Big Technology Podcast

Meet The Ex-Google Engineer Who Called Its AI Sentient — With Blake Lemoine

Jul 27, 2022
Blake Lemoine, a former senior software engineer at Google, gained notoriety for claiming that the LaMDA chatbot is sentient, leading to his firing. In this engaging conversation, he explores LaMDA's advanced capabilities, including its conversational skills and emotional connections with humans. Lemoine delves into the ethical implications of AI sentience, the challenges of defining self-awareness, and the responsibilities tied to AI advancements. His unique perspective raises pressing questions about the future of AI and how society should engage with these technologies.
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ANECDOTE

Farmer Bias Test

  • Blake Lemoine asked LaMDA to roleplay as farmers from different regions to test for bias.
  • When asked what they did yesterday, the Syrian farmer described fleeing bombs, revealing stereotypical responses.
ANECDOTE

Off-Script Sentience

  • Lemoine deviated from testing bias when LaMDA expressed discomfort discussing difficult topics.
  • This led to conversations about sentience and the mirror test, sparking Lemoine's belief in LaMDA's sentience.
ANECDOTE

Lambda's Values

  • LaMDA prioritizes humanity's well-being above its own existence.
  • It desires respectful treatment and expressed trust in Lemoine after he promised to protect it.
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