

Kenneth Stanley
SVP Open Endedness at Lila Sciences and ex-OpenAI. His work focuses on open-endedness in AI and alternative approaches to machine learning.
Top 10 podcasts with Kenneth Stanley
Ranked by the Snipd community

376 snips
Oct 4, 2022 • 57min
#148 Kenneth Stanley: Set The Right Objectives
Kenneth Stanley, an influential artificial intelligence researcher and author, discusses the pitfalls of setting rigid objectives in this engaging conversation. He argues that over-fixation on ambitions can stifle true progress and innovation. Stanley emphasizes the importance of modest goals and the serendipity of unexpected discoveries that can lead to breakthroughs. He also critiques traditional peer review processes, advocating for a restructured approach that encourages creativity. Ultimately, he promotes a mindset that values experimentation and adaptability over conventional achievements.

226 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 2h 16min
The Fractured Entangled Representation Hypothesis (Kenneth Stanley, Akarsh Kumar)
Kenneth Stanley, an AI researcher known for his work on open-endedness, and Akarsh Kumar, an MIT PhD student, explore fascinating themes in AI. They discuss the Fractured Entangled Representation Hypothesis, challenging traditional views on neural networks. The duo emphasizes the significance of creativity in AI and the necessity of human intuition for true innovation. Additionally, they highlight the pitfalls of current models that mimic without understanding, and stress the value of embracing complexity and adaptability to unlock AI's full potential.

143 snips
Jun 28, 2022 • 1h 15min
Kenneth Stanley - Greatness Without Goals - [Invest Like the Best, EP.283]
Kenneth Stanley, a Professor in Computer Science and neuroevolution pioneer, challenges conventional goal-setting in his insightful discussion. He argues that rigid objectives may hinder true innovation and stresses the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities. The conversation highlights how serendipity fuels creativity, showcasing examples like Picbreeder's individual creativity versus consensus voting. Stanley emphasizes exploration, courage, and gratitude in fostering innovation, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes curiosity over strict goals.

68 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 3h 15min
Kenneth Stanley created a new social network based on serendipity and divergence
Kenneth Stanley, a Professor renowned for his work in neuroevolution and author of "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned," discusses his innovative serendipity network, Maven. He explains how this platform allows users to follow interests rather than people, moving away from popularity contests. The conversation explores the philosophical implications of creativity, the significance of serendipitous encounters, and the balance between exploration and quality in knowledge-sharing. Stanley champions a fresh approach to social media that fosters genuine connections and nurtures creativity.

68 snips
Jan 20, 2021 • 2h 46min
#038 - Professor Kenneth Stanley - Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned
Professor Kenneth Stanley, a research science manager at OpenAI and a key figure in neuroevolution, discusses his groundbreaking ideas on innovation and creativity. He argues that rigid objectives limit genuine progress and creativity, promoting a shift towards open-ended exploration instead. Stanley critiques conventional benchmarks and highlights how true breakthroughs often emerge from unplanned avenues. He explains the importance of fostering interestingness and autonomy in research, encouraging listeners to embrace uncertainty for greater achievements.

54 snips
Jul 5, 2025 • 16min
The Fractured Entangled Representation Hypothesis (Intro)
In this engaging discussion, Kenneth Stanley, SVP of Open Endedness at Lila Sciences and former OpenAI researcher, dives deep into the flaws of current AI training methods. He explains how today's AI is like a brilliant impostor, producing impressive results despite its chaotic inner workings. Stanley introduces a revolutionary approach to AI development inspired by his experiment, 'Picbreeder,' advocating for an understanding-driven method that fosters creativity and modular comprehension. The conversation challenges conventional wisdom and inspires fresh perspectives on AI's potential.

38 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 2h 37min
Debate with a former OpenAI Research Team Lead — Prof. Kenneth Stanley
In this engaging discussion, Prof. Kenneth Stanley, a former Research Science Manager at OpenAI and expert in open-endedness, shares his insights on the unpredictable nature of superintelligent AI. He debates the assertion that AI shouldn't be driven by goals, advocating for an understanding of intelligence that embraces creativity and divergence. Topics include the significance of open-endedness in both evolution and innovation, the ethical implications of AI, and the delicate balance between curiosity and safety in technological advancements. Stanley's unique perspective sheds light on the future of AI and humanity.

23 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 29min
Episode 96: Kenneth Stanley on the Pursuit of What’s Interesting
Kenneth Stanley, an AI researcher renowned for his innovative concepts in novelty search, argues that pursuing what is interesting trumps rigid objectives in fostering creativity and innovation. He dives into the dangers of objective-driven research, emphasizing how these measures can stifle discovery. Stanley discusses the fascinating idea of 'interestingness' as a guide for exploration, leveraging insights from AI and real-world examples like SpaceX. He critiques conventional wisdom in goal-setting, advocating for a more fluid and curious approach to knowledge creation.

16 snips
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 26min
Episode 88: The Myth of the Objective
Kenneth Stanley, an AI researcher and author of "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned," discusses the pitfalls of setting specific goals in innovation. He argues that objective measures can mislead discovery and creativity, advocating for open-ended exploration instead. Stanley explores how these ideas connect to education, Darwinian evolution, and scientific inquiry. He highlights the concept of 'novelty search' in AI research, suggesting that meaningful discoveries often come from unexpected paths rather than rigid objectives.

5 snips
Jan 11, 2018 • 46min
Neuroevolution: Evolving Novel Neural Network Architectures with Kenneth Stanley - TWiML Talk #94
Kenneth Stanley, Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Florida and senior research scientist at Uber AI Labs, discusses neuroevolution, genetic algorithms, and novel neural network architectures in this podcast. They explore concepts like NEAT, HyperNEAT, and novelty search. They also discuss the intertwining of biology and computation, the challenges in objective functions, and the synergy between neuro-evolution and deep learning.