Fake Meat and Real Talk 1 - Are We All Gonna Die? Yudkowsky and the Dangers of AI (Please RSVP)

Disclaimer: You are very welcome to join this event also if you generally prefer real meat and/or fake talk. While a significant fraction of EAs are vegetarian/vegan and enjoy lively debates, neither is necessary for being welcome in the community.

“Fake Meat and Real Talk” is a series of events where we discuss philosophical and practical questions of EA in small groups over (vegan) food and drinks. EA newcomers welcome; studying our suggested materials is encouraged, but not needed. Please RSVP.

Recently, an episode with AI safety researcher Eliezer Yudkowsky aired on the crypto podcast “Bankless” and made a bit of a splash on the internet. You wonder why? Here is the hosts’ intro text:

We wanted to do an episode on AI… and we went deep down the rabbit hole. As we went down, we discussed ChatGPT and the new generation of AI, digital superintelligence, the end of humanity, and if there’s anything we can do to survive. 

This conversation with Eliezer Yudkowsky sent us into an existential crisis, with the primary claim that we are on the cusp of developing AI that will destroy humanity. 

Be warned before diving into this episode, dear listener. Once you dive in, there’s no going back.

If you want to go deep down the rabbit hole with us, don’t miss this first session of “Fake Meat and Real Talk”!

A few suggested texts for those who want to bush up their knowledge on the topic beforehand:

• A very short introduction to the topic: Time - Why Uncontrollable AI Looks More Likely Than Ever
• The podcast episode in question (not mandatory, but you might miss part of the discussion if you don’t listen to this): Bankless Podcast: 159 - We’re All Gonna Die with Eliezer Yudkowsky
• If you bring a lot of time and want to hear a prominent voice that disagrees with some of Yudkowsky’s claims: The 80,000 Hours Podcast with Rob Wiblin, episode #44 - Dr Paul Christiano on how we'll hand the future off to AI, & solving the alignment problem 

The event is open for everyone who is interested in EA and the underlying concepts. You are welcome whether you have a lot to say about the topic or you just want to listen and learn what others have to say. No need to study the mentioned resources; you are welcome to stop by either way. Also: Feel free to join later, or just stop by for a bit!