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LessWrong (Curated & Popular)

Latest episodes

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Apr 3, 2025 • 18min

“OpenAI #12: Battle of the Board Redux” by Zvi

Dive into the chaotic saga surrounding Sam Altman's turbulent tenure at OpenAI. The discussion dissects claims of misconduct and the intense battle for control over the narrative. It highlights how misleading information and internal conflicts shaped board decisions. The need for proper governance and accountability takes center stage, as the host critiques the dangerous implications of false narratives in the tech world. Insights and key facts shed light on the complexities of leadership in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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Apr 2, 2025 • 2min

“You will crash your car in front of my house within the next week” by Richard Korzekwa

A startling prediction unveils an impending wave of car crashes set to occur in front of a single house. Backed by data and compelling graphs, the discussion focuses on the alarming trajectory of accident frequency. As the countdown approaches a critical point, listeners ponder the implications of a potential 'crash singularity.' With humor and gravity, the analysis raises questions about vehicle resilience and the chaos that could unfold. Buckle up for a wild and thought-provoking ride!
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Apr 2, 2025 • 11min

“My ‘infohazards small working group’ Signal Chat may have encountered minor leaks” by Linch

In a twist of fate, a private Signal chat on infohazards faced unexpected leaks, raising alarms about security and ethics. The group reflects on the risks of discussing sensitive topics like AI safety and synthetic biology. They share the anxiety stemming from misinformation and miscommunication, spotlighting the delicate balance between transparency and confidentiality. The discussion highlights past breaches and the troubling potential of information hazards in today's digital age.
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5 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 6min

“Leverage, Exit Costs, and Anger: Re-examining Why We Explode at Home, Not at Work” by at_the_zoo

The podcast delves into the intriguing contrast between how we manage anger at home versus in the workplace. It challenges the usual explanations like stress spillover, suggesting a deeper look at leverage and exit costs. Home is portrayed as a high-stakes environment, where relational dynamics play a crucial role in emotional expression. The discussion highlights the evolutionary and behavioral science perspectives, offering a fresh lens on why we hold back our frustrations outside the domestic sphere.
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4 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 4min

“PauseAI and E/Acc Should Switch Sides” by WillPetillo

The discussion delves into the contrasting philosophies of PauseAI and effective accelerationism, proposing a tactical role reversal might be beneficial for both. It highlights how public opinion shapes AI policy, often swayed by catastrophic events rather than statistics. Citing historical nuclear disasters, the conversation emphasizes the importance of safety measures in technology advancement. Ultimately, the podcast challenges listeners to consider how strategies might align in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
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Apr 2, 2025 • 9min

“VDT: a solution to decision theory” by L Rudolf L

L. Rudolph L, the author behind the innovative VDT decision theory, dives into the complexities of decision-making under uncertainty. He discusses existing theories like Causal and Evidential Decision Theories and contrasts them with VDT's novel approach. The conversation highlights experimental results that prove VDT’s effectiveness. Rudolph emphasizes the importance of cooperation in achieving better outcomes, challenging traditional normative theories that often lead to flawed decisions. Tune in for a mind-bending exploration of rational behavior amidst uncertainty!
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Apr 1, 2025 • 2min

“LessWrong has been acquired by EA” by habryka

A major shift is underway as LessWrong announces its acquisition by EA, sparking a mix of emotions among its community. The discussion dives into the extensive planning behind the decision and the cognitive dissonance felt by the leadership. Insightfully, they emphasize that everyday operations won’t change, yet the infusion of talent and resources from EA could enhance future prospects. The speaker’s confidence in EA's leadership shines through, promising a partnership aimed at strengthening their mission.
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Apr 1, 2025 • 4min

“We’re not prepared for an AI market crash” by Remmelt

The looming threat of an AI market crash is explored, highlighting major AI organizations like OpenAI and Anthropic losing billions annually. There’s concern over the community's lack of preparation for financial instability. With the rise of cheaper alternatives, the pressure mounts on these companies. Optimism is giving way to potential outrage, as executives struggle to navigate the chaos. A call to action urges for a proactive approach to ensure the safety and stability of the industry before it’s too late.
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6 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 6min

“Conceptual Rounding Errors” by Jan_Kulveit

Join Jan Kulveit, author and thinker focused on cognitive biases, as he delves into 'Conceptual Rounding Errors.' He discusses how our minds can overly compress new ideas, leading us to miss nuanced differences from existing concepts. Jan reveals how this mechanism can hinder our understanding, especially in complex fields like AI alignment. He shares practical strategies for enhancing cognitive clarity and metacognitive awareness, ensuring we differentiate novelty from familiarity effectively.
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Mar 28, 2025 • 22min

“Tracing the Thoughts of a Large Language Model” by Adam Jermyn

Adam Jermyn, author and AI enthusiast, dives deep into the fascinating realm of large language models like Claude. He uncovers how these models train themselves and develop unique problem-solving strategies. The discussion covers Claude's multilingual capabilities and how it constructs poetry with thoughtful rhymes. Jermyn also addresses its impressive reasoning and mental math skills, revealing the complexities behind its outputs. Lastly, he tackles issues like AI hallucinations and jailbreaking, highlighting the importance of understanding AI behavior.

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