On What Matters

#25 - TTotal Part 2, Biorisk and AI Risk

In part 2 of Coleman's discussion with TTotal, the pair discuss biorisk, ai risk, and various other components of the current existential risk landscape--focusing in on their points of disagreement and agreement.

#24 - Critqiues of X-Risk, AI, and EA with TTotal

Become a Patron on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/21stTalks] and support the show! Check out Titotal's Articles [https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/users/titotal] if you enjoyed the conversation!  In this conversation, Coleman and TiTotal discuss critiques surrounding Effective Altruism and the rationality community. They emphasize the complexities of computational physics and the limitations of AI in making significant scientific breakthroughs. The discussion also touches on the importance of peer review, the challenges of nanotechnology, and the need for humility in scientific discourse. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various themes surrounding nanotechnology, bio risk, global catastrophic risks, and critiques of effective altruism. They explore the theoretical foundations of nanotechnology, the implications of bio risk, and the potential dangers posed by omnicidal actors. The discussion also critiques the effective altruism community and emphasizes the importance of welcoming constructive criticism. Finally, they touch on the Leroy Jenkins principle, discussing how faulty AI could serve as a warning shot for future risks. Big thank you to the Bilal and Jacob for helping to make this show happen!  On What Matters is a Kairos.FM production.

#23 - National Security and Surviving Disinformation with Ryan McBeth

Become a Patron on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/21stTalks] and support the show! Check out Ryan McBeth [https://www.youtube.com/@RyanMcBethProgramming]'s channel if you enjoyed the conversation!  Ryan McBeth, a software engineer and cybersecurity expert, discusses his work in combating disinformation and misinformation online. He explains his methodology of using Occam's razor to analyze information and debunk conspiracy theories. Ryan also talks about the importance of internet literacy and the promotion of critical thinking. He shares examples of disinformation he has encountered, particularly in relation to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Ryan emphasizes the need to take information warfare seriously and calls for a stronger response to combat disinformation. The conversation covers various topics related to cybersecurity, nuclear weapons, and international relations. Some key themes include the use of nuclear weapons against naval targets, the influence of China and Russia, the role of AI in military operations, the spread of misinformation, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also touches on the vulnerabilities of internet-connected devices and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The conversation explores the relationship between disinformation and human error, as well as the challenges of building vulnerability into critical structures. It discusses the role of social media platforms in combating disinformation and suggests implementing tools such as vectorizing imagery and truth scores. The importance of critical thinking and fact-checking before sharing emotional content online is emphasized. The book 'The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error' is recommended for understanding the factors contributing to errors. On What Matters is a Kairos.FM production.

#22 - Superintelligence, AI, and Extinction with Darren McKee

On this episode of the podcast, Coleman sits down with Darren McKee to discuss his book Uncontrollable: The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence and the Race to Save the World [https://www.darrenmckee.info/uncontrollable-the-threat-of-artificial-superintelligence-and-the-race-to-save-the-world]. The two discuss the central case for concern surrounding AI risk, deep fakes, and Darren’s approach to understanding the rapidly changing AI risk landscape.  --- Support this podcast:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support]

#20 - Animal Ethics and the Moral Weight Project with Bob Fischer

Support 21st Talks on Our Patreon [//patreon.com/21stTalks]!  Coleman spoke with Bob Fischer, a researcher at Rethink Priorities who recently worked on the Moral Weights project [https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/hxtwzcsz8hQfGyZQM/an-introduction-to-the-moral-weight-project]. In the discussion, Dr. Fischer and Coleman discussed a range of topics relating to animal ethics, including the research methodology of the team and the role that intuitions play in striving to live a moral life. --- Support this podcast:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support]