80,000 Hours Podcast
Rob, Luisa, Keiran, and the 80,000 Hours team
Welcome to the 80,000 Hours Podcast, a profound audio experience designed to challenge the conventional views on career choices and their impact on the world. Hosted by Rob, Luisa, Keiran, and the dedicated team at 80,000 Hours, this podcast brings together thoughtful discussions with experts across a myriad of fields. From AI and global health to effective altruism and beyond, each episode is meticulously crafted to explore how individuals can use their professional lives to solve some of the most pressing global issues. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, the 80,000 Hours Podcast provides invaluable insights into making your hours count. Dive into episodes that range from in-depth interviews with leading researchers to practical advice on navigating career decisions aligned with personal values and global needs. This podcast not only enlightens but also inspires action, offering listeners a unique blend of evidence-based research and engaging storytelling. Explore all episodes and join a community committed to redefining success in terms of positive global impact.
Episodes
#191 - Carl Shulman on the economy and national security after AGI
In this engaging six-hour discussion, host Rob Wiblin and guest Carl Shulman explore the potential economic and geopolitical consequences of advanced AGI systems capable of performing tasks at a level of efficiency and scale far beyond human capabilities. They cover topics like the accelerated pace of AI development, its impact on international conflict, and the moral considerations of AI as autonomous entities. Shulman, a seasoned researcher with deep insights into AI and existential risks, shares his vision of a future shaped by the omnipresence of AGI in all forms of human endeavor—from economic production to governance, transforming every aspect of society.
#190 - Eric Schwitzgebel on whether the US is conscious
Eric Schwitzgebel discusses the philosophical and empirical challenges of defining consciousness and its implications. He introduces concepts of "universal bizarreness" and "universal dubiety" to argue that all foundational claims about consciousness are both strange and questionable. The conversation also delves into the materialist view of consciousness, suggesting even large entities like the United States could potentially be conscious. This discussion spans the reliability of intuitions, the application of materialist theories to non-traditional subjects, and the ethical implications of such theories.
#189 - Rachel Glennerster on how "market shaping" could help solve climate change, pandemics, and other global problems
Rachel Glennerster discusses "market shaping," which involves leveraging economic tools to incentivize innovation aimed at solving critical global issues like climate change and pandemics. Key points include the economic rationale behind accelerating vaccine development and how slight advancements in vaccine availability can significantly impact economic and human health outcomes. The conversation delves into the complexities of market failures, the inefficiencies of the patent system in encouraging innovation for global health, and the potential of market shaping to realign incentives for social good.
#188 - Matt Clancy on whether science is good
In this intriguing episode, host Luis Rodriguez and guest Matt Clancy, a research fellow at Open Philanthropy, explore whether investments in speeding up scientific progress are beneficial or detrimental to society. They discuss the complex relationship between scientific advancement and its potential to both solve and create problems. Clancy highlights scenarios where rapid scientific advancements could lead to existential risks, such as advanced biotechnology falling into the wrong hands. They also touch on the challenges of predicting long-term consequences of accelerated science and the philosophical and practical aspects of funding science for long-term gains.
#187 - Zach Weinersmith on how researching his book turned him from a space optimist into a "space bastard"
In this episode, Zach Weinersmith discusses his transition from a space enthusiast to a space skeptic after understanding the scientific, social, and legal hurdles of space colonization. Initially intrigued by the prospects of space exploration and settlement, his research for his book reveals numerous overlooked complications, from technical limitations to ethical concerns. The episode covers a range of topics including the practicality of living in microgravity, the feasibility of space governance, and the physiological and psychological impacts of space on humans. Weinersmith's insights provide a grounded perspective on the romanticized vision of space colonization.
#186 - Dean Spears on why babies are born small in Uttar Pradesh, and how to save their lives
In episode #186 of the 80,000 Hours podcast, host Luisa Rodriguez speaks with Dean Spears, an economist and expert on public health in India. They delve into why Uttar Pradesh, despite its massive population, faces alarming neonatal mortality rates—the highest globally if it were a country. Spears attributes this largely to the prevalence of underweight mothers and infants, exacerbated by poor sanitation and deep-seated gender inequalities. The conversation centers on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a method involving skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support, which has proven remarkably effective in combating neonatal mortality at a low cost. Spears discusses the potential for scaling this intervention across Uttar Pradesh to save more lives.
#185 - Lewis Bollard on the 7 most promising ways to end factory farming, and whether AI is going to be good or bad for animals
In this episode of the 80,000 Hours podcast, guest Lewis Bollard, an expert in farm animal welfare, offers an in-depth analysis of factory farming's implications and potential reforms. The conversation delves into the cruel practices prevalent in factory farms, the staggering number of animals affected, and the global impact of such farming methods. Bollard shares insights into recent legal victories and the promising shift towards alternative proteins. However, he expresses concerns about AI's potential to exacerbate animal suffering under economic pressures. The discussion also touches on the influence of new welfare research on philanthropic strategies, aiming to ignite a broader moral and societal shift against factory farming practices.