Existential Hope Drop #11: Anders Sandberg, Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University
On Grand Futures & The Post-Human Coral Reef
March 2023
In this Hope Drop we have the pleasure of interviewing Anders Sandberg, a Swedish philosopher and researcher at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University.
Anders Sandberg's hopes for the future:
Anders Sandberg is a Swedish philosopher and researcher at the FHI. He has a background in computational neuroscience and has made significant contributions to the field of transhumanism and cognitive enhancement.
Anders speaks on:
The concept of grand futures and what it means to strive for them as a society
The potential benefits and risks of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology
The impact of technology on human nature and the potential for post-human societies
Overall, this episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of the grand futures we can envision for humanity and the challenges we must navigate to achieve them.
The Future Is Diverse: Imagine A Post-Human Coral Reef
What if the future was a post-human coral reef, where humanity had evolved into countless different species, each with their own unique shapes, colors, and life projects?
This would enable us to explore the vast space of post-human possibilities and discovering weird and wonderful ways of existing and coexisting with each other.
About the art
This image shows a fascinating future in which a diverse range of life forms exist. At the highest level are the cyborg-baby-buddhas, who live in a constant state of bliss and float above the worlds they experience.
Moving down the image we encounter synthetic or completely artificial life, which may include humans with significant robotic enhancements or AI in humanoid form.
Another individual desired to embody the Hindu goddess with multiple arms. Finally, at the bottom of the hierarchy, are people who merge with plants and sprout leaves for photosynthesis.
About the artist
This piece was created by Aron Mill, using Midjourney and DALL-E 2. Aron is a researcher at the Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters (ALLFED). Through his work he aims to contribute to civilizational resilience against Global Catastrophic Risks.
He is interested in flourishing future scenarios in which we have traversed the precipice of existential risks and recently began exploring these themes through art and hopeful narratives.
NEWS FROM THE XHOPE ECOSYSTEM
Recent Xhope Library Additions
Plurality Research Network - Convenes researchers from computer science, political ethics, sociology, and government, who are experimenting with plural technologies.
Blockchain-based ML Market Places - Fred Ehrsam. On how crypto market places filled by ML and opt-in privacy can create decentralized alternatives to top down AIs.
My Thoughts on Nanotechnology Strategy as EA Cause Area - Ben Snodin. On whether and how Nanotechnology should feature as an effective altruist cause area.
Explore the fireside chats & lightning talks from Existential Hope day
Finally the video recordings from our first ever Existential Hope day are available. Watch the talks with Toby Ord, Danielle Fong, Robin Hanson and Gaia Dempsey, just to mention a few!
Creon Levit & Danielle Fong | Fireside Chat @ Foresight's Existential Hope Day 2023
Gaia Dempsey & Deger Turan | Lightning Talks @ Foresight's Existential Hope Day 2023
Tushant Jha | Lightning Talks @ Foresight's Existential Hope Day 2023
MULTIGENERATIONAL HABITAT IN SPACE
This society is spread across different habitats in space and on Earth, all working together towards a better future through education focused on personal growth and hands-on experiences, sustainable practices, and cheap and abundant energy.
HUMAN-AI PARTNERSHIP/PARETOTOPIA
In this scenario, technology has enabled an abundance of material resources and longevity, allowing for greater cooperation and respect among individuals and communities, resulting in a more meaningful existence. AGI-assisted humans align with their individual meanings, forming symbiotic relationships with AI and thriving in a Paretotopin world where everyone benefits.
GOOD SINGULARITY
This scenario envisions a world where technology and human flourishing are prioritized, existential risks are minimized, and wildlife is protected. A true truth system, Universal Basic Income, and alignment of singularity with human values contribute to a peaceful and just world with a thriving global economy.
FLYING COWS
In this scenario, a renewable energy system and connected infrastructure promotes human well-being while being mindful of the environment. Innovative modes of transportation such as e-bikes powered by unlimited clean energy are available, along with solarpunk flying e-bike pathways, but challenges such as climate change and centralization of AI must be overcome.
AI-ENABLED PERSONAL FLOURISHING
In this future society, AI plays a crucial role in helping individuals become better versions of themselves, providing personalized feedback and insights to help align their decision-making with their values and goals. Examples of AI-powered apps include fitness and sleep trackers, financial and career coaches, and time management apps.
In this scenario, we have gone through an epistemic revolution that prioritizes conflict resolution and super learning. With the help of AI, we have achieved super learning, made education accessible to all, all while highly prioritizing privacy.
Sentience Institute is hiring!
Sentience Institute are currently accepting applications for researchers on a rolling basis. This position offers a lot of flexibility with few requirements other than the production of high-quality research in the areas of moral circle expansion and digital minds, a topic that has grown in popularity in recent months with ChatGPT, Bing AI, and other advances in large language models. They are open to a variety of research methods: qualitative (e.g. historical case studies, interviews, conceptual analysis), quantitative (e.g. surveys, behavioral experiments, analysis of existing industry and survey data), or mixed methods.
Learn more about our work at existentialhope.com.