Can Humanity Survive Superintelligence? (with Robert Wright)

Robert Wright joins Dan Williams and Henry Shevlin to discuss his new book, The God Test: Artificial Intelligence and Our Coming Cosmic Reckoning.Bob argues that AI is not merely another powerful technology. It is a moral, political, and even cosmic test for humanity: can we coordinate as a species before the race to superintelligence destabilises society, geopolitics, and the future of human agency?We discuss:• Why Bob thinks AI is a “God test” for humanity• Whether current AI systems really understand meaning• Why the AI revolution may be more significant than the internet, electrification, or the Industrial Revolution• The case for slowing down AI development• AI, China, and the dangers of a race to superintelligence• Whether American AI dominance could backfire• How AI might empower authoritarianism• Dan’s challenge that AI discourse may be too negative and alarmist• Whether AI is a “normal technology”• Evolution, purpose, consciousness, and Bob’s more speculative cosmic arguments This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.conspicuouscognition.com/subscribe