The Origins Podcast with Lawrence Krauss

Scott Aaronson: From Quantum Computing to AI Safety

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Dec 15, 2023

Scott Aaronson, a mathematical intellect and theoretical computer scientist, discusses the fascinating topics of quantum computing, computational complexity, and AI safety in this podcast. From the basics of quantum computing to the challenges of implementing quantum mechanics, Scott provides insights into the potential applications and limitations of this emerging field. The conversation also delves into the importance of AI safety and the ethical concerns surrounding powerful AI systems. With his unique perspective, Scott shares thought-provoking ideas about the future of technology and human civilization.

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Introduction

00:00 • 4min

A Conversation on Awards, Admiration, and Intellect

04:22 • 4min

Easy Questions, Complex Answers

08:21 • 5min

Career Journey from Science Writer to Nobel Prize Involvement

13:17 • 16min

Choosing Research Over Starting a Company

29:25 • 4min

Transition to Quantum Computing

33:39 • 20min

Time at the Institute for Man's Study and Quantum Computing

53:19 • 8min

Exploring the Concept of Complex Numbers and Their Role in Quantum Mechanics

01:01:40 • 3min

Introduction to Quantum Computing

01:04:45 • 24min

Challenges in Implementing Quantum Mechanics

01:28:37 • 22min

Quantum Supremacy and Sampling Problems

01:50:17 • 7min

Understanding Computability and Complexity

01:57:46 • 22min

Misconceptions about Evolution and Intelligence

02:19:54 • 2min

Understanding Intelligence and the Turing Test

02:21:31 • 10min

AI Safety and Ethical Concerns

02:31:02 • 20min

Controlling Language Models and Risks of False Positives

02:51:11 • 5min

The Importance of AI Alignment and the Potential Impact of AGI

02:56:36 • 3min

Pessimism, Optimism, and a Motto for Life

02:59:59 • 2min

Scott Aaronson is one of the deepest mathematical intellects I have known since, say Ed Witten—the only physicist to have won the prestigious Fields Medal in Mathematics. While Ed is a string theorist, Scott decided to devote his mathematical efforts to the field of computer science, and as a theoretical computer scientist has played a major role in the development of algorithms that have pushed forward the field of quantum computing, and helped address several thorny issues that hamper our ability to create practical quantum computers.

In addition to his research, Scott has, for a number of years, written a wonderful blog about issues in computing, in particular with regard to quantum computing. It is a great place to get educated about many of these issues.

Most recently, Scott has spent the last year at OpenAI thinking about the difficult issue of AI safety, and how to ensure that as AI systems improve that they will not have an unduly negative or dangerous impact on human civilization. As I mention in the podcast I am less worried than some people, and I think so is Scott, but nevertheless, some careful thinking in advance can avert a great deal of hand wringing in the future. Scott has some very interesting ideas that are worth exploring, and we began to explore them in this podcast.

Our conversation ran the gamut from quantum computing to AI safety and explored some complex ideas in computer science in the process, in particular the notion of computational complexity, which is important in understanding all of these issues. I hope you will find Scott’s remarks as illuminating and informative as I did.

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