Robert Wright's Nonzero

Liron Shapira, host of the Doom Debates podcast and a prominent AI pause activist, delves into the alarming theories of Eliezer Yudkowsky regarding AI risk. He describes his journey to becoming a Yudkowskian and discusses the notion that superintelligence may lead to human extinction. The conversation also covers the complexities of AI alignment, the potential for misalignment caused by evolving behaviors, and the societal challenges posed by rapid AI advancements. Liron highlights the silent anxiety about AI and critiques funding narratives in the doom discourse.

In this discussion, Paul Bloom, a psychologist and author known for his work on culture and science, joins Robert Wright to delve into contemporary issues. They tackle Bari Weiss's rise as a media figure and her controversial reporting. The conversation shifts to the fragile situation in Gaza and the political implications for leaders like Netanyahu and Trump. Bloom and Wright also dissect the AI hype cycle, questioning the potential risks of superintelligent systems and their unpredictable goals, all while engaging in a spirited debate on free speech in today’s political climate.

Nikita Petrov, a contributor to the Non-Zero team and expert on media influence, dives into pressing topics about media dynamics and geopolitics. They discuss the motivations behind the $150M acquisition of the Free Press and what it means for U.S. media control. The conversation touches on the significant influence of pro-Israel donors and the implications for figures like Charlie Kirk. Petrov also explores the role of TikTok in shaping political narratives, alongside the complexities of recent Middle Eastern conflicts and cognitive sovereignty in the age of AI.

Stephen Macedo, a Princeton political scientist and author of "In COVID’s Wake", joins to dissect the pandemic's handling. He critiques school closures, arguing they were prolonged due to political factors even as evidence showed low transmission risks. Macedo questions the reliance on medical experts alone and highlights socioeconomic biases that exacerbated inequalities. The conversation delves into how dissent was stifled in academia and media, and the necessity for institutions to reflect on their roles in restoring public trust.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nonzero.org0:28 The deal Hamas offered Bibi before October 7 12:14 How October 7 changed the landscape 22:58 Why Clinton’s Camp David talks failed 38:08 What Arafat was actually offered at Camp David 46:25 The centrality of the right of return 51:59 Beyond two states 56:21 Heading into OT: Abandoning false optimism is not pessimismRobert Wright (Nonzero, The Evolution of God, Why Buddhism Is True) and Robert Malley (Yale - Jackson School of Global Affairs, Tomorrow is Yesterday). Recorded September 23, 2025.Twitter: https://twitter.com/NonzeroPods

In this captivating discussion, AI researcher David Krueger, a professor at the University of Montréal, dives into existential risks posed by AI. He explores Eliezer Yudkowsky's alarming visions of uncontrollable superintelligent AIs and challenges the assumption that AIs will always strive for infinite goals. Krueger introduces his idea of 'gradual disempowerment,' discussing how economic pressures can lead to a slow ceding of decision-making power to AI, potentially undermining human agency in society. The interplay of AI safety, ownership, and cultural shifts adds layers of intrigue to the conversation.

Glenn Loury, a distinguished economist and public intellectual, dives into the complexities of self-censorship surrounding Israel and Gaza. He reflects on his emotional response to the Gaza conflict and discusses how labeling actions as 'genocide' or 'apartheid' has evolved. The conversation touches on how the Trump era has impacted free speech on campuses and the shifting perspectives of younger American Jews regarding Israel. Loury also critiques media standards, offering insights on Bari Weiss's work and the challenges of journalistic integrity.

Join Paul Bloom, a Canadian psychologist and author known for works like Against Empathy, as he delves into pressing cultural and psychological issues. He and Robert Wright examine the implications of free speech following the Charlie Kirk incident, exploring media fallout and political polarization. They debate whether violent video games contribute to real-life violence and discuss the chilling effects on academic institutions. Paul's insights into societal dynamics and media rhetoric shed light on these critical topics.

0:28 How this conversation came to be 1:59 What surprised Glenn most about the Kirk killing 8:02 Who (or what) is driving our polarization? 17:03 Cognitive empathy for MAGA 2451 Reacting to Charlie Kirk on affirmative action 43:58 Are we re-running the 1960s? 51:14 Coming up in part 2: Israel-GazaRobert Wright (Nonzero, The Evolution of God, Why Buddhism Is True) and Glenn Loury (https://glennloury.substack.com/, Brown University, Late Admissions, Self-Censorship). Recorded September 15, 2024.Twitter: https://twitter.com/NonzeroPods This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nonzero.org/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.nonzero.org0:28 Has the pace of AI progress slowed? 12:25 How the tech CEOs are learning to stop worrying 14:34 Mark Zuckerberg 23:12 Sam Altman 30:23 OpenAI’s attempt to shed its non-profit status 53:29 Dario Amodei 59:51 Heading into OvertimeRobert Wright (Nonzero, The Evolution of God, Why Buddhism Is True) and Holly Elmore (PauseAI US). Recorded September 11, 2025.Twitter: https://twitter.com/NonzeroPods