80,000 Hours Podcast

In this insightful discussion, Rose Chan Loui, a nonprofit legal expert from UCLA Law, analyzes OpenAI's dramatic shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. She emphasizes the potential ethical dilemmas and governance challenges facing OpenAI as it prioritizes profit over its original mission. The conversation highlights the struggles of a small volunteer board against a tech giant’s profit motives, the importance of maintaining transparency, and how legal frameworks may play a crucial role in ensuring that AI development benefits humanity.

Elizabeth Cox, founder of Should We Studio and former TED-Ed producer, advocates for storytelling as a powerful tool for societal change. She discusses how different media formats, like TV and animation, can effectively tackle complex issues. The conversation touches on storytelling's impact on public perception, especially regarding topics like climate change and ethical dilemmas. They also explore the implications of AI on creativity, the importance of audience engagement, and insights from her animated series 'Ada' that addresses transformative technologies.

Sarah Eustis-Guthrie, cofounder of the now-closed Maternal Health Initiative in Ghana, shares her heartfelt journey through founding and shutting down a charity. She discusses the emotional toll of accountability and the difficult decision to close when impact fell short. The conversation reveals the significance of transparency in charity work, the complexities of postpartum family planning, and the challenges of distinguishing genuine insights from misconceptions in developing healthcare programs. Sarah emphasizes the need for reevaluation and adaptability in the nonprofit sector.

Join notable guests like Ezra Klein, a journalist whose insights on parenting reveal the unexpected joys of raising kids, and Emily Oster, an economist sharing data-driven advice for family life. Holden Karnofsky discusses the surprise fun of parenthood, while Bryan Caplan reflects on homeschooling. The conversation explores the complexities of parental happiness, the reality of balancing work and family, and the everyday joys of connecting with children. Dive into evidence-based insights and personal anecdotes for a richer understanding of modern parenting.

Anil Seth, a neuroscientist and director at the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, delves into what makes us conscious. He presents the idea that perception is a 'controlled hallucination' shaped by our brain's predictions. The discussion tackles intriguing topics like the phenomenon of blindsight and the implications of split-brain studies. Seth suggests that consciousness in animals—and even machines—may reflect our own. His excitement for future research reveals the mysteries still surrounding the nature of consciousness.

Delve into the power of a single vote and its potential to influence election outcomes. Explore the importance of being informed and the challenges that come with making a decision at the polls. Discover arguments against voting, including the risks of choosing the wrong candidate and the effort required for adequate political knowledge. Learn about alternative ways to make an impact, like donating to campaigns or driving voter turnout, and understand the broader implications that elected officials have on society and governance.

Sébastien Moro, a science writer and video blogger known for his work on animal cognition, dives into the extraordinary intelligence of fish. He discusses surprising fish abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, and even self-recognition. Moro reveals that some fish outperform primates in cognitive tests and have complex social structures, including pair bonding and cooperation. He also explores the emotional lives of fish, emphasizing their capacity for pain and social learning, challenging our perceptions of underwater minds.

Nate Silver, author of "On the Edge" and creator of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the complexities of risk-taking and analytical thinking. He discusses the concept of 'the River,' a group excelling but often overestimating their judgment. Nate critiques effective altruism, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses while emphasizing the importance of personal trust in altruistic actions. He also explores decision-making in tech, ethical implications of AI, and the pitfalls of instant feedback in shaping behavior, all revealing the nuanced dynamics of modern decision-making and philanthropy.

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosophy professor and bestselling author, discusses the intricate relationship between consciousness, wild nature, and the moral dilemmas of human intervention. He dives into why octopuses and dolphins haven't created complex civilizations despite their intelligence. The conversation also explores animal ethics, the struggle for existence in the wild, and the value of cultural knowledge in human advancement. Godfrey-Smith highlights how historical events shape evolution, questioning our understanding of life's complexities.

In this engaging discussion, Keiran Harris, co-host of 80k After Hours, shares his intriguing insights on free will and the ramifications of experiencing little guilt or shame. Together with Luisa Rodriguez, they explore how these emotions shape morality and personal choices. They ponder whether reduced guilt would lead people to become worse friends or citizens. The conversation also touches on 'jerk syndrome,' the nuances of love beyond agency, and practical tips for navigating heavy emotions with compassion.