80,000 Hours Podcast

Explore the surprising impact of individual votes in shaping elections. Discover how your choice could influence global events, from elections to potential catastrophes. Delve into the complexities of voting behavior and the importance of being an informed voter in today's polarized landscape. Learn why rallying others to vote might sometimes be more effective than voting yourself. Finally, consider the altruistic implications of your electoral decisions and how campaign contributions can sway outcomes.

Hilary Greaves, a philosophy professor at the University of Oxford and director of the Global Priorities Institute, dives into the perplexing topic of existence and non-existence. She challenges the notion that being alive can't be better than not existing, exploring the ethical implications of strong long-termism and moral cluelessness. The conversation navigates the complexities of decision-making in uncertain futures and the interplay between various moral philosophies, shedding light on how our perspectives shape the value of life and existence.

Ben Todd, CEO of 80,000 Hours, and Arden Koehler, a researcher at the organization, delve into the essence of effective altruism. They explore common misconceptions, clarifying that it extends beyond mere donations to tackle pressing global issues. The duo discusses the moral obligations tied to altruism and how to communicate its importance to skeptics. They also highlight the disparities in funding global challenges and the power of individual actions, making a case for aligned personal values in achieving impactful change.

Discover unconventional career paths that can significantly influence the future, from historical research to roles in AI labs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creativity and expertise in policy-making. Explore the essential roles of hardware experts and information security in safe AI development. The podcast also touches on alternative avenues like public intellectualism and highlights the power of effective altruism in community engagement and non-profit entrepreneurship. Tune in for impactful insights and career inspiration!

In this insightful chat, Arden Koehler, a researcher at 80,000 Hours, joins CEO Ben Todd to unpack various forms of longtermism. They explore patient longtermism versus urgent approaches, particularly concerning existential risks, and discuss how these perspectives shape career choices. The pair also tackle the balance between transferable and specialized career capital and question if they're focusing on the right problems. Their candid conversation highlights the complexities of doing good in an uncertain world.

Delve into lesser-known global issues that could use more attention from the effective altruism community. Discover the vital role of global governance in managing risks linked to emerging technologies and the need for reforms. Explore reflections on protecting liberal democracies and the potential of technology to enhance political dialogue. Uncover complexities in long-term philanthropy that promise sustainable impact. Finally, examine overlooked climate change risks and their health implications, urging further investigation into these pressing topics.

Mark Lynas, a journalist and author known for his works on climate and energy, dives into the pressing issues of climate change and the benefits of nuclear energy. He argues that a golf-ball sized lump of uranium can provide a lifetime's worth of energy, far more efficiently than coal. Lynas tackles the misconceptions surrounding nuclear power, emphasizing its safety and the lives it has saved by reducing air pollution. He warns that unchecked climate change could lead to societal collapse, advocating for a rapid transition to sustainable energy solutions, including nuclear.

In this engaging discussion, Shruti Rajagopalan, a Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center, shares her deep insights on India's unique approach to combating COVID-19. She highlights the importance of tailoring policy responses to local contexts, such as distributing hand sanitizer in homes without reliable running water. The conversation delves into the challenges of data collection in healthcare, the complexity of mortality reporting, and innovative strategies used in densely populated areas like Dharavi. Shruti emphasizes that understanding local conditions is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Jennifer Doleac, an Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Justice Tech Lab, dives into unconventional crime prevention methods that don't rely on police or prisons. She shares fascinating insights on how improved street lighting dramatically reduces crime rates, drawing from her research on daylight saving time's impact on robbery. Doleac also discusses the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and the importance of addressing lead exposure, highlighting innovative approaches for creating safer communities. A fresh take on criminal justice reform awaits!

James Forman Jr., a Yale Law School professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, tackles the urgent need for reform in the U.S. criminal justice system. He highlights the staggering incarceration rates, particularly among Black Americans, and debunks common misconceptions about 'violent crime.' Forman advocates for redefining these terms to foster change and stresses the importance of community-focused initiatives over traditional policing. He also emphasizes actionable strategies for listeners to engage in reform, critiquing systemic flaws that perpetuate inequity.