TLDR

It is currently plausible (35%) to me that average orcas have at least as high potential for being great scientists as the greatest human scientists, modulo their motivation for doing science[1]. To see why I think this, see my LW question (including the considerations in my answer).

I now want to test how intelligent orcas are as soon as possible. For this, I am creating a very easily-learnable language, which is easy for orcas to vocalize and ideally also for humans (after some practice), along with a plan for how to teach the language to orcas.

I hope to start teaching orcas the language around the start of January, but I still need to plan where to best do this, buy equipment, and find at least one person who can operate a boat who is willing to do those experiments with me.

Project plan summary

For a rough [...]

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Outline:

(00:06) TLDR

(00:58) Project plan summary

(01:27) Video series showing how one might get started teaching a language to orcas

(01:39) Seeking feedback and collaborators

(02:44) Seeking funding

(03:38) Appendix: Text summary of project

The original text contained 5 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
December 3rd, 2024

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/dkJfuKwChxkCrnZ3w/orca-communication-project-seeking-feedback-and

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“Orca communication project - seeking feedback (and collaborators)” by Towards_Keeperhood

LessWrong (30+ Karma)

“Orca communication project - seeking feedback (and collaborators)” by Towards_Keeperhood