Dwarkesh Podcast

Will MacAskill, co-founder of the Effective Altruism movement and author of "What We Owe The Future," dives into the principles of longtermism and altruism. He discusses the historical context of moral values, emphasizing the significance of past influences on current ethics. The conversation explores the role of innovation in shaping society, the importance of individual leadership, and the challenges of navigating a future influenced by technology. MacAskill also critiques academia's silence on pivotal discussions about morality and happiness.

Joseph Carlsmith, a senior research analyst at Open Philanthropy and a philosophy doctoral student at Oxford, dives into the fascinating interplay between utopia and artificial intelligence. He discusses the ethical implications of AI development and the concept of infinite ethics, reshaping our understanding of decision-making in an infinite universe. Carlsmith also critiques the recklessness of humanity's present actions, urging a long-term perspective, and examines the complexities of human versus AI computational power. His insights provoke deep reflections on the future.

Fin Moorhouse, a Research Scholar at Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, merges philosophy and effective altruism. He dives into the evolution of long-termism and its vital role in mitigating existential risks, particularly in AI and space governance. The conversation explores the balance between profit-driven and altruistic entrepreneurship, alongside the challenges of talent recruitment in the effective altruism community. Fin also shares insights on the dynamics of space exploration and the ethical implications of innovative technologies, sparking thought on humanity's future.

Alexander Mikaberidze, a Professor of History at Louisiana State University and author of "The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History," delves into the vast effects of the Napoleonic Wars on different regions, including India and the Americas. He discusses Napoleon's role as an enlightened despot and speculates on whether he could have thrived as a startup founder. The conversation also explores how these wars fueled the industrial revolution, parallels with the conflict in Ukraine, and the enduring impacts on governance and political structures around the world.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX known for both his crypto expertise and altruistic efforts, shares his insights on scaling businesses effectively. He reveals how inefficiencies in the world shape strategic opportunities and discusses the challenges of effective altruism in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into his political philanthropy, hiring strategies that prioritize talent adaptability, and the future of cryptocurrency, highlighting the balance between human judgment and technology in navigating financial risks.

Agustin Lebron, a trader and researcher at Jane Street Capital and founder of Essilen Research, dives deep into the intersection of finance and modern decision-making. He discusses the challenges of adverse selection in both trading and hiring, revealing how it complicates success. The talk highlights the transformative impact of AI on finance and explores the innovative landscape of cryptocurrency, especially its potential for wealth transfer to younger generations. Agustin also shares valuable insights from his book, "The Laws of Trading."

Ananyo Bhattacharya, a science writer and author of "The Man from the Future," explores the life of John von Neumann, a Jewish mathematical genius. They discuss von Neumann's pivotal role in game theory and his unique insights into nuclear strategy during the Cold War. Bhattacharya highlights von Neumann's remarkable upbringing in Hungary and how it shaped his intellect. The conversation also touches on the paradox of genius, examining the balance between his groundbreaking work and personal relationships, ultimately dissecting the costs of extraordinary ambition.

Stephen Grugett, cofounder of Manifold Markets, discusses how prediction markets can revolutionize governance. He shares insights on the growing interest from Wall Street in predicting talent and collaboration with journalism. Grugett explores the future of monetary gains, including cryptocurrency integration, while tackling usability challenges. He also addresses managerial hesitance in adopting these systems and the unique applications of prediction markets for strategic decision-making, encouraging creativity and engagement among users.

In this engaging discussion, blogger and podcaster Pradyu Prasad delves into Japan's transformation from feudalism to militarization, exploring crucial themes from 'Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan.' He unpacks Emperor Hirohito's complex role during World War II, illuminating the interplay between military ambitions and governance. Pradyu also draws parallels between Japan's historical strategies and current geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while highlighting the economic dynamics driving nation-building and recovery post-war.

Razib Khan, a writer and geneticist, shares fascinating insights into genetic diversity and societal trends. He explores the dysgenics of intelligence and how endogamous practices shape genetic traits in communities like the Brahmins, who dominate tech leadership. Razib delves into male variability in cognitive abilities and critiques the scientific community's priorities, advocating for truth over collegiality. Additionally, his travels enrich discussions on cultural anthropology and genetics, revealing deep connections between history and modern society.