In this episode of the Impact Theory podcast, host John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, delves into the meaning crisis and the implications of artificial intelligence. He argues that AI, especially large language models, intensifies this crisis by creating enticing yet superficial connections that distract us from our fundamental need for belonging and purpose. Vervaeke distinguishes between intelligence and rationality, highlighting the need to nurture rationality to guard against AI's manipulative tendencies. He believes that solving the alignment problem in AI isn't just about syncing it with human values; instead, it should focus on pursuing "the really real," which fosters a deeper understanding of truth and meaning.
