David Deutsch

Join physicist David Deutsch, a visiting professor at Oxford and author of influential books on quantum theory, alongside entrepreneur Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList. They dive into the fabric of reality, discussing the evolving nature of knowledge and the critical role of creativity in science. Topics include the implications of artificial general intelligence, ethics in technology, and the importance of optimism in future advancements. Their engaging conversation challenges conventional thinking and emphasizes the interconnectedness of various fields.

David Deutsch, a renowned physicist and author, dives into the fascinating realms of knowledge creation and human evolution. He prompts listeners to view Earth not merely as a habitat but as a product of human ingenuity. The discussion touches on the uniqueness of human creativity in contrast to AI, emphasizing the importance of autonomy in education for children. Deutsch also contrasts meaningful gaming experiences with fleeting distractions, while exploring the intricate dance between human cognition and quantum computing.

David Deutsch, a renowned physicist and author recognized for his groundbreaking work on quantum computation, takes listeners on an intellectual adventure. The conversation dives into why AI like ChatGPT isn't on the path to true AGI. Deutsch challenges the nature of creativity, arguing that it's impossible to define. He discusses the significance of personhood, advocates for inspiration over rigid goals, and outlines the urgent need to defend enlightenment values in today’s societal landscape. His insights offer a fresh lens on science, philosophy, and civilizational challenges.

David Deutsch, a physicist and author renowned for his insights into quantum computation, takes listeners on a journey through the growth of knowledge. He argues that problems drive evolution, challenging the notion of survival of the fittest. Deutsch critiques bad philosophy in quantum theory and explores the deep connection between free will and knowledge creation. He introduces the idea that wealth is transformation, and champions the principle of optimism, discussing how constructor theory can pave the way toward making the world a better place.

David Deutsch, a renowned physicist and author, delves into the nature of knowledge and its evolution. He discusses the illuminating impact of Karl Popper's philosophies, stressing that scientific theories are works in progress fueled by creative guesses. Deutsch highlights the importance of integrating foundational theories with practical applications and the continuous nature of knowledge creation. He also touches on how open debate shapes truth and counters misinformation, showcasing the dynamic interplay between competing ideas.

David Deutsch, a pioneering quantum physicist known for his insights into quantum computation and the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, joins the conversation. They delve into the complexities of quantum mechanics, including the implications of Schrödinger's cat and multiverse theory. Deutsch shares his thoughts on quantum computing's future and AI developments, while also tackling deeper issues like antisemitism and the historical context surrounding Israel. The dialogue navigates fascinating intersections of science, philosophy, and societal challenges.

David Deutsch, a leading physicist and author renowned for his groundbreaking work on quantum computation, dives into the complexities of creativity and knowledge. He argues that true creativity goes beyond mere mixing of ideas and is rooted in deep understanding. The discussion tackles the implications of artificial general intelligence on societal structures and explores the crucial role of early education in fostering individuality. Deutsch also critiques traditional views on happiness, advocating for a more nuanced approach to personal fulfillment and creativity.

David Deutsch, a physicist and pioneer in quantum computing, takes us on a mind-bending journey into the complexities of science and philosophy. He discusses his innovative constructor theory and its implications for understanding physics. The conversation dives into the Popper-Miller theorem, exploring the limitations of inductive reasoning. Deutsch also reflects on Hugh Everett's contributions to quantum mechanics and the idea of multiverses. With a focus on explanatory knowledge, he highlights the transformative power of understanding in both science and personal growth.

Physicist David Deutsch and psychologist Steven Pinker engage in their first public dialogue, discussing AGI, P(Doom), and enemies of progress. They explore topics like the misconceptions of AGI, programming goals in AI systems, intuition on human disablement, assigning probabilities to subjective feelings, prediction markets, cognitive hygiene, stock market information, children's cognitive development, secrecy in research, and the slowdown in scientific progress.

This is episode 99 of ToKCast. More than any other work, the contents of "The Beginning of Infinity" (BoI) have informed the content of this podcast, so in celebration of Episode 99 I set myself the challenge of taking on each chapter in sequence, retelling the main points of it in my own words (no readings from the actual book itself this time) and construct an episode as close as possible to 99 minutes long. Obviously this required quite some editing - this episode now holds the record for time-taken-to-edit. As much was left on the virtual "cutting room floor" and extended "directors cut" is available for Patreons and other supporters of ToKCast. Become a Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/tokcast (per episode support) or https://www.patreon.com/BrettRHall (monthly donation).   Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:10:10 Chapter 1 The Reach of Explanations 00:15:21 Chapter 2 Closer to Reality 00:19:50 Chapter 3 The Spark 00:24:14 Chapter 4 Creation 00:29:06 Chapter 5 The Reality of Abstractions 00:34:14 Chapter 6 The Jump to Universality  00:38:51 Chapter 7 Artificial Creativity 00:43:58 Chapter 8 A Window on Infinity 00:49:01 Chapter 9 Optimism 00:53:47 Chapter 10 A Dream of Socrates 00:58:20 Chapter 11 The Multiverse 01:03:26 Chapter 12 A Physicist's History of Bad Philosophy 01:08:36 Chapter 13 Choices 01:13:42 Chapter 14 Why are Flowers Beautiful? 01:18:00 Chapter 15 The Evolution of Culture 01:22:56 Chapter 16 The Evolution of Creativity 01:28:23 Chapter 17 Unsustainable 01:33:24 Chapter 18 The Beginning 01:37:43 Concluding Remarks