(EF49) Is the future knowable? Do humans matter?
The big question driving episode EF49 is … Is the future unknowable? And do humans even matter?
(EF48) Unstable Footing
Human nature is fallible; our faulty code should not be used as the basis for powerful AI to upgrade and replace us.
(EF48) Towards the Abyss
“Every minute since her revelation made her feel one step further from sanity.”
(EF48) On Sale
We have allowed the government to be sold to the highest bidder in the trade of our freedom for security and simplicity.
(EF48) Recode
If we want to stay human and become better, the key isn’t technology. The key is upgrading the outdated code of human nature; only then does the story of a better world become a reality.
(EF48) Look Deeply
When you stare into the abyss, you’re playing with fire. But how else are you supposed to get warm?
(EF48) Guaranteed Fun
The craziest theories are usually the best ones; or, they’re at least the most fun.
Nick Bostrom
Episode EF48 is dedicated to Nick Bostrom, a Swedish philosopher most well known for his work on ethics and the existential risks of technology. When your day job is to figure out all the ways humanity might find it’s end, it probably makes you the most intriguing guy at the cocktail party. While Bostrom’s rationale generates conclusions that many people might perceive as depressing, he’s doing very important work in raising awareness about the relative risk of scenarios relating to AI and technology that the world’s decision makers need to be taking more seriously.
EF48 Show Notes
DEDICATION: Episode EF48 is dedicated to Nick Bostrom, a Swedish philosopher most well known for his work on ethics and the existential risks of technology. When your day job is to figure out all the ways humanity might find it’s end, it probably makes you the most intriguing guy at the cocktail party. While Bostrom’s rationale generates conclusions that many people might perceive as depressing, he’s doing very important work in raising awareness about the relative risk of scenarios relating to AI and technology that the world’s decision makers need to be taking more seriously.
INSPIRATIONS: Episode EF48 is further inspired by … Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche.
EF48 (S2-E9): Checkmate: A Child’s Guide to the Good Life
Sam Payne, a physicist, finally discovers the true origin of the universe after sacrificing most of her life to the endeavor. But the discovery has vast repercussions which shake the foundation of Sam’s sanity. In light of the drastic nature of her existential dread, Sam is unsure how to even define what a good life would look like for her now. She finds a glimpse of hope in the curious, enigmatic mindset of her 5-year-old daughter, Maya. The hope and desire to live a good life is ingrained in every human. But the day you’re born is also the day you start to die, so the quicker you can arrive at some reasonable and attainable definition of the good life for yourself, the more fulfilling your life will be. But in an existence without obvious meaning, and a society heavily focused on meaningless goals like wealth and fame, how can you uncover an answer for yourself to such a simple question? Is it possible the mindset of seeing the world through a child’s eyes could provide critical insight to that which is otherwise concealed by the challenges and distractions of adult life?