Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST)
Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST)
Welcome! We engage in fascinating discussions with pre-eminent figures in the AI field. Our flagship show covers current affairs in AI, cognitive science, neuroscience and philosophy of mind with in-depth analysis. Our approach is unrivalled in terms of scope and rigour – we believe in intellectual diversity in AI, and we touch on all of the main ideas in the field with the hype surgically removed. MLST is run by Tim Scarfe, Ph.D (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecsquizor/) and features regular appearances from MIT Doctor of Philosophy Keith Duggar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-duggar/).
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 57min
Can we build a generalist agent? Dr. Minqi Jiang and Dr. Marc Rigter
Dr. Minqi Jiang, a researcher in reinforcement learning, and Dr. Marc Rigter, an expert in general-purpose agents, discuss groundbreaking strategies for developing versatile AI agents. They delve into their innovative paper on reward-free curricula, which enhances agents' adaptability through diverse world training. The duo explores challenges in curriculum learning, the importance of effective reward functions, and the balance between creativity and model precision. Their insights pave the way for agents that can excel across various environments, redefining AI's potential.
10 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 44min
Prof. Nick Chater - The Language Game (Part 1)
In this conversation with Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Science, he unpacks the intricacies of human motivation using Tolstoy's insights and reflects on the brain as a prediction machine. The discussion navigates the complex relationship between AI learning and human cognition, emphasizing the limitations of certainty. Chater explores the evolution of language and collective intelligence, highlighting how communication adapts through cultural interactions. He also touches on the challenges of universalism in AI and the vital role of diverse perspectives in innovation.
68 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 3h 15min
Kenneth Stanley created a new social network based on serendipity and divergence
Kenneth Stanley, a Professor renowned for his work in neuroevolution and author of "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned," discusses his innovative serendipity network, Maven. He explains how this platform allows users to follow interests rather than people, moving away from popularity contests. The conversation explores the philosophical implications of creativity, the significance of serendipitous encounters, and the balance between exploration and quality in knowledge-sharing. Stanley champions a fresh approach to social media that fosters genuine connections and nurtures creativity.
25 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 1h 32min
Dr. Brandon Rohrer - Robotics, Creativity and Intelligence
Brandon Rohrer, a seasoned data science leader with a Ph.D. from MIT, dives deep into the fascinating world of machine learning and robotics. He discusses the nuances of Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback, comparing it to traditional coding tasks. The conversation explores the creativity of transformer models and the philosophical dimensions of machine intelligence. Rohrer emphasizes the challenge of training models in dynamic environments and advocates for biologically inspired methods, all while critiquing our anthropocentric definitions of intelligence and creativity.
9 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 3h
Showdown Between e/acc Leader And Doomer - Connor Leahy + Beff Jezos
Connor Leahy, a prominent AI skeptic, pairs up with Beff Jezos, the founder of the e/acc movement, to debate technology's future. They tackle complex topics, including the balance between rapid technological advancement and necessary regulation. Leahy raises concerns about the dangers of unchecked innovation, while Jezos emphasizes growth and adaptability. Their discussion delves into the existential risks of AI, the ethics of AGI prioritizing well-being, and the intricate relationship between cultural ideologies and technological progress.
7 snips
Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 7min
Mahault Albarracin - Cognitive Science
Mahault Albarracin, Director of Product for R&D at VERSES and a PhD student, dives deep into the realms of consciousness and cognition. She discusses philosophical concepts like panpsychism and computationalism, critiquing the Integrated Information Theory. Albarracin shares insights on distinguishing legitimate science from pseudoscience, emphasizing the importance of evidence. The conversation also explores self-awareness in AI and the significance of language and communication in cognitive processes, illustrating how these elements shape our understanding of intelligence.
5 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 30min
$450M AI Startup In 3 Years | Chai AI
William Beauchamp, founder of Chai Research and Seamless Capital, dives into the world of conversational AI and startup growth. He shares his journey from algorithmic trading to launching a successful AI platform. Beauchamp discusses the distinction between AI as search engines versus reasoning engines, highlighting key advancements and limitations. He elaborates on the importance of talent and innovation in scaling startups and explores the intersection of creativity and risk in developing language models, emphasizing opportunities for smaller teams to thrive in the AI landscape.
10 snips
Jan 7, 2024 • 1h 3min
DOES AI HAVE AGENCY? With Professor. Karl Friston and Riddhi J. Pitliya
Join Professor Karl Friston, renowned for his work in neuroscience, and Oxford Ph.D. candidate Riddhi J. Pitliya as they dive into the concept of agency in cognitive science. They explore how agency emerges from interactions within complex systems and the role of language in shaping cognition. Discussion unfolds around the implications of digital intelligence, the intricacies of depression, and the challenges of perception in an AI-dominated world. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey into the intersection of mind, behavior, and technology!
84 snips
Dec 26, 2023 • 2h 7min
Understanding Deep Learning - Prof. SIMON PRINCE [STAFF FAVOURITE]
Simon Prince, a Professor at the University of Bath and author of 'Understanding Deep Learning', dives into the fascinating intricacies of deep learning. He discusses the surprising efficiency of deep learning models and the role of activation functions and architecture in their success. Notably, he challenges misconceptions surrounding overparameterization and the manifold hypothesis. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations in AI, the complexities of human cognition versus AI behavior, and the transformative impact of AlexNet on computer vision.
92 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 2h 28min
Prof. BERT DE VRIES - ON ACTIVE INFERENCE
Bert de Vries, a professor at Eindhoven University, shares his expertise on intelligent autonomous agents. He discusses the principle of least action, its universal implications, and how it relates to optimizing energy in systems. Bert delves into active inference's role in ecosystems and engineering, particularly in adaptive technologies like hearing aids. He highlights the importance of probabilistic inference for the future of intelligence and explores challenges of implementing these concepts in real-world applications, emphasizing adaptability and innovation.
