80,000 Hours Podcast

David Duvenaud, a University of Toronto CS professor and ex-lead of Anthropic's alignment evals, discusses the 'gradual disempowerment' thesis. He explores how AI could make people economically and politically irrelevant. They cover cultural shifts as machines shape norms, who controls powerful AIs, and whether liberal democracy can survive when humans are no longer 'needed'.

In this thought-provoking discussion, historian Christopher Leslie Brown, a Columbia University professor and author of *Moral Capital*, explores the complex history surrounding the abolition of slavery. He argues that the end of slavery was not inevitable, challenging the belief that economic and moral progress would naturally lead to its decline. Brown highlights the deep-rooted ubiquity of slavery, critiques of the practice throughout history, and the crucial role of activism, particularly by Quakers and early abolitionists, in fostering change.

In this engaging discussion, James Smith, Director of the Mirror Biology Dialogues Fund, reveals why he left everything to tackle the alarming threat of mirror bacteria. He explains how these mirror-image microorganisms could evade immune systems, leading to widespread infections across species. With unique insights into the ecological implications and potential resistance to natural predators, James urges for urgent policy action. He also highlights the risks they pose to plants and animals, warning that the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.

Athena Aktipis, an associate professor and director of the Cooperation and Conflict Lab, dives into the fascinating world of cancer as a breakdown of multicellular cooperation. She explains that the real opposite of cancer is a well-functioning body working in unison. Athena discusses how rapid evolution occurs at the cellular level, the complexities of cancer defense in long-lived species, and how adaptive therapy can transform cancer treatment. She even draws parallels between cancer and human social systems, offering insights into cooperation, resilience, and thriving amidst chaos.

In this insightful discussion, linguistics professor John McWhorter shares his expertise on the fascinating world of language. He challenges common beliefs, arguing that bilingualism doesn’t boost IQ and discusses the complexities of teaching languages in schools. McWhorter also highlights the rapid extinction of languages, the unique benefits of creoles, and speculates about the emergence of new languages and potential AI languages in the future. His engaging take on how language shapes thought, alongside his controversial views on optimal language use, makes for a thought-provoking conversation.

Hugh White, a foreign policy scholar, talks about the importance of a realistic U.S. strategy toward China's rise, urging Americans to understand the nuances of geopolitical competition. Sam Bowman, an economist, offers insights on how to convert NIMBY opponents into supporters by showing how new developments can enhance local neighborhood quality. This lively discussion touches on the strategic implications of AI, the intricacies of development politics, and the quest for a balanced global approach amidst rapid technological change.

Join Andreas Mogensen, a Senior Researcher in moral philosophy at Oxford, as he dives into the complexities of AI and consciousness. He challenges the typical narrative about the moral status of AI, suggesting that welfare could exist without traditional consciousness. Discussing desire as a potential basis for moral consideration, he explores the nuances of autonomy and how it might relate to emotions. With thought-provoking analogies and discussions on extinction ethics, Mogensen raises critical questions about our duties toward future intelligences.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Paul Scharre, a former Army Ranger and Pentagon official, discusses the future of warfare through the lens of AI. He explores scenarios like the ‘battlefield singularity’ where machines may outpace human judgment, and how automated systems could alter command structures. Paul also examines shocking historical false alarms, delving into whether AI would make similar critical decisions. With insights on the balance of power and risks, he emphasizes the need for human control in military AI to avoid catastrophic miscalculations.

The discussion dives into how advanced AI could lead to extreme concentration of economic and political power in the hands of a few. It highlights the potential risks of automated coups and information control that could erode public resistance. A vivid scenario illustrates how one firm and a government might centralize AI power by 2035. The episode also weighs possible mitigations, emphasizing transparency and equitable access to AI. Ultimately, it invites listeners to consider their role in preventing this dystopian future.

Dean W. Ball, a former White House staffer and author of America's AI Plan, discusses the potential arrival of superintelligence within 20 years and the risks of AI in bioweapons. He argues that premature regulation could hinder progress and emphasizes the uncertainty around AI's future. Ball highlights the need for a balanced approach to governance, advocating for transparency and independent verification. He also reflects on personal responsibility in parenting amidst technological change and cautions against polarizing debates around AI safety.