Join us this Thursday for a Q&A with Scott Aaronson on quantum computing, and its implications for other crucial technological developments that will shape our future.

Scott Aaronson is the David J. Bruton Centennial Professor of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Austin, and director of its Quantum Information Center. Prior to that, he taught Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. His research interests center around the capabilities and limits of quantum computers, and computational complexity theory more generally. He has a formidable blog and published the much-loved Quantum Computing Since Democritus.

We’ll kick off with a short interview before opening up for your questions.

Topics we hope to get Scott’s opinion on:

Would you mind taking us on a quick history of the field of quantum computation?

What are the most exciting current projects in quantum computing and how likely are they to succeed? e.g. Google claimed quantum supremacy; what do you think?

For what problems does quantum computing matter, and where doesn’t it? What are the current bottlenecks? Do we need different algorithms?

What scientific fields could benefit most from quantum computing? What are major risk vectors for society that we should monitor?

What, if anything, does quantum computation mean for encryption?

What, if anything, does quantum computing mean for AI take-off speed?

What, if anything, does quantum computing mean for the possibility of AI alignment?

Can computers be conscious? Does it matter if they’re quantum computers?

What, if anything, can we say about the quality of subjective experiences of computers? ems?

What is your position on Hameroff/Penrose’s Orchestrated Objective Reduction theory of consciousness?

Can you speculate what research on quantum computers may teach us about the nature of reality and offer a wild hypothesis about the possibilities of a sci-fi future?

… we can’t wait for your questions!

—

Foresight’s weekly salons:

Our community meets weekly on Thursdays at 11 AM PT / 8 PM CEST to explore cutting edge topics & undercover science.

We leave ample time for discussion and socializing so you can meet the brilliant speakers and fellow participants in breakout rooms.

Feeling like leading an inspiring salon or taking us into a deep-dive with your presentation? Nothing would have us more excited: you can apply to be a speaker, using this form.

Check out the video recordings of salons we have hosted so far here.