I’m Michael Aird. I’m a researcher/writer with the existential risk strategy group Convergence Analysis. Before that, I studied and published a paper in psychology, taught at a high school, and won a stand-up comedy award which ~30 people in the entire world would’ve heard of (a Golden Doustie, if you must know).
People can talk to me about
Things related to topics I’ve written about, such as:
(I’m not an expert on these topics, but know at least a bit about each of them.)
I might be able to help you think about what longtermism-related research, career options, etc. to pursue, based on my extended hunt. But I’m pretty new to the area myself.
EA clubs/events/outreach in schools. I don’t do this anymore, but could share resources or tips from when I did.
I’d like to talk to other people about
Pretty much any topic I’ve written about!
How to evaluate or predict the impacts of longtermist/x-risk-related interventions
Relatedly, theory of change for research or research organisations (especially longtermist and/or relatively abstract research)
Feedback on my work—about anything from minor style points to entire approaches or topic choices
Other topics people think it’d be useful for me to learn about, research, and/or write about
How to get in touch:
Send me a message here, email me at michaeljamesaird at gmail dot com, or book a time to chat here.
Who are you?
I’m Michael Aird. I’m a researcher/writer with the existential risk strategy group Convergence Analysis. Before that, I studied and published a paper in psychology, taught at a high school, and won a stand-up comedy award which ~30 people in the entire world would’ve heard of (a Golden Doustie, if you must know).
People can talk to me about
Things related to topics I’ve written about, such as:
Moral/normative uncertainty
Information hazards and downside risks (see also here)
Existential risk in general, or especially from a “big picture”/”abstract”/”strategic” perspective (e.g., potential paths to catastrophe or the concept of differential progress)
(I’m not an expert on these topics, but know at least a bit about each of them.)
I might be able to help you think about what longtermism-related research, career options, etc. to pursue, based on my extended hunt. But I’m pretty new to the area myself.
EA clubs/events/outreach in schools. I don’t do this anymore, but could share resources or tips from when I did.
I’d like to talk to other people about
Pretty much any topic I’ve written about!
How to evaluate or predict the impacts of longtermist/x-risk-related interventions
Relatedly, theory of change for research or research organisations (especially longtermist and/or relatively abstract research)
Feedback on my work—about anything from minor style points to entire approaches or topic choices
Other topics people think it’d be useful for me to learn about, research, and/or write about
How to get in touch:
Send me a message here, email me at michaeljamesaird at gmail dot com, or book a time to chat here.