Dwarkesh Podcast

Bryan Caplan, a George Mason University economics professor and author of "Don't Be a Feminist", returns to discuss provocative ideas. He argues that feminists often overlook critical issues like infanticide and advocates for a shift towards human rights in global contexts. Caplan critiques hefty taxation on billionaires and emphasizes the potential benefits of open borders for refugees. The conversation also touches on the flawed narratives of feminism and the intellectual hypocrisy common in elite educational circles.

In this engaging conversation with Tyler Cowen, a renowned economist and author, he shares fascinating insights from his latest book on talent. He explores why he believes society might face permanent collapse and examines the often pessimistic nature of discussions around sex. Cowen questions the conventional views on humility, intelligence, and ambition, diving deep into how we spot talent and deceit. Their discussion spans existential risks, the evolution of talent understanding, and the unpredictability of societal change, offering listeners a thought-provoking perspective.

Charles C. Mann, author of influential history books like "1491," delves into the collapse of Native American civilizations and questions why they lagged in technological progress. He critiques traditional views on slave revolts and discusses how geoengineering might tackle climate change. Mann intriguingly compares Bitcoin to the historical Chinese silver trade, emphasizing our ever-evolving relationship with currency. With insights on societal trends and technological stupidity, his conversation is rich with thought-provoking perspectives.

Austin Vernon, an engineer focused on CO2 electrolysis and known for his insightful blog about engineering and economics, dives into the transformative concept of energy superabundance and its potential to revolutionize society. He discusses the military applications of Starship technology as a kinetic weapon, the future of nuclear energy, and the innovative approaches to carbon capture. The conversation also explores the impacts of cheaper energy on technology, urban transportation, and the emerging challenges of carbon scarcity.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Hsu, a theoretical physics professor and co-founder of Genomic Prediction, dives into the revolutionary world of embryo selection and its implications for human health and intelligence. He examines how advanced genomics can enhance IVF outcomes and the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic engineering. Hsu also explores the historical factors affecting human evolution and the societal impact of genetic choices on parenting and reproduction. With thought-provoking insights, he navigates the future of humanity shaped by science and technology.

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.