Andrew Maynard, Sean Leahy, and special guest Mark Daly explore the rapid advancements in AI technology with a spotlight on OpenAI's 01 Pro model. They examine how AI is reshaping game development, creative industries, and research, and discuss the urgent need for academia to adapt to these changes. The panel also tackles ethical issues in education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human values amid rapid technological progress.

Highlighting AI's transformative potential for Gen Z, the conversation explores experiential learning and the benefits of personalized AI tutors (evoking Neal Stephenson's 'The Diamond Age'). The discussion further explores the impact of open-source models like DeepSeek on AI safety and accessibility, and considers the broader geopolitical and regulatory challenges that come with AI's evolution. Finally, the speakers reflect on the philosophical and practical implications of a future where powerful, personalized AI tools become widely available, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate this new landscape.

Links: 

• Mark Daley [LinkedIn]
• Noetic engines [Mark's Substack]
• Frontier AI systems have surpassed the self-replicating red line - [Arxiv.org article]
• The Bitter Lesson (Rich Sutton)

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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

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Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is the Executive Director for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

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