December 11, 2025

Arshavir Blackwell & AI

1 hour 11 minutes

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Arshavir Blackwell shares his journey from a curious child fascinated by technology to a professional in cognitive science and AI. The discussion delves into the evolution of AI, particularly neural networks and language models, and their implications for society. The speakers explore the differences between frontier models and smaller, specialized models, emphasizing the potential benefits of the latter in various applications. They also address the economic and societal impacts of AI, including concerns about inequality and the future of work. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the challenges and ethical considerations that come with it. In this conversation, the speakers explore the rapid evolution of AI technology, its implications for human communication, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use, particularly in healthcare. They discuss the transformative potential of quantum computing in enhancing AI capabilities and the philosophical questions that arise from AI’s development. The conversation also touches on the speakers’ current projects and the future directions of AI technology.

Takeaways

Arshavir Blackwell’s name has Armenian roots, reflecting his heritage.

Cognitive science combines various disciplines to understand human thought.

Neural networks were seen as ‘witchcraft’ in the early days of AI.

Language models are essentially advanced autocomplete systems.

Smaller AI models can be fine-tuned for specific tasks, offering advantages.

AI’s impact on society includes both positive and negative aspects.

The economic implications of AI are significant, especially regarding inequality.

Open-source AI development is crucial for transparency and innovation.

The future of AI may involve specialized models rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Transformative technologies often face skepticism but can lead to positive change. AI is evolving rapidly, and we are just at the beginning.

Interacting with AI requires a new way of thinking and communicating.

The worst AI models will improve over time, leading to better outcomes.

AI has changed how we communicate with each other.

Understanding AI’s decision-making processes is crucial for ethical use.

Quantum computing could revolutionize AI capabilities.

AI’s development raises important philosophical questions.

The integration of AI in healthcare presents ethical challenges.

Current projects focus on using AI for creative applications.

AI is reshaping the landscape of human interaction and creativity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Arshavir Blackwell

02:46 Journey into Cognitive Science

05:28 The Evolution of AI and Neural Networks

08:13 Understanding Language Models and Their Origins

10:55 The Mechanics of AI Interpretability

13:46 Local vs. Frontier AI Models

16:39 The Future of AI Specialization

21:01 The Evolution of AI Models

23:27 AI’s Role in Healthcare and Society

27:11 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Risks

29:10 Transformative Technologies and Their Impact

33:54 Learning from AI: Communication and Context

42:17 The Henrietta Lacks Analogy in AI Development

44:08 Exploring Unique Medical Discoveries

44:26 The Role of AI in Medical Research

45:38 Quantum Computing and AI Synergy

46:32 The Multiverse and Quantum Computing Breakthroughs

47:25 Imagination and Language Models

48:27 The Future of AI and Quantum Integration

49:14 Philosophical Implications of AI

50:14 AI in Creative Industries

50:59 Understanding AI Decision-Making

52:04 The Future of AI in Healthcare

53:04 The Intersection of AI and Philosophy

53:58 Current Projects and Future Directions

The post Arshavir Blackwell & AI first appeared on Irreverent Health.

...more

View all episodes

By Tom Ingegno and Matt Hampton

33 ratings