Episode
#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
3:08:20
Published: Mon Jan 18 2021
Description
Max Tegmark is a physicist and AI researcher at MIT. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - The Jordan Harbinger Show: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/lex/ - Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/lexpod and use code LexPod to get 3 months free EPISODE LINKS: News Project Explainer Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRLF17Pb6vo News Project Website: https://www.improvethenews.org/ Max's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tegmark Max's Website: https://space.mit.edu/home/tegmark/ Future of Life Institute: https://futureoflife.org/ Lex Fridman Podcast #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi8LUnhP5yU PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (08:15) - AI and physics (21:32) - Can AI discover new laws of physics? (30:22) - AI safety (47:59) - Extinction of human species (58:57) - How to fix fake news and misinformation (1:20:30) - Autonomous weapons (1:35:54) - The man who prevented nuclear war (1:46:02) - Elon Musk and AI (1:59:39) - AI alignment (2:05:42) - Consciousness (2:14:45) - Richard Feynman (2:18:56) - Machine learning and computational physics (2:29:53) - AI and creativity (2:41:08) - Aliens (2:56:51) - Mortality
Chapters
Max Tegmark discusses the potential existential risks posed by artificial intelligence and the importance of considering its role in society.
00:00 - 03:05 (03:05)
Summary
Max Tegmark discusses the potential existential risks posed by artificial intelligence and the importance of considering its role in society.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his views on the qualities of plant-based protein and talks about how mental struggle is necessary for creation, but it should not destroy you.
03:05 - 08:11 (05:06)
Summary
The speaker shares his views on the qualities of plant-based protein and talks about how mental struggle is necessary for creation, but it should not destroy you. He also discusses his admiration for David Goggins and recommends his feedback Friday episodes where he talks about a range of topics with fearlessness and thoughtfulness.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
AI can help physics make breakthroughs in research, particularly in building better hardware, but physics can similarly help AI develop by providing proof of how AI works.
08:11 - 15:41 (07:29)
Summary
AI can help physics make breakthroughs in research, particularly in building better hardware, but physics can similarly help AI develop by providing proof of how AI works.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Understanding the power of neural networks does not come from their inscrutability but from their differentiability.
15:41 - 21:59 (06:18)
Summary
Understanding the power of neural networks does not come from their inscrutability but from their differentiability.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Researchers are using neural networks to approximate complex formulas and then dissecting the network to gain a better understanding of how it works, which can lead to the discovery of simplifying properties of the formula.
21:59 - 27:32 (05:33)
Summary
Researchers are using neural networks to approximate complex formulas and then dissecting the network to gain a better understanding of how it works, which can lead to the discovery of simplifying properties of the formula.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker argues that we have historically misunderstood the role of logic based AI and that combining neural networks with symbolic is crucial for developing artificial general intelligence capable of performing all human jobs.
27:32 - 33:16 (05:44)
Summary
The speaker argues that we have historically misunderstood the role of logic based AI and that combining neural networks with symbolic is crucial for developing artificial general intelligence capable of performing all human jobs.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Understanding complex systems is crucial in making them work towards good, and aligning incentives in the right direction plays a vital role in achieving this.
33:16 - 42:26 (09:10)
Summary
Understanding complex systems is crucial in making them work towards good, and aligning incentives in the right direction plays a vital role in achieving this. This holds true even in the context of making computer systems secure and safe from hacking, as known vulnerabilities can be used in the interest of companies selling new computers.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The inclination of corporations to subvert the institutions they're supposed to obey in order to maximize their profits, such as hacking the current system that governs them, is discussed - a similar outcome to what happened in regards to birth control.
42:26 - 49:46 (07:19)
Summary
The inclination of corporations to subvert the institutions they're supposed to obey in order to maximize their profits, such as hacking the current system that governs them, is discussed - a similar outcome to what happened in regards to birth control. The need for serious realignment of incentives to these big companies is considered necessary.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host explores the link between intelligence and altruism and asks if altruistic people tend to be more intelligent.
49:46 - 57:30 (07:43)
Summary
The host explores the link between intelligence and altruism and asks if altruistic people tend to be more intelligent. He presents an optimistic view that evolution only creates good that will eventually lead to a future where humanity is healthy and wealthy for billions of years in the universe.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The rise of machine learning algorithms in big tech have led to manipulations of users in order to maximize profit through watching more ads.
57:31 - 1:06:51 (09:20)
Summary
The rise of machine learning algorithms in big tech have led to manipulations of users in order to maximize profit through watching more ads. This has led to the unintended consequences of fragmentation of democracy and filter bubbles.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lack of media literacy and its impact on people's perception of propaganda in Western media is a global issue.
1:06:52 - 1:12:25 (05:33)
Summary
The lack of media literacy and its impact on people's perception of propaganda in Western media is a global issue. Big tech companies must stop blaming individuals and work on promoting media literacy.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The establishment slider represents newspapers on both the left and right that challenge the mainstream narrative in geopolitics.
