How AI Can Help Humanity Reason Better (with Oly Sourbut)

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Jan 20, 2026

Oly Sourbut, a researcher at the Future of Life Foundation, discusses innovative ways AI can enhance human reasoning and decision-making. He delves into community-driven fact-checking and the importance of keeping humans central in AI systems. The conversation covers tools for scenario planning and risk assessment while emphasizing the need for epistemic virtues in AI models. Oly also raises concerns about skill atrophy from over-reliance on AI and imagines a future where AI empowers more deliberate, aligned decision-making.

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ANECDOTE

Apprenticeship And Skill Atrophy Risks

Oly describes career apprenticeship erosion when juniors lose rote tasks to AI, blocking skill development.
He reports personal nudges to use AI for writing but still prefers producing core content himself with AI for research.

ADVICE

Choose Tools With Clear Epistemic Benchmarks

Evaluate and prefer tools that publish epistemic benchmarks and legibility metrics.
Use benchmark transparency to pressure developers toward honest, auditable systems.

INSIGHT

Latent Demand Exists If Tools Fit Workflows

Demand varies by context but latent desire for better sensemaking exists, especially in institutions.
Integrated form factors (e.g., Community Notes) can unlock rapid adoption when they fit workflows.

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