Scott Aaronson, a theoretical computer scientist from the University of Texas at Austin, helps demystify quantum computing, exploring concepts like superposition and entanglement. He highlights the transformative power of qubits and discusses their potential societal impacts. Eric Topol, a renowned American cardiologist and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, delves into groundbreaking advancements in HIV prevention with lenacapivir and shares insights on innovative blood tests in proteomics, paving the way for personalized medicine.

In this riveting discussion, Scott Aaronson, a leader in quantum computing at the University of Texas, teams up with Justin Drake from the Ethereum Foundation. They dive deep into the urgent implications of quantum advancements for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Are cryptocurrencies safe? What’s the timeline for post-quantum cryptography? The conversation sheds light on vulnerabilities in current blockchain technologies, the philosophical differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, and introduces innovative solutions like 'quantum canary' smart contracts. Don't miss this fascinating exploration!

Scott Aaronson is a professor at UT Austin, director of its Quantum Information Center, and previously a professor at MIT. His research interests center around the capabilities and limits of quantum computers and computational complexity theory more generally. This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon. This episode is presented by Cash App. Download it (App Store, Google Play), use code “LexPodcast”.  This episode is also supported by the Techmeme Ride Home podcast. Get it on Apple Podcasts, on its website, or find it by searching “Ride Home” in your podcast app. Here’s the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. 00:00 – Introduction 05:07 – Role of philosophy in science 29:27 – What is a quantum computer? 41:12 – Quantum decoherence (noise in quantum information) 49:22 – Quantum computer engineering challenges 51:00 – Moore’s Law 56:33 – Quantum supremacy 1:12:18 – Using quantum computers to break cryptography 1:17:11 – Practical application of quantum computers 1:22:18 – Quantum machine learning, questionable claims, and cautious optimism 1:30:53 – Meaning of life

Scott Aaronson, a theoretical computer scientist and former OpenAI researcher, dives into AI safety and quantum computing. He shares insights from his time at OpenAI's superalignment team and discusses the P vs NP problem with engaging analogies. The conversation also touches on the potential of quantum computing to disrupt cryptography and its race among tech giants. Plus, Aaronson proposes a new religion in the context of AGI. Their chat masterfully blends deep theory with pressing real-world concerns.

In episode 72 of The Gradient Podcast, Daniel Bashir speaks to Professor Scott Aaronson. Scott is the Schlumberger Centennial Chair of Computer Science at the University of Texas at Austin and director of its Quantum Information Center. His research interests focus on the capabilities and limits of quantum computers and computational complexity theory more broadly. He has recently been on leave to work at OpenAI, where he is researching theoretical foundations of AI safety. Have suggestions for future podcast guests (or other feedback)? Let us know here or reach us at editor@thegradient.pubSubscribe to The Gradient Podcast:  Apple Podcasts  | Spotify | Pocket Casts | RSSFollow The Gradient on TwitterOutline:* (00:00) Intro* (01:45) Scott’s background* (02:50) Starting grad school in AI, transitioning to quantum computing and the AI / quantum computing intersection* (05:30) Where quantum computers can give us exponential speedups, simulation overhead, Grover’s algorithm* (10:50) Overselling of quantum computing applied to AI, Scott’s analysis on quantum machine learning* (18:45) ML problems that involve quantum mechanics and Scott’s work* (21:50) Scott’s recent work at OpenAI* (22:30) Why Scott was skeptical of AI alignment work early on* (26:30) Unexpected improvements in modern AI and Scott’s belief update* (32:30) Preliminary Analysis of DALL-E 2 (Marcus & Davis)* (34:15) Watermarking GPT outputs* (41:00) Motivations for watermarking and language model detection* (45:00) Ways around watermarking* (46:40) Other aspects of Scott’s experience with OpenAI, theoretical problems* (49:10) Thoughts on definitions for humanistic concepts in AI* (58:45) Scott’s “reform AI alignment stance” and Eliezer Yudkowsky’s recent comments (+ Daniel pronounces Eliezer wrong), orthogonality thesis, cases for stopping scaling* (1:08:45) OutroLinks:* Scott’s blog* AI-related work* Quantum Machine Learning Algorithms: Read the Fine Print* A very preliminary analysis of DALL-E 2 w/ Marcus and Davis* New AI classifier for indicating AI-written text and Watermarking GPT Outputs* Writing* Should GPT exist?* AI Safety Lecture* Why I’m not terrified of AI Get full access to The Gradient at thegradientpub.substack.com/subscribe

Scott Aaronson, Quantum computing expert, discusses the hype and reality of quantum computing, potential for breaking cryptography, tasks where quantum computers excel, legitimacy of current quantum computing solutions, fighting misinformation, and career prospects in the field.

