Scientific and technological progress has been one of the dominant drivers of progress over the last few centuries. Future advances—such as in AI, medicine, and biotechnology—are compelling reasons for optimism about the future. On the other hand, some types of technological progress may also be a major source of risks to humanity. Scientific institutions, therefore, play a central role in the shaping of our future.
In this reading group, we will cover some key issues with the modern scientific enterprise, and how scientists are increasingly forced to prioritize self-preservation over pursuing the best questions and making scientific progress. We will cover key questions about how we should think about and prioritise reforms to scientific institutions, assess and identify key gaps in our understanding of the enterprise, and cover recent proposals for reforming scientific institutions. Other topics that we’ll cover include the recent field of the Science of Science, differential technological progress, how AI might speed up scientific progress, and how gambling might help achieve an honest consensus in science.
The reading group is an opportunity to cover a wide range of original work, discuss these with a group of bright and motivated peers, and occasionally have Q&A sessions with researchers.
Below is the provisional curriculum with core reading (pieces that are marked with an asterisk are strongly recommended), and further optional reading.