Podcast Episodes

The Road To Honest AI

Can blob fish dance ballet under diagonally fried cucumbers made of dust storms?

AIs sometimes lie.

They might lie because their creator told them to…

2 years, 7 months ago

Does Capitalism Beat Charity?

"You can't write a check to capitalism directly"

This question comes up whenever I discuss philanthropy.

It would seem that capitalism is bette…

2 years, 7 months ago

Singing The Blues

[epistemic status: speculative]

I.

Millgram et al (2015) find that depressed people prefer to listen to sad rather than happy music. This matches per…

2 years, 7 months ago

In The Long Run, We're All Dad

I.

In February 2023 I found myself sitting in the waiting room of a San Francisco fertility clinic, holding a cup of my own semen.

The Bible tells th…

2 years, 8 months ago

Son Of Bride Of Bay Area House Party

[previously in series: 1, 2, 3, 4]

It has been three weeks since Sam Altman was fired, but the conversation won’t move on. “What did Ilya see?” asks …

2 years, 8 months ago

Apply For An ACX Grant (2024)

I’m running another ACX Grants round. If you already know what this is and want to apply, use the form here to apply, deadline December 29. Otherwise…

2 years, 8 months ago

Defying Cavity: Lantern Bioworks FAQ

Lantern Bioworks says they have a cure for tooth decay. Their product is a genetically modified bacterium which infects your mouth, outcompetes all t…

2 years, 8 months ago

Beyond "Abolish The FDA"

“Abolish the FDA” has become a popular slogan in libertarian circles. I’m sympathetic to the spirit of the demand. But a slogan isn’t a plan, and thi…

2 years, 8 months ago

Mantic Monday 12/4/23

Sam Altman || Dating site strategy || Metaculus updates || Wars and rumors of wars

https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/mantic-monday-12423 

2 years, 8 months ago

Links For November 2023

[Remember, I haven’t independently verified each link. On average, commenters will end up spotting evidence that around two or three of the links in …

2 years, 8 months ago