Scott Aaronson

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.

Scott Aaronson, a prominent professor at UT Austin and director of its Quantum Information Center, dives into the fascinating world of quantum computing. He discusses the complexities of quantum decoherence and the unique challenges in quantum computer engineering. The conversation touches on quantum supremacy, the potential for breaking cryptography, and practical applications that could reshape technology. Aaronson also ventures into the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, intertwining technical insights with broader existential questions.

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, 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, a leading figure in quantum computing and chair at the University of Texas at Austin, dives into the realities of this groundbreaking technology. He sheds light on its potential to disrupt encryption methods and the challenges in achieving fault-tolerant systems. Scott discusses the hype versus reality in the quantum landscape, urging caution against exaggerated claims by startups. He also highlights the importance of clear communication from scientists to combat misinformation, fostering excitement while ensuring honesty in quantum advancements.

Scott Aaronson, a renowned computer scientist known for his insights on quantum computing, teams up with Jacob Barandes, a Harvard physicist pioneering a new framework for quantum mechanics. They dive into the controversial idea of reformulating quantum theories without wave functions, challenging established interpretations like the Many Worlds Theory. Expect a mix of philosophical musings about quantum realities, the elusive nature of trajectories, and a healthy dose of skepticism surrounding contemporary quantum product claims.

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, a leading quantum computer scientist and professor at UT Austin, dives into the complexities of consciousness and reality. He discusses the philosophical implications of living in a simulation and how quantum mechanics intertwines with artificial intelligence. The conversation explores challenging topics, including theories of everything and the Turing test's relevance to machine consciousness. Aaronson also reflects on the nature of complexity in computational problems and its impact on technology, sparking deep questions about intelligence and existence.