Evolving Prosocial AI: A conversation with Peter Fenton and David Sloan Wilson
From This View of Life by This View of Life
October 22, 2025 · 1h 4m
About this episode
A conversation exploring the intersection of evolution and artificial intelligence with Peter Fenton and David Sloan Wilson.
Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than most of us can think about it—but few of its creators understand evolution itself. Venture capitalist Peter Fenton joins evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation about how evolution and artificial intelligence might shape each other. Fenton, a central figure in the AI startup world and a lifelong student of philosophy, brings a unique lens to technology. Together, they explore how the principles of variation, selection, and replication—the core of evolutionary theory —can guide AI's growth toward cooperation and cultural progress rather than self-destruction. The discussion moves from Fenton's personal journey to a larger argument: understanding evolution isn't just for biology anymore—it's essential for building the future.
People in this episode
Guests: Peter Fenton, David Sloan Wilson
Topics covered
- artificial intelligence
- evolution
- cooperation
- cultural progress
Keywords
- AI
- evolutionary theory
- technology
- philosophy
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Evolving Prosocial AI
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