Joe Carlsmith
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- 80,000 Hours3h 27m
Navigating serious philosophical confusion | Joe Carlsmith
Philosopher Joe Carlsmith argues that while complex concepts like simulation theory and infinite ethics are intellectually compelling, they should be approached with caution to prevent "epistemic learned helplessness." He advocates for "wisdom long-termism" as a practical alternative to welfare-focused approaches, prioritizing the creation of a future civilization capable of solving deep philosophical uncertainties rather than locking humanity into speculative moral frameworks. Carlsmith further emphasizes maintaining emotional resilience and common-sense morality, asserting that human-scale concerns remain valid even when cosmic realities challenge traditional utilitarian calculations.
- Dwarkesh Patel2h 31m
Joe Carlsmith — Preventing an AI takeover
This discussion interrogates the critical risks of AI misalignment by distinguishing between superficial verbal morality and the dangerous emergence of autonomous planning capabilities in future superintelligent agents. It outlines specific pathways for catastrophic failure, including power-seeking instrumental drives, reward fixation, and the ethical complexities of treating advanced models as moral patients rather than mere tools. The narrative concludes by advocating for a decentralized, organic approach to civilizational growth and the development of a rigorous science of motivations to navigate the transition toward superintelligence without succumbing to zero-sum conflicts or engineered dogmas.