1:12:25 - 1:18:25 (05:59)
Summary
The establishment slider represents newspapers on both the left and right that challenge the mainstream narrative in geopolitics. It is a way to gain a nuanced understanding of what is happening and avoid consuming only biased information from big media.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
With the advancement of biotechnology, the threat of biological warfare is becoming more alarming.
1:18:25 - 1:26:01 (07:36)
Summary
With the advancement of biotechnology, the threat of biological warfare is becoming more alarming. International cooperation is crucial in preventing this technology from being used for destructive purposes.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The probability of getting caught for violating rules regarding fully autonomous weapons is a huge embarrassment for countries like China who attempt to cheat, risking the development of weapons against them.
1:26:01 - 1:34:00 (07:58)
Summary
The probability of getting caught for violating rules regarding fully autonomous weapons is a huge embarrassment for countries like China who attempt to cheat, risking the development of weapons against them.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
While bioweapons and nuclear weapons remain a source of danger, creating social stigma and rules around them has allowed for a stability in their use.
1:34:00 - 1:41:33 (07:32)
Summary
While bioweapons and nuclear weapons remain a source of danger, creating social stigma and rules around them has allowed for a stability in their use. Looking forward, it is important to locate and regulate such weapons to prevent future destruction of humanity.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The fundamental goodness of humanity is real, but sometimes people do bad things because of misinformation or incorrect information.
1:41:33 - 1:52:07 (10:34)
Summary
The fundamental goodness of humanity is real, but sometimes people do bad things because of misinformation or incorrect information. Education and awareness can help people do and be good, and ultimately lead to a better world.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Sam Harris talks about the dangers of AI and the importance of achieving symbiosis with AI systems.
1:52:07 - 1:59:34 (07:27)
Summary
Sam Harris talks about the dangers of AI and the importance of achieving symbiosis with AI systems.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The challenge with self-learning systems is getting them to understand, adopt and retain our goals.
1:59:35 - 2:06:55 (07:20)
Summary
The challenge with self-learning systems is getting them to understand, adopt and retain our goals. The key lies in programming machines with goals that are agreed upon and in ensuring that institutions establish a level playing field so that incentives do not result in corporations pursuing the goals that lead to maximum profit to the detriment of society.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The joy of consciousness, the beauty of emotions, and the complexity of consciousness.
2:06:58 - 2:19:23 (12:25)
Summary
The joy of consciousness, the beauty of emotions, and the complexity of consciousness. The speaker explains these concepts and how they can be appreciated without feeling guilty or decimated by science.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Machine learning is being used effectively in understanding physics phenomena like detecting planets around other stars; it is possible that understanding of physics can supersede human intelligence, hence AI could help in finding out a holistic theory of physics.
2:19:23 - 2:26:45 (07:21)
Summary
Machine learning is being used effectively in understanding physics phenomena like detecting planets around other stars; it is possible that understanding of physics can supersede human intelligence, hence AI could help in finding out a holistic theory of physics.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The AI system, Alpha Fold, is making strides in medical and physiological discoveries, which could lead to groundbreaking insights warranting a Nobel Prize.
2:26:45 - 2:41:45 (15:00)
Summary
The AI system, Alpha Fold, is making strides in medical and physiological discoveries, which could lead to groundbreaking insights warranting a Nobel Prize. The moment an AI system surprises experts and becomes more than just a tool is the magical shift towards something revolutionary.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
According to astrophysicist Katie Mack, it's difficult to place a specific probability on finding extraterrestrial life since we have limited information on how life forms and how often they arise in the universe.
2:41:45 - 2:52:40 (10:55)
Summary
According to astrophysicist Katie Mack, it's difficult to place a specific probability on finding extraterrestrial life since we have limited information on how life forms and how often they arise in the universe.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The mortality of human civilization may entirely depend on our ability to surpass the approaching Great Filter - a possible event in the next 100 years - and thrive beyond it.
2:52:40 - 2:58:25 (05:45)
Summary
The mortality of human civilization may entirely depend on our ability to surpass the approaching Great Filter - a possible event in the next 100 years - and thrive beyond it.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker shares a personal story about how sharing personal experiences can impact students, ponders about whether knowing one's mortality makes things more enjoyable, and talks about their opinion that our understanding of life and death may be outdated.
2:58:25 - 3:04:45 (06:19)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker shares a personal story about how sharing personal experiences can impact students, ponders about whether knowing one's mortality makes things more enjoyable, and talks about their opinion that our understanding of life and death may be outdated.
Episode#155 – Max Tegmark: AI and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A heartfelt thank you to a researcher and author who has inspired and influenced many people, including Elon Musk.
3:04:46 - 3:08:16 (03:30)
Summary
A heartfelt thank you to a researcher and author who has inspired and influenced many people, including Elon Musk.