Arden Koehler

David Chalmers, a leading philosopher on consciousness, and Arden Koehler, an ethics PhD student, explore the nature of conscious experience. Chalmers introduces the mind-bending concept of 'philosophical zombies' to question moral status. They discuss the trolley problem involving conscious humans and non-conscious zombies, sparking a debate over what qualifies beings for moral consideration. The duo also dives into the ethics of AI consciousness and the implications of virtual reality, challenging listeners to rethink reality, ethics, and our responsibilities towards all forms of consciousness.

Ben Todd, CEO of 80,000 Hours, joins researcher Arden Koehler to discuss the evolving needs of the effective altruism community. They highlight the transition from needing money to requiring skilled individuals, especially in vital areas like AI safety research. The conversation underscores the significance of specific skills and organizational capacity over mere financial resources. They also examine the complexities of talent attraction and the importance of motivation in driving meaningful impact, ultimately paving the path for better coordination in altruistic efforts.

In this engaging discussion, Arden Koehler, a researcher at 80,000 Hours with a PhD in philosophy, shares insights on using careers to tackle global challenges. She emphasizes the value of effective altruism and encourages listeners to experiment with their career paths. The conversation delves into the intricacies of herbal effects, showcasing how personal biology influences nutrition. Arden also highlights the significance of mental state in shaping physical sensations and explores the balance between persuasion and truth in philosophical thinking.

Ben Todd, CEO of 80,000 Hours, and Arden Koehler, a researcher at the organization, delve into the essence of effective altruism. They explore common misconceptions, clarifying that it extends beyond mere donations to tackle pressing global issues. The duo discusses the moral obligations tied to altruism and how to communicate its importance to skeptics. They also highlight the disparities in funding global challenges and the power of individual actions, making a case for aligned personal values in achieving impactful change.

In this insightful chat, Arden Koehler, a researcher at 80,000 Hours, joins CEO Ben Todd to unpack various forms of longtermism. They explore patient longtermism versus urgent approaches, particularly concerning existential risks, and discuss how these perspectives shape career choices. The pair also tackle the balance between transferable and specialized career capital and question if they're focusing on the right problems. Their candid conversation highlights the complexities of doing good in an uncertain world.