E21: Sam Hammond on AI, e/acc, and Institutional Disruption
"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg
The Importance of Civilizational Perspective and Individual Morality
Civilization is not a unitary actor, but an evolving science that explores why some civilizations succeed while others fail. Effective altruism critiques the notion of a centralized control of social welfare and highlights the importance of individual morality.
Samuel Hammond is a Canadian-born, DC-based senior economist for the Foundation for American Innovation, a think tank focused on bridging the cultures of Silicon Valley and DC. His research focuses on innovation and the institutional impact of disruptive technologies. He is an unconventional thinker and writer (Substack: https://www.secondbest.ca/) who participates in nuanced dialogue with different thinkers across economics, tech, policy, and philosophy. In this conversation we discuss Sam’s views on AI, mental models for his worldview, polarization, and how political influence really works. We're proudly sponsored by Vanta. Get $1000 off Vanta with https://www.vanta.com/zen
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LINKS:
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X/ TWITTER:
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TIMESTAMPS
(01:00) Episode Preview
(03:00) How Sam characterizes his worldview
(07:25) The great founder theory
(11:47) Between AI safety concerns and e/acc beliefs, here does Samuel fall on AI?
(15:24) What would Sam say to libertarians?
(16:00) Sponsor: NetSuite
(18:11) What can we learn from Mormonism about AI risks and regulations
?(21:19) AI is leveling the playing field
(25:00) Instead of libertarian, AI is communitarian
(27:10) Lessons of Mormonism for adapting to technological revolutions
(30:00) Do right or left beliefs qualify as a religion, with their own institutions?
(40:57) Humanism, grey goo, and why waste is good
(44:40) Mental model for government dysfunction
(48:09) The think tank ecosystem and how influence really works in DC?
(50:53) Samuel’s interesting disagreements with: Balaji Srinivasan, Robin Hanson, Tyler Cowen, Bryan Caplan
(52:27) What’s the best argument for pluralism?
(52:48) Ezra Klein and Chris Caldwell actually make the same argument about polarization
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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