Ethical Machines cover image

Ethical Machines

We’re Getting AI and Democracy Wrong

Jan 9, 2025
Ted Lechterman, UNESCO Chair in AI Ethics and Governance at IE University, dives deep into the intersection of AI and democracy. He argues that current discussions are too narrow, overlooking critical power dynamics affecting democratic engagement. The conversation challenges misconceptions about AI’s impact, drawing parallels between media influence and public opinion. Lechterman emphasizes the need for genuine stakeholder participation in AI development and advocates for a broader dialogue about ethics and inclusivity in our democratic processes.
53:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ted Lechterman emphasizes the need to deepen our understanding of democracy, especially regarding its relationship with AI and power distribution.
  • The podcast critiques the oversimplified views on AI’s threats to democracy, urging a re-examination of how power dynamics are affected.

Deep dives

Existential and Way of Life Risks

The conversation identifies two primary categories of catastrophic risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI): threats to life and threats to our way of life. Existential risks involve scenarios where AI could intentionally or unintentionally lead to human extinction. Meanwhile, threats to our way of life encompass potential damages to democratic structures and processes. Understanding these risks is essential for approaching discussions on AI's governance and its ethical implications.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode