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Talking to Animals with A.I. ethicist Aza Raskin

A Bit of Optimism

Mon Nov 20 2023



AI Communication with Animals:

  • Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Earth Species Project, is using AI to decode animal language and understand their communication patterns.
  • The project involves collaboration with 80 institutions and biology labs to listen and learn from the natural world, aiming to make the sacred legible through AI.

Challenges of Ethical Technology Advancement:

  • Aza reflects on his invention of infinite scroll and its unintended consequences in the attention economy, highlighting the ethical implications of technological advancements.
  • He discusses the increasing power of technology and emphasizes the need for a code of ethics for the internet and AI, addressing global repercussions versus local problem-solving.

Authoritarian Control vs. Democratic Solutions:

  • The conversation delves into authoritarian control over technology, contrasting China's regulatory approach with challenges faced in democratic societies such as polarization and misinformation.
  • Aza acknowledges the discomfort in discussing these complex societal issues but underscores the importance of clear-sightedness and collective action rather than choosing between optimism or pessimism.

Democracy and Representative Democracy:

  • Discusses innovative approaches to representative democracy, citing Audrey Tang's initiatives in Taiwan as an example.
  • Emphasizes the potential for diverse groups to deliberate on critical topics and reach consensus transcending party lines, illustrated by a session in Michigan addressing COVID policies.

Listening vs. Talking:

  • Highlights the imbalance between talking and listening in today's society, particularly within social media platforms.
  • Explores the transformative power of genuine listening in fostering understanding and agreement among individuals.
  • Discusses the significance of active listening as a catalyst for personal growth, leading to positive changes in behavior and relationships.

Technology's Impact on Society:

  • Explores how societal events like the 2016 election prompted a shift in perspective regarding technology's influence, particularly with regard to social media platforms.
  • Raises concerns about current technological incentives' detrimental effects on mental health, democracy, and global issues such as climate change.
  • Discusses the three laws of technology: uncovering new responsibilities, conferring power and initiating races for advantage, emphasizing coordination to prevent tragic outcomes.

Family Influence and Early Learning Experiences:

  • Reflects on formative experiences involving family members; specifically highlights an early lesson from Aza Raskin’s father regarding infinities.
  • Discusses how these experiences shaped Aza's interest in abstract mathematics, physics, and his broader mission to articulate care at various levels within society.