Robert Wright

Max Tegmark, a physicist and AI safety advocate, highlights the lack of credible containment plans for superintelligence. Roman Yampolskiy discusses the necessity of formal proofs to ensure AI control. Liv Boeree emphasizes the power of creative messaging to rally support for AI safety. Michael Trazzi shares his public hunger strike against AI dangers, while Emmett Shear suggests fostering cooperative relationships with AI. Gary Marcus critiques gloomy predictions and calls for realistic threat modeling, while Roko Mijic debates the complexities of AI's impact on civilization.

Robert Wright, a prominent thinker and publisher of the Nonzero newsletter, dives into the fascinating world of AI. He discusses how understanding in AI models mirrors human cognition and the transformative potential of multimodal systems. The conversation touches on ethical considerations, AI interpretability, and the implications of U.S.-China relations on technology. They also explore the architectural evolution of AI, the risks and opportunities it presents, and the philosophical nuances of machine understanding, emphasizing the need for cautious yet optimistic progress.

Liz Angowski, an assistant professor of religion, and Robert Wright, a science writer and author, dive into the timeless teachings of the Buddha. They discuss how Siddhartha Gautama's realization that wealth cannot shield us from suffering transformed his life. The conversation highlights mindfulness meditation as a powerful tool for embracing pain and cultivating happiness. Angowski and Wright also explore how ancient wisdom connects with modern psychology, revealing profound insights on perception, self-transformation, and the path to true fulfillment.

Robert Wright, publisher of the Nonzero Newsletter, dives into the intersection of AI development and international relations. They explore the militarization of AI and the burgeoning U.S.-China tensions, coining the concept of the 'chip war.' The discussion highlights the risks of an AI arms race and the pressing need for cooperative frameworks to avoid catastrophic conflict. They also consider the importance of trust and communication in U.S.-China relations and reflect on the timeline for significant AI advancements by 2027.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Wright, founder of bloggingheads.tv and author of influential works on culture and morality, navigates the pressing issues of AI's uncertain future. He delves into the implications of losing the AI race to nations like China. The conversation shifts to Middle East politics, emphasizing Israel's decisions against a backdrop of Iran’s weakening influence. Wright advocates for cognitive empathy in resolving global conflicts and critiques U.S. foreign policy while exploring the humanitarian impact of military actions.

Journalist and author Robert Wright, known for founding the NonZero newsletter, engages Russ Roberts in a spirited debate about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They tackle the psychological impacts of violence, exploring moral dilemmas faced by both sides. The duo discusses media biases and their influence on public opinion, along with the ethical implications of U.S. support for Israel. Their conversation highlights the complexity of narratives and the emotions driving pro-Palestinian movements, all while emphasizing a need for critical discourse.

Sam Harris speaks with Robert Wright about his book Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment. If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.

Robert Wright, President of the Nonzero Foundation and author, dives into fascinating themes like the intersection of evolutionary psychology and mindfulness. He argues that meditative practices could enhance global coordination to avert existential threats. The exploration of alien civilizations reveals thoughts on their potential emotional capacities and moral progress. Wright also reflects on the psychological impacts of social media, advocating for deeper self-awareness and the benefits of mindfulness in addressing global crises.

Robert Wright, publisher of the Non-Zero Newsletter and host of the Non-Zero Podcast, dives deep into the complex landscape of political polarization and free speech. The conversation highlights the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for media framing. They discuss the role of both sides in political hatred and the absence of leadership needed to heal divisions. The dialogue also touches on the delicate balance of sympathy toward Palestinians and the challenges of speaking candidly in a politically charged atmosphere, especially regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Rob Wright and Rob Wiblin discuss topics like Sam Bankman-Fried, virtue ethics, longtermism, EA's role in OpenAI drama, fears about rogue AI, and societal impacts of AI advancements in an engaging discussion.