80,000 Hours Podcast

Nina Schick, author of "Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse," dives into the daunting world of disinformation and synthetic media. She explains why fears surrounding deepfakes may be exaggerated, yet warns of their potential to reshape societal trust. Nina argues that misinformation is as critical as climate change, highlighting the erosion of trust in media. She discusses lessons from Estonia on combating disinformation and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to authenticate media. The conversation raises vital questions about ethics and accountability in the age of deepfakes.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Wanser, founder of SilverLining and advocate for climate intervention research, tackles the urgent need for geoengineering solutions. She highlights innovative methods like cloud manipulation and the ethical complexities surrounding their use. Kelly points out that even with ideal efforts, some global warming is now unavoidable, making proactive strategies critical. The conversation delves into public perception, the risks of misuse in warfare, and the necessity for global cooperation in navigating climate challenges.

Ezra Klein, a leading journalist at Vox and The New York Times, discusses the urgent issues often overshadowed in the media, like AI's impact compared to tax debates. He advocates for prioritizing topics like animal rights and sustainable food solutions, emphasizing their societal importance. Klein critiques the polarization in politics and journalism, urging for a shift towards effective altruism. He highlights the need for a new narrative in media, encouraging journalists to engage audiences meaningfully while balancing their responsibilities with the complexities of modern existence.

Andy Weber, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, dives into the urgent issues of bioweapons and nuclear threats. He argues that advances in genetic sequencing could render bioweapons obsolete and enhance global health security. Weber highlights the lingering dangers from the Soviet era and the need for robust investments in health technologies. He also addresses the complexities of nuclear arms control and the strategic dynamics that shape today's security landscape, making a compelling case for proactive measures to prevent catastrophe.

In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Brian Christian delves into AI's alignment problem, drawing from his insights in 'The Alignment Problem.' He connects dopamine and reinforcement learning to the human experience, illustrating how curiosity affects both humans and AI. Brian shares fascinating stories, like a student teaching a military vehicle to drive itself and the evolution of neural networks. He emphasizes the importance of designing AI with aligned values to address societal challenges while navigating ethical dilemmas and technological advancements.

Lewis Bollard leads Open Philanthropy’s strategy for farm animal welfare, with a background at the Humane Society. In this conversation, he discusses significant advancements in the animal welfare movement and the rise of plant-based alternatives. Topics include the declining costs of plant-based meat, corporate reforms in animal welfare, and the challenges faced by the advocacy community. Lewis sheds light on recent legislative wins and highlights the importance of innovative thinking to accelerate change in animal welfare practices.

Misha Saul, Rob Wiblin's childhood friend and host of the Eureka Podcast, unpacks Rob's influences and formative experiences. They explore how Rob's parents shaped his worldview and their teenage obsession with philosophy. The duo reflects on the timeless appeal of 'The Lord of the Rings' and navigates through debates on vegetarianism, effective altruism versus traditionalism, and the challenges of learning Spanish during Rob's time in Spain. They also tackle the complexities of modern parenting and draw historical parallels to current U.S. socio-political issues.

Ajeya Cotra, a senior research analyst at Open Philanthropy, dives into the intriguing world of effective altruism and cause prioritization. He discusses a thought experiment involving anthropic reasoning, pondering the implications of a coin flip on charitable giving. The conversation also explores longtermism, balancing immediate impacts with future risks, and the complexities of space colonization. Cotra emphasizes the importance of diverse worldviews in philanthropy and the role of innovation in navigating existential challenges through strategic giving.

Spencer Greenberg, creator of the Clearer Thinking Podcast, dives into a captivating discussion with Rob Wiblin. They explore whether self-improvement is effective, emphasizing the role of line managers in productivity. The conversation touches on the complexities of human values and the ethical concerns surrounding research practices. Rob critiques the harm caused by institutional review boards and shares insights on prediction markets and their failures. Their engaging dialogue challenges listeners to rethink traditional views on ethics and self-betterment.

Phil Trammell, an economics researcher at Oxford's Global Priorities Institute, discusses the concept of patient philanthropy—delaying donations to maximize long-term impact. He argues that funds invested now could yield substantially more for future giving. The conversation explores how historical knowledge can enhance current philanthropic decisions and the psychological hurdles surrounding impatience in generosity. Alongside Howie Lempel, they also debate the implications of immediate versus future contributions in light of global challenges, including the impact of crises like COVID-19.