I’d like to introduce LessWrong to Daniel Schmactenberger, a social philosopher with a focus on existential risk, Moloch, game theory, and the metacrisis. In my opinion, a hidden gem, and vastly under-appreciated. I recommend listening to his appearances on podcasts & public talks. He has a few great interviews on Nate Hagen’s channel. My favorite is this:
I think he has a fresh and valuable perspective because he is totally not a rationalist, not technically inclined, and yet he understands the risks of AI and takes the risks very seriously. He cares a lot about making the future go well, and solving coordination problems. He talks often about avoiding catastrophes, or dystopias, and instead finding a ‘third attractor’ - something positive-sum that also out-competes reckless power-grabbing. I think listening to him can spark insights because he uses entirely different language, arguments, and mental models than the ones that are common in rationalist spaces.
I don’t have much of my own personal insight to add here, but I think simply connecting smart people with other smart people can be pretty high leverage. Would love to hear if anyone else has been influenced by him.
I’d like to introduce LessWrong to Daniel Schmactenberger, a social philosopher with a focus on existential risk, Moloch, game theory, and the metacrisis. In my opinion, a hidden gem, and vastly under-appreciated. I recommend listening to his appearances on podcasts & public talks. He has a few great interviews on Nate Hagen’s channel. My favorite is this:
I think he has a fresh and valuable perspective because he is totally not a rationalist, not technically inclined, and yet he understands the risks of AI and takes the risks very seriously. He cares a lot about making the future go well, and solving coordination problems. He talks often about avoiding catastrophes, or dystopias, and instead finding a ‘third attractor’ - something positive-sum that also out-competes reckless power-grabbing. I think listening to him can spark insights because he uses entirely different language, arguments, and mental models than the ones that are common in rationalist spaces.
If you prefer to read, here’s an essay of his I recommend: https://consilienceproject.org/technology-is-not-values-neutral-ending-the-reign-of-nihilistic-design-2/
I don’t have much of my own personal insight to add here, but I think simply connecting smart people with other smart people can be pretty high leverage. Would love to hear if anyone else has been influenced by him.