Existential Hope Drop #17: Joe Carlsmith, Open Philanthropy
Infinity Ethics and Thoughts on Utopia
September 2023
In this Hope Drop, we welcome writer, philosopher, and Open Philanthropy research analyst, Joe Carlsmith.
We delve into Joe’s investigation of underestimated future risk beyond technical AI alignment, how he envisions the future—the sublime utopia, and how his drive to fully comprehend the universe bolsters his vision.
Joes's recommended resources:
Actually Possible: Thoughts on Utopia by Joseph Carlsmith
Afterwards by Will MacAskill
Astronomical Waste: The Opportunity Cost of Delayed Technological Development by Nick Bostrom
Existential Risk and Existential Hope: Definitions by Owen Cotton-Barratt and Toby Ord
Propositions Concerning Digital Minds and Society by Nick Bostrom and Carl Shulman
Sharing the World with Digital Minds by Nick Bostrom and Carl Shulman
The Precipice by Toby Ord
Letter from Utopia by Nick Bostrom
Sublime Utopia: Beyond the Baseline
Joe envisions a future filled with unbounded possibilities for human thriving. In this sublime utopia, society has transcended contemporary limitations, unshackling humanity from the chains of poverty, inequality, and disease. An interplay of technology, ecology, and human compassion creates an environment where individuals not only survive but flourish, in unprecedented ways. Joe emphasizes the essentiality of recognizing the inherent dignity, worth, and potential of every individual and mind. This clear-sighted view of others paves the way for unyielding empathy and understanding, dismantling barriers that divide, and fostering unity and collective advancement.
About the artist
Philipp Lenssen created this art piece with the help of generative AI. Philipp is from Germany and has been exploring technology and art for all his life. He developed sandbox universes Manyland and wrote a technology blog for 7 years. He's currently working on new daily pictures at Instagram.com/PhilippLenssen
Related Xhope Library Recommendations: Existential Hope
Aleph by Anders Sandberg. Poems, posts, and surrealist visualizations on beautiful futures.
Existential Hope and Imagining Possible Futures by Scott D. Article remixing Existential Hope and related work to point to positive-sum worlds.
The Better Angels of Our Nature, Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker. On how civilization is on a positive trajectory overall and how to reclaim the principles of the enlightenment, in particular reason and science, to continue the trajectory
What is At Stake by Robin Hanson. On how much of the future universe humans can influence.
NEWS FROM THE XHOPE ECOSYSTEM
Explore Existential Hope Futures at Vision Weekend
Don't miss your chance to be a part of one of our Vision Weekends, our annual member festivals celebrated in two countries over two weekends. This is a golden opportunity to collaborate with leading minds in biotechnology, nanotechnology, neurotechnology, computing, and space. Break out of your tech silos and plan for a flourishing, long-term future together.
Vision Weekend France: 17-19 November
Vision Weekend USA: 1-3 December
Review the weekend agenda and confirmed participants here.
Ticket prices will be raised on September 30th.
Vitalik Buterin PhD Fellowship in AI Existential Safety – Future of Life Institute Institute
This fellowship is to receive funding for a PhD to work on AI Existential Safety Research.
Deadline: 16th November 2023
Location: Anywhere!
Eligibility: Applicants should either be graduate students or be applying to PhD programs. Funding is conditional on being accepted to a PhD program, working on AI existential safety research, and having an advisor who can confirm to us that they will support the student’s work on AI existential safety research.
Neurotech: Rewiring the Future of Human Well-Being
Beatrice Erkers, Foresight COO, recently published this article where she delves into how neurotech, from brain-computer interfaces to neural implants, is shaping up to become a game-changer in healthcare, cognitive enhancement, and mental health sectors. It also explores the ethical considerations, potential risks, and future implications of this rapidly advancing field.
EU Tech Policy Fellowship – Training For Good
Be placed at a respected EU think tank whilst working on AI safety policy.
The EU Tech Policy Fellowship is a 7-month programme that empowers graduates to begin European policy careers focused on emerging technology.
Focus: Ensuring the safe and responsible deployment of AI and related technologies. Our fellows bring subject-matter expertise in these areas alongside a deep commitment to public service.
Deadline: 15th October 2023
Location: Europe
Duration: 7 months (January – July 2024)
Learn more about our work at existentialhope.com.