80,000 Hours Podcast

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.

Michelle Hutchinson, the Head of Advising at 80,000 Hours and a former team member at Oxford's Global Priorities Institute, discusses the intricacies of personalized career advice. She emphasizes the importance of ranking roles by impact before personal preference. The conversation touches on tackling societal pressures around success, the balance of confidence in job applications, and the need for broadening career opportunities. Listeners gain insights into navigating high-impact career choices and overcoming psychological barriers to pursue meaningful contributions.

Owen Cotton-Barratt, a researcher at Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, discusses how academic and societal systems filter and shape information impacting humanity's future. He explores the importance of education and diverse perspectives in addressing existential risks like pandemics and AI threats. Cotton-Barratt introduces the Research Scholars Program, which empowers early-stage researchers to tackle complex global challenges while emphasizing critical thinking and collaboration. They delve into the dynamics of decision-making in long-termism, urging a balance between immediate needs and future safety.

Tristan Harris, a prominent computer scientist and founder of the Center for Humane Technology, discusses the urgent need to rethink social media's impact on society. He highlights how platforms are designed to be addictive, fostering polarization and misinformation. Harris emphasizes the necessity for systemic changes in technology and the importance of shifting public perception. The dialogue explores how social media can influence mental health, particularly among youth, while advocating for reforms that prioritize user well-being over profit.

Ben Todd, CEO of 80,000 Hours, joins researcher Arden Koehler to discuss the evolving needs of the effective altruism community. They highlight the transition from needing money to requiring skilled individuals, especially in vital areas like AI safety research. The conversation underscores the significance of specific skills and organizational capacity over mere financial resources. They also examine the complexities of talent attraction and the importance of motivation in driving meaningful impact, ultimately paving the path for better coordination in altruistic efforts.