80,000 Hours Podcast

In a thought-provoking discussion, Peter Singer, a renowned professor of bioethics at Princeton University, addresses controversial topics from his early days in moral philosophy to present dilemmas. He reflects on how provoking discussion can amplify awareness of critical issues like global poverty and animal ethics. Singer shares insights on the effective altruism movement, the balance between personal beliefs and large-scale impact, and the complexities of advocating for unpopular opinions. His evolving moral views challenge listeners to think deeply about their ethical decisions.

Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, a former U.S. State Department official and founder of WCAPS, shares her remarkable journey in diplomacy. She discusses her role in global arms control, emphasizing the critical need for diversity in the field. Jenkins highlights the complex relationship between global health security and nuclear threat reduction, and the unique challenges posed by biological weapons. She advocates for increased collaboration across sectors to tackle pressing global threats, while also reflecting on the moral dilemmas faced by civil servants in their roles.

In this enlightening discussion, Bruce Schneier, a world-renowned computer security expert from Harvard Law, tackles the grave risks of electronic voting systems. He warns that a successful hacking attempt could lead to widespread electoral chaos, eroding public trust in democracy. The conversation also delves into the complexities of digital platforms manipulating information, the implications of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the tension between security and surveillance practices. Schneier calls for transparency and enhanced protections to secure our digital future.

In a captivating discussion, David Kadavy, host of "Love Your Work," and Jeremiah Johnson, from the "Neoliberal Podcast," explore intriguing topics with Rob Wiblin. They dive into the role of nicotine in enhancing focus and the misconception about plastic straws in environmental debates. The conversation also touches on the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, the challenges of information overload, and the moral responsibilities we hold toward future generations. Get ready for a thought-provoking blend of personal insights and global perspectives!

Discover how an annual survey aims to evaluate the impact of resources on listeners' social contributions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of audience feedback in improving services like the job board, articles, and career advising. Learn how filling out this survey can help shape future initiatives and ensure the podcast is continually enhancing its value. Plus, explore ways to stay connected through newsletters and social media for updates on new resources and insights.

Vitalik Buterin, lead developer of Ethereum and a pioneer in cryptoeconomics, discusses the significant flaws of current blockchain technologies, calling them often ineffective. He explores innovative funding models for public goods, like quadratic voting and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Buterin critiques common myths in crypto and emphasizes the importance of effective altruism within the community. He also highlights the potential of blockchain for enhancing collaboration and solving global challenges, advocating for a broader vision beyond mere currency.

Paul Christiano, a machine learning researcher at OpenAI, dives into thought-provoking concepts about our future and AI's role in it. He discusses the idea of messaging our distant descendants or future intelligent beings to help them avoid humanity’s past mistakes. The conversation touches on the implications of CO2 levels on cognitive function and the urgent need for improved ventilation. Christiano also explores the evolving landscape of AI safety and the delicate balance required in AI development to ensure alignment with human values.

Helen Toner, Director of Strategy at Georgetown University's CSET, dives into the intersection of artificial intelligence and national security. She draws parallels between AI's potential impact and the transformation brought by electricity. Toner discusses the complexities of U.S.-China relations regarding AI, emphasizing the balance needed between innovation and security. She also explores the implications of data in governance and the importance of informed policymaking, highlighting her unique experiences and insights into this rapidly evolving field.

Philip Tetlock, an esteemed Annenberg University professor and legendary social scientist, shares insights on the art of forecasting. He highlights the pitfalls of our simplistic understanding of probability, urging a shift towards nuanced thinking. He discusses the impact of cognitive biases on decision-making, especially in pressing areas like climate change. Tetlock also explores the future of forecasting, advocating for collaboration between human insight and machine learning, and emphasizes how honing our predictive skills can lead to better life choices and risk management.

Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law professor and former Obama official, explores the unexpected nature of social change. He argues that even amidst apparent public disinterest, significant shifts can occur quickly, using examples from the Russian Revolution to the #MeToo movement. Sunstein discusses concepts like preference falsification, group polarization, and variable thresholds for action to explain how societal norms evolve. His insights reveal the unpredictable dynamics behind activism and the emergence of new societal beliefs, emphasizing that change is possible, even when it seems unlikely.