Artificial Intelligence: Doom or Boom?

Does the prospect of rogue AI keep you tossing and turning at night? Are you on the edge of your seat waiting for those shiny AI implants? Or perhaps you find the current trend of oversimplifying complex issues into binary choices—complete with fabricated controversies—utterly perplexing? If so, we have just the event for you! Drawing inspiration from Russ Roberts’ EconTalk archives and the rapidly evolving tech landscape, we’ve curated a selection of readings and podcasts tailored for those who thrive on stimulating discussions.

What to Expect

• Three engaging sessions: two asynchronous and one live on Zoom. Join us for any or all sessions!
• A mix of podcasts (with transcripts available) alongside concise articles for your intellectual delight.
• A knowledgeable and friendly discussion facilitator: Dr. Joy Buchanan.
• Engaging opening questions, respectful dialogue, thought-provoking ideas, and the potential for new friendships.
• Special guest appearance by Russ Roberts at our concluding meeting.

Meeting Details

Session 1: May 5-9 in the Liberty Fund Portal space
Session 2: May 12-16 in the Liberty Fund Portal space
Session 3: Wednesday, May 21; 2-3:30 pm Eastern on Zoom

How to Join

If you’re already a member of the Liberty Fund Portal, further details can be found here: 

https://libertyfund.circle.so/c/timeless-artificial-intelligence-doom-or-bloom

Not a member yet? You can easily sign up by following the prompts at the link above.

For any queries, feel free to reach out to Christy Lynn Horpedahl at chorpedahl@libertyfund.org

Session Details

Week 1: A Timeless Reading Group: AI Doom
Part I of the series “Artificial Intelligence: Doom or Boom?”
An asynchronous discussion focusing on the potential negative ramifications of AI, including job displacement, social isolation, and existential threats. Participants will be encouraged to propose specific topics for a follow-up Zoom session on May 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm EDT. 

• EconTalk: Eliezer Yudkowsky on the Dangers of AI (2023)
• EconTalk: Who’s Afraid of Artificial Intelligence? (2025)
• “Trurl’s Electronic Bard” (1965) by Stanisław Lem.
  This insightful short story features a scientist who creates a poetry-generating machine. Sound familiar? (If you participated in the Life and Fate reading club with Russ Roberts and Tyler Cowen, you might notice parallels between Lem’s narrative and Vasily Grossman’s “Life and Fate” (1959), both of which emerged from Eastern European intellectual traditions during the Cold War.)

Week 2: A Timeless Reading Group: AI Boom
Part II of the series “Artificial Intelligence: Doom or Boom?”
An asynchronous discussion that highlights the advantages of AI, including economic expansion and innovative breakthroughs. Participants will again be invited to suggest topics for a dedicated Zoom session on May 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm EDT. 

Week 3: AI Common Room
Part III of the series “Artificial Intelligence: Doom or Boom?”
A live Zoom meeting on May 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm Eastern, featuring special topics like education.