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EconTalk

Purpose, Pleasure, and Meaning in a World Without Work (with Nicholas Bostrom)

May 20, 2024
Join Oxford philosopher Nicholas Bostrom, author of 'Superintelligence,' as he explores a future where AI takes over labor and how we might thrive in a world of material abundance. He discusses the shift in societal values, questioning whether traditional work defines our identity. Bostrom tackles the allure of artificial versus genuine experiences, emphasizing the importance of human connections. Delving into education, he advocates for fostering creativity and personal growth, highlighting the need to reclaim a sense of wonder in our increasingly automated lives.
01:16:32

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • In a world with advanced AI and robots, individuals may struggle to find purpose and value without traditional jobs, leading to a reevaluation of a fulfilling human existence.
  • Societal structures may shift towards appreciating art, literature, and nature in a post-work society, cultivating different values and priorities.

Deep dives

The Shift Towards a World of Material Abundance and Infinite Leisure

In the podcast, philosopher Nicholas Bostrom discusses his new book, 'Deep Utopia,' focusing on the concept of a 'solved world' where advanced technology leads to unimaginable material abundance and infinite leisure. In this world, robots and AI can surpass human capabilities, prompting questions about the meaning and purpose of human life in a society where practical problems are solved by machines.

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