Leading AI and Progress Advocates to Discuss Safety and Advancement at MIT Event

CAMBRIDGE, MA – Jason Crawford, founder of The Roots of Progress, is set to engage in a discussion with D. Scott Phoenix, a partner at venture capital firm Fifty Years, tonight at an event hosted by Fifty Years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The conversation will center on the critical intersection of "safety and progress," a theme increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and technological development.

Crawford, known for his work in progress studies through his non-profit, The Roots of Progress, advocates for a renewed focus on the history and philosophy of human advancement. His organization aims to foster a culture that champions progress for the 21st century and beyond. He recently announced plans for a new book, "The Techno-Humanist Manifesto," further solidifying his position as a thought leader in this domain.

D. Scott Phoenix, who uses the Twitter handle @fuelfive, is a prominent figure in the AI and venture capital landscape. As a partner at Fifty Years, a firm dedicated to backing founders who leverage technology to address global challenges, Phoenix brings extensive experience from his previous role as co-founder and CEO of Vicarious, an AI research company acquired by Alphabet's Intrinsic. Phoenix is a vocal proponent for the development of safe AI, having been a leading signatory on the Future of Life Institute's Open Letter on Artificial Intelligence and the Asilomar AI Principles.

Fifty Years, the event's host, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that invests in deep tech startups focused on solving significant world problems, including climate change, disease, and connectivity. The firm actively supports scientists and engineers in translating their research into impactful entrepreneurial ventures. Their recent activities include a strong focus on AI safety and alignment, with discussions and initiatives aimed at ensuring a beneficial future for artificial intelligence.

The event at MIT underscores the growing importance of dialogue between those driving technological progress and those advocating for its responsible and safe development. The discussion between Crawford and Phoenix is expected to explore how to balance rapid innovation with necessary safeguards, particularly as AI capabilities continue to advance at an unprecedented pace.