expert in cooperation and technology, dives into the future of decentralized systems and innovation. She discusses the concept of 'existential hope' as a way to inspire optimism amid challenges. The pair explore how emerging technologies like AI and blockchain can foster collaboration in a polarized world. Allison shares insights on the ethical implications of advanced technology and the importance of shared information for global safety. They also touch on personal strategies for cultivating hope through creative thinking and storytelling.

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INSIGHT

Existential Hope as a Win-Win

Existential hope is not just about avoiding bad outcomes, but actively pursuing good ones.
Focusing only on risks can create zero-sum dynamics and hinder collaboration towards positive futures.

INSIGHT

Why Dystopias Dominate

Dystopian narratives are easier to create due to our focus on conflict and outlier aversion.
We are more drawn to stories about things going wrong because they stand out from the generally positive trajectory of civilization.

ANECDOTE

The Fable of the Dragon-Tyrant

In Nick Bostrom's fable "The Fable of the Dragon-Tyrant", a civilization sacrifices individuals to death, represented by a dragon.
One day, they challenge and defeat death, but the king is saddened by the past unnecessary sacrifices.

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Superintelligence

Paths, Dangers, Strategies

Nick Bostrom

In this book, Nick Bostrom delves into the implications of creating superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains. He discusses the potential dangers, such as the loss of human control over such powerful entities, and presents various strategies to ensure that superintelligences align with human values. The book examines the 'AI control problem' and the need to endow future machine intelligence with positive values to prevent existential risks[3][5][4].

Permutation City

Greg Egan

Greg Egan's "Permutation City" delves into the complex implications of digital consciousness and immortality. The novel follows Paul Durham, who uploads his consciousness into a computer simulation, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality. Egan explores philosophical questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality through intricate simulations and thought experiments. The narrative challenges readers to confront the potential consequences of advanced technology and its impact on human existence. The book's exploration of complex scientific concepts, such as the simulation of consciousness and the nature of time, makes it a challenging but rewarding read for science fiction enthusiasts. Ultimately, "Permutation City" leaves the reader pondering the very definition of self and the possibilities of existence beyond our current understanding.

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

Engines of creation

The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

Eric Drexler

Published in 1986, 'Engines of Creation' is a seminal work by K. Eric Drexler that introduces and predicts the vast potential of nanotechnology. The book discusses molecular assemblers, which can construct objects atom by atom, and explores their implications for fields such as medicine, environmental science, and space colonization. Drexler also addresses the social, moral, and governmental systems needed to manage the immense power of nanotechnology, including cautionary scenarios like the 'gray goo' hypothesis. The book is notable for its visionary and sometimes controversial predictions, which have influenced both scientific and science fiction communities[1][3][5].

The Fable of the Dragon-Tyrant

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Nick Bostrom

Age of M

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Robin Hanson

Gaming the Future

Miller, Mark S.

Christine Peterson

Foresight Institute

Allison Duettmann