80,000 Hours Podcast

Philosophy Professor Will MacAskill, a co-founder of the Effective Altruism community, dives deep into moral responsibility and the impact of our everyday choices. He presents a thought experiment about life's fragility, examining how even small actions can ripple through time, influencing future generations. They discuss the ongoing shifts within higher education, the complexities of navigating altruism in a pivotal historical context, and the urgent need for long-term thinking in addressing existential risks—from AI to climate change.

Paul Christiano, a researcher at OpenAI, discusses the future of artificial intelligence and its alignment with human values. He predicts a gradual AI transformation rather than an explosive one, highlighting methods to ensure AI systems reflect our intentions. The conversation delves into the potential legal rights of AI, machine learning's role in research, and the timeline for human labor obsolescence. Christiano also emphasizes the moral complexities of advanced AI and advocates for responsible development practices to navigate these challenges.

Anders Sandberg, a Senior research fellow at Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute, dives into fascinating discussions on cryonics, contemplating its potential to extend life and preserve human wisdom. He explores aging’s societal implications and how longer lifespans could reshape political dynamics. The conversation also navigates the risks of nuclear war and the historical near misses that inform our understanding of global safety. With a blend of ethics and technology, Sandberg tackles the future influence of advancements on human relationships.

Join Will MacAskill, an Oxford Philosophy Professor and co-founder of the effective altruism movement, as he navigates moral uncertainty and the challenges of utilitarianism. He argues that just as past societies upheld shocking norms, we too may be making grave moral errors today. MacAskill discusses the need for a 'long reflection' to overcome these biases and advocates for a moral framework that pushes beyond common sense. The conversation also explores ethical decision-making, the intricacies of personal identity, and rethinking societal norms.

David Chalmers, a leading philosopher on consciousness, and Arden Koehler, an ethics PhD student, explore the nature of conscious experience. Chalmers introduces the mind-bending concept of 'philosophical zombies' to question moral status. They discuss the trolley problem involving conscious humans and non-conscious zombies, sparking a debate over what qualifies beings for moral consideration. The duo also dives into the ethics of AI consciousness and the implications of virtual reality, challenging listeners to rethink reality, ethics, and our responsibilities towards all forms of consciousness.

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.