Podcast: AGI, Aliens, Life Extension, Consciousness w/ David Shapiro

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with David Shapiro for a fascinating discussion about the probabilities of various future technological and scientific developments. I'd like to share some key insights from our conversation.

Longevity and Living to 200:

We kicked things off by discussing the chances of celebrating our 200th birthdays. David estimates about a 40% chance, while I'm a bit more optimistic at 75%. The key factors? Advancements in medicine, potential breakthroughs in understanding aging, and the concept of "longevity escape velocity" - the idea that we might be able to extend our lifespans faster than we age.

Life Without Suffering:

We pondered whether it's possible to live a fulfilling life without experiencing suffering. Surprisingly, we both agreed this is highly unlikely. Suffering, it seems, is intrinsically linked to the human experience and our sense of meaning.

Artificial Intelligence and Self-Replication:

David is nearly certain (95-99%) that we'll see self-replicating AI systems in our lifetimes. This could lead to a fascinating ecosystem of AI models, potentially changing how we interact with technology and each other.

The Great Filter and Humanity's Future:

We discussed the concept of the Great Filter - a hypothetical barrier that prevents civilizations from becoming interstellar. David believes we haven't passed it yet, citing numerous potential extinction events still ahead of us.

AI and Physics Breakthroughs:

While AI might help us make incredible advances in physics, David is skeptical about it leading to "magical" technologies like gravity manipulation. However, he leaves room for the possibility, given the many unknowns in our understanding of the universe.

AI and Consciousness:

We delved into the complex question of whether AI could experience suffering. This led to a broader discussion about consciousness and the nature of subjective experience - topics that remain at the frontier of both neuroscience and philosophy.

Mind Uploading:

Lastly, we explored the possibility of uploading our minds to digital substrates. While David sees this as technologically feasible, he personally isn't interested due to concerns about continuity of consciousness.

These discussions remind us of the incredible possibilities and challenges that lie ahead. As we continue to push the boundaries of science and technology, it's crucial to consider the ethical and philosophical implications of our advancements.

I hope you found these insights as thought-provoking as I did. What are your thoughts on these topics? I'd love to hear from you!

Warmly,

Dylan Curious