#242 – Will MacAskill on how we survive the 'intelligence explosion,' AI character, and the case for 'viatopia'

About this episode

Will MacAskill discusses the implications of AI design and the future of coexistence with superintelligent systems.

Hundreds of millions already turn to AI on the most personal of topics — therapy, political opinions, and how to treat others. And as AI takes over more of the economy, the character of these systems will shape culture on an even grander scale, ultimately becoming “the personality of most of the world’s workforce.” So… should they be designed to push us towards the better angels of our nature? Or simply do as we ask? Will MacAskill, philosopher and senior research fellow at Forethought, has been thinking through that and the other thorniest issues that come up in designing an AI personality. --- Our new book is "a ridiculously in-depth guide to finding a fulfilling career that does good" and is out now! Order from your local bookstore, or online at https://80k.info/career-guide --- He’s also been exploring how we might coexist peacefully with the ‘superintelligent AI’ companies are racing to build. He concludes that we should train such systems to be very risk averse, pay them for their work, and build institutions that enable humans to make credible contracts with AIs themselves. Will and host Rob Wiblin also discuss what a good world after superintelligence would actually look…

People in this episode

Host: Rob Wiblin

Guest: Will MacAskill

Topics covered

• AI design
• superintelligence
• ethics
• future of work
• coexistence with AI

Keywords

• AI
• superintelligence
• ethics
• Viatopia
• risk aversion
• future of work
• democracies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Forethought

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