Robert Long

Megan Barrett, an insect neurobiologist, discusses the evolutionary case for insect sentience. Jeff Sebo, specializing in ethics, explores moral considerations for AI systems. David Chalmers contemplates the feasibility of artificial consciousness, while Bob Fischer examines the moral weight of animals like chickens. Cameron Meyer Shorb highlights the suffering of wild animals, and Jonathan Birch warns about the nuances of newborn pain. The conversation challenges our understanding of consciousness across species and prompts deep questions about our moral responsibilities.

In this discussion, Robert Long, a philosophy fellow at the Center for AI Safety, examines the contentious topic of AI consciousness. He explains why large language models like GPT likely aren’t sentient entities despite their complex outputs. Long emphasizes the differences between human cognition and AI processing, exploring ethical implications of creating potentially conscious machines. He also addresses the philosophical dilemmas surrounding AI's ability to experience pain and pleasure, urging a cautious approach as we navigate the future of artificial intelligence.

In this episode of 80k After Hours, Luisa Rodriguez and Robert Long have an honest conversation about the challenges of independent research.Links to learn more, highlights and full transcript.They cover:Assigning probabilities when you’re really uncertainStruggles around self-belief and imposter syndromeThe importance of sharing work even when it feels terribleBalancing impact and fun in a jobAnd some mistakes researchers often makeWho this episode is for:People pursuing independent researchPeople who struggle with self-beliefPeople who feel a pull towards pursuing a career they don’t actually wantWho this episode isn’t for:People convinced that their research is perfectAngus Hübelschmidt — the president and sole member of the Rob Wiblin Fan Club who refuses to listen to another Rob speakYou can find their longer conversation on why large language models like GPT (probably) aren't conscious over on the original 80,000 Hours Podcast feed.Get this episode by subscribing to our more experimental podcast on the world’s most pressing problems and how to solve them: type 80k After Hours into your podcasting app.Producer: Keiran HarrisAudio mastering: Ben Cordell and Milo McGuireTranscriptions: Katy Moore