In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, physicist and author David Deutsch joins us to explore the deeper principles behind knowledge, progress, and the future of humanity.

David is known for founding the field of quantum computation and, alongside Richard Jozsa, creating the first quantum algorithm that solves problems exponentially faster than classical methods. He’s also the originator of constructor theory—a bold framework aiming to redefine the foundations of physics.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why beauty and explanatory power are central to scientific progress—and how they guide us toward better theories.
• The challenges and promise of aligning AI with human values, and how critical thinking plays a key role.
• How education systems could be redesigned to foster creativity, curiosity, and deeper understanding.
• The case for optimism—not as wishful thinking, but as a rational stance grounded in our capacity for error correction and improvement.

This episode was originally published in April 2023.

On the Existential Hope Podcast hosts Allison Duettmann and Beatrice Erkers from the Foresight Institute invite scientists, founders, and philosophers for in-depth conversations on positive, high-tech futures.

Full transcript, listed resources, and more: https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts

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In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, philosopher and transhumanist David Pearce joins us to explore a bold vision of the future—one where suffering is abolished, aging is optional, and human potential is radically expanded.

David is best known for The Hedonistic Imperative, a manifesto arguing that biotechnology can—and should—be used to eliminate all forms of suffering in sentient life. As a leading voice in transhumanism and bioethics, he challenges us to think beyond what we’ve accepted as “natural.”

In this conversation, we explore:

• The scientific and ethical case for ending suffering—across humans and non-human animals.
• How cognitive enhancement could reshape consciousness, creativity, and compassion.
• Whether radical life extension is a moral imperative—and what it means for future generations.
• The role of technology in creating a future that’s not just free from harm, but full of flourishing.

If you’ve ever questioned the limits of the human condition—or wondered what a truly compassionate future could look like—this episode will stretch your thinking in surprising ways.

Full transcript, list of resources, and art piece: https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts

On the Existential Hope Podcast hosts Allison Duettmann and Beatrice Erkers from the Foresight Institute invite scientists, founders, and philosophers for in-depth conversations on positive, high-tech futures.

Full transcript, listed resources, and more: https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts

Follow on X.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Steven Pinker explores why, despite massive gains in human progress, many people remain pessimistic about the future—and why that matters for shaping what comes next.

Steven argues that while progress isn’t automatic, it is real. By tracking long-term trends in violence, poverty, democracy, and innovation, we can see how human effort—driven by reason, science, and cooperation—has repeatedly pushed civilization forward. Yet, media narratives and cognitive biases often make us blind to these achievements, reinforcing a sense of stagnation or decline.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The hidden progress shaping our world today—from rising literacy rates to declining poverty, and why these trends rarely make the news.
• Why pessimism can be self-defeating—and how a more accurate understanding of history can help us build a better future.
• The role of AI, biotech, and clean energy—and why they might unlock transformative improvements, if used wisely.
• How to communicate ideas that inspire hope—including Steven’s advice on cutting through jargon and tribalism to make ideas stick.

On the Existential Hope Podcast hosts Allison Duettmann and Beatrice Erkers from the Foresight Institute invite scientists, founders, and philosophers for in-depth conversations on positive, high-tech futures.

Full transcript, listed resources, and more: https://www.existentialhope.com/podcasts

Follow on X.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.