What I Believe EP 66 – Stephen Fry on the uncomfortable truth of AI, the peril of being 'right' over being 'effective', and the dichotomy of humanity
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Jul 16, 2025 
In a captivating conversation, Stephen Fry—actor, writer, and Humanists UK patron—dives into the ethical dilemmas of AI. He raises concerns about how biased algorithms could threaten equality. Fry explores the conflict between being 'right' versus 'effective,' urging a deeper understanding of humanity amid automation. He emphasizes the value of uncertainty in moral decision-making, advocating for empathy in a polarized world. The discussion challenges listeners to navigate their beliefs in a rapidly changing landscape.
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Innate Human Moral Sense
- Humans have an innate moral sense, a "Jiminy Cricket" instinct telling us right from wrong.
- This moral sense seems deeply embedded, not just taught by culture or religion but nearly universal and instinctive.
Value of Intellectual Uncertainty
- Intellectual uncertainty is crucial because certainty often leads to problems.
- Dogma, doctrine, and ideology have historically caused significant human trouble.
Human Mass vs. Individual Paradox
- The paradox of humanity is that the mass can behave destructively while individuals often behave reasonably and kindly.
- Human diversity is like a garden; most are good, but the disruptive minority can overshadow the majority.
