Lens Academy launches free 6-week course on AI extinction risks, using textbook IABIED to teach newcomers with AI tutoring and group discussions

LessWrong AI · April 23, 2026

AI Summary

•Lens Academy opened enrollment for 'Superintelligence 101,' a free introductory course on existential risks from misaligned artificial superintelligence (ASI x-risk — the scenario where a superintelligent AI system pursues goals harmful to humanity). The course runs 6 weeks, uses the book 'If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies' as its core text, includes AI-powered tutoring, and ends each week with group discussions. Anyone can sign up with no application process.
•Unlike typical AI safety education that appeals mainly to researchers and engineers, this course is designed specifically for people new to the field — it translates academic safety concepts into accessible material through structured readings, one-on-one AI tutoring that answers learner questions in real time, and peer discussion groups that test understanding. The format removes friction (no gatekeeping, no application rejections).
•For professionals and students worried about AI's long-term impact, this makes serious AI safety education accessible without background in machine learning — you can now spend 6 weeks learning what existential risks from advanced AI look like and why researchers take them seriously, all free. For companies, this creates a pipeline of employees and partners who understand why AI alignment matters before joining the industry.

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