The Ethics of AI with Batya Friedman & Steve Omohundro

About This Episode

How can we ensure technology evolves ethically in a rapidly advancing world? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice & Gary O’Reilly dive into the challenges of designing a future where human values and cutting-edge AI coexist, with The Future of Life Award’s 2024 recipients Batya Friedman and Steve Omohundro.

Batya introduces us to the concept of value-sensitive design and how we can integrate ethics and human values into technological development. We explore unintended consequences and an inventor’s responsibility when they put their work out into the world. Learn how her work has reshaped court systems in Washington State and why human connection remains vital in an increasingly automated world.

Steve explores the promises and perils of artificial intelligence. As AI moves closer to making decisions that impact humanity, how do we regulate and incentivize safety? Steve highlights the risks of open-source AI, the hardware arms race, and quantum computing’s potential to amplify existing challenges. Can we develop ethical guardrails to prevent AI from becoming a threat? And what role will superhuman AI mathematicians play in designing secure systems?

Thanks to our friends at Future of Life Institute for supporting today’s episode. To learn more about FOL and this year’s winners, make sure to visit FutureofLife.org.

Thanks to our Patrons Meech, Sara Hubbard, Jesse Thilo, Myles Stanton, Francisco Meza, Edvardas Žemaitis, Ronny Waingort, Cyrelle Sumner, Ticheal Murner, Chase, Karen Morlatt, Brian Kelley, Kevin Vail, Rob, Razey9, Mark Th, Kyle M, Zygmunt Wasik, Hulk, Jon McPeak, smiggy93, Tolulope Oladimeji Oyeniyi, Bernie Cat, David Conradt, Ian Mercado, Daniel Bielawski, Indika, and Aris for supporting us this week.

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