On What Matters

Coleman Snell
On What Matters

What are the greatest forces, risks, and ideas that define the 21st Century? Each week existential risk researcher Coleman Snell speaks with academics, thinkers, and artists whose work speaks to life in the 21st Century for the modern individual. We talk about the biggest risks/challenges facing our species, solutions, unique aspects of 21st Century Life, and how we can find meaning in this strange century. Learn more about the field of global catastrophic & existential risk and about the podcast at https://xriskpodcast.com/ Thanks for supporting the Podcast! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support

  1. DEC 17

    #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.

    45 min

  2. NOV 29

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

    Become a Patron on Patreon and support the show! Check out Titotal's Articles 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.

    1h 1m

  3. NOV 14

    #23 - National Security and Surviving Disinformation with Ryan McBeth

    Become a Patron on Patreon and support the show! Check out Ryan McBeth'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.

    1h 32m
  4. #22 - Superintelligence, AI, and Extinction with Darren McKee

    MAY 3

    #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. 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

    1h 27m
  5. #20 - Animal Ethics and the Moral Weight Project with Bob Fischer

    02/07/2023

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

    Support 21st Talks on Our Patreon!  Coleman spoke with Bob Fischer, a researcher at Rethink Priorities who recently worked on the Moral Weights 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

    1h 22m
  6. #19 - Tobias Baumann on S-Risks and Avoiding the Worst for Humanity

    01/16/2023

    #19 - Tobias Baumann on S-Risks and Avoiding the Worst for Humanity

    To stay up to date with all things 21st Talks, follow Coleman's Twitter & Instagram.  Remember to rate this episode and, if you have the means, become a member on our Patreon!  This week Coleman sat down with Tobias Baumann and discussed his recent book on the topic of suffering risks (s-risks)! They spoke about the ethical claims behind aiming to minimize pain vs. aiming to maximize flourishing, distinctions of pain and suffering, and potential paths towards literally the worst ethical situation humanity or its descendants could find itself (so-called suffering-risk scenarios)! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support

    1h 21m
  7. #18 - Anders Sandberg: Longtermism, Transhumanism, and Making Sense of the Existential Risk

    12/19/2022

    #18 - Anders Sandberg: Longtermism, Transhumanism, and Making Sense of the Existential Risk

    In this episode, Coleman interviews Anders Sandberg, a senior research fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford. Dr. Sandberg and Coleman discuss living forever, transhumanism, longtermism, and new approaches to understanding existential risk work in the 21st century. Thank you to those in our community who have continued to show love and support for 21st Talks despite our extended hiatus. We are back and what an episode to jump into season 2 with! Stay in touch by following Coleman on Twitter @SnellColeman or on Instagram @MajorKant --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support

    46 min
  8. #17 - Artificial Intelligence Governance

    05/27/2022

    #17 - Artificial Intelligence Governance

    Remember to support 21st Talks on Patreon with as little as $3 dollars a month! The first 25 patrons will receive exclusive 21st Talks sweatshirts that will only be available for a limited time! On this episode, Coleman explored the obstacles & successes of governing advanced technological risks of Artificial Intelligence with Cornell Professor Dr. Sarah Kreps and Researcher and Cornell Ph.D. Candidate Amelia Arsenault.  Topics covered in this episode of the podcast include:  The political ramifications of AI internally and internationally AI and the future of democracies + democratic backsliding As a regenerative/resilience-building force within democracy Potential benefits of AI for democratic regeneration globally How AI will impact international arms races and how its impact will distinct from any other technological breakthrough in history? Will AI Governance become more challenging as other existential hazards (like climate change for example) become more impactful? And of course, current cutting edge work being done at Cornell University in AI Safety and Governance --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support

    57 min
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About

What are the greatest forces, risks, and ideas that define the 21st Century? Each week existential risk researcher Coleman Snell speaks with academics, thinkers, and artists whose work speaks to life in the 21st Century for the modern individual. We talk about the biggest risks/challenges facing our species, solutions, unique aspects of 21st Century Life, and how we can find meaning in this strange century. Learn more about the field of global catastrophic & existential risk and about the podcast at https://xriskpodcast.com/ Thanks for supporting the Podcast! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onwhatmatters/support

Information

  • Creator
    Coleman Snell
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Coleman Snell
  • Show Website
    On What Matters

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