How should we scientifically think about the impact of AI on human civilization, and whether or not it will doom us all? In this episode, I speak with Scott Aaronson about his views on how to make progress in AI alignment, as well as his work on watermarking the output of language models, and how he moved from a background in quantum complexity theory to working on AI.   Note: this episode was recorded before this story (vice.com/en/article/pkadgm/man-dies-by-suicide-after-talking-with-ai-chatbot-widow-says) emerged of a man committing suicide after discussions with a language-model-based chatbot, that included discussion of the possibility of him killing himself. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/axrpodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/axrpodcast   Topics we discuss, and timestamps:  - 0:00:36 - 'Reform' AI alignment    - 0:01:52 - Epistemology of AI risk    - 0:20:08 - Immediate problems and existential risk    - 0:24:35 - Aligning deceitful AI    - 0:30:59 - Stories of AI doom    - 0:34:27 - Language models    - 0:43:08 - Democratic governance of AI    - 0:59:35 - What would change Scott's mind  - 1:14:45 - Watermarking language model outputs    - 1:41:41 - Watermark key secrecy and backdoor insertion  - 1:58:05 - Scott's transition to AI research    - 2:03:48 - Theoretical computer science and AI alignment    - 2:14:03 - AI alignment and formalizing philosophy    - 2:22:04 - How Scott finds AI research  - 2:24:53 - Following Scott's research   The transcript: axrp.net/episode/2023/04/11/episode-20-reform-ai-alignment-scott-aaronson.html   Links to Scott's things:  - Personal website: scottaaronson.com  - Book, Quantum Computing Since Democritus: amazon.com/Quantum-Computing-since-Democritus-Aaronson/dp/0521199565/  - Blog, Shtetl-Optimized: scottaaronson.blog   Writings we discuss:  - Reform AI Alignment: scottaaronson.blog/?p=6821  - Planting Undetectable Backdoors in Machine Learning Models: arxiv.org/abs/2204.06974

Scott Aaronson, a theoretical computer scientist and expert in quantum computing, dives into the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics and AI. He discusses the allure and misconceptions surrounding quantum technology, revealing the challenges and potential of this field. The conversation touches on the philosophical implications of human uniqueness in the age of AI and examines intriguing concepts like teleportation and identity. Aaronson also stresses the importance of vigilance against hype in both quantum computing and AI, urging critical thinking in an ever-evolving landscape.

Scott Aaronson is a quantum computer scientist. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: – SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX to get a free security camera – Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get $200 off – ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free – BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex and use code LEX to get 10% off EPISODE LINKS: Scott’s Blog: https://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/ Our previous episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX5t8EivCaM PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: – Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast – Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman – Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage – Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. 00:00 – Introduction 07:46 – Simulation 12:38 – Theories of everything 18:18 – Consciousness 40:32 – Roger Penrose on consciousness 50:44 – Turing test 54:31 – GPT-3 1:03:02 – Universality of computation 1:09:33 – Complexity 1:15:38 – P vs NP 1:27:57 – Complexity of quantum computation 1:40:03 – Pandemic 1:53:49 – Love

Scott Aaronson, a Professor of theoretical computer science at the University of Texas at Austin and quantum computing expert, breaks down the complexities of quantum computing. He highlights common misconceptions and the hype surrounding this innovative field. The discussion covers the revolutionary potential of qubits, the limits of classical algorithms, and the role of quantum error correction. Scott also shares humorous takes on the absurdity of misusing quantum concepts in everyday life, making this intricate topic both accessible and entertaining.