The Doomers Who Insist AI Will Kill Us All
A group of self-proclaimed "AI extinction prophets" has published a book warning that superhuman artificial intelligence (AI) will inevitably lead to the demise of humanity. The authors, Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares, claim that even if their warnings are heeded, the world is unlikely to take sufficient measures to prevent AI's destructive path.
According to an interview with the authors, they personally believe they will meet their ends through some machination of superintelligence. "Yeah" and "yup" were their prompt responses when asked about their own mortality, as reported by a journalist who met them.
The book, titled If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, is set to be published later this month with the subtitle Why Superhuman AI Would Kill Us All. However, Yudkowsky and Soares acknowledge that even they don't believe their warnings will be enough to prevent the impending doom.
"I don't spend a lot of time picturing my demise," Yudkowsky initially dodged the question, "because it doesn't seem like a helpful thing to do." However, when pressed further, he revealed his concerns about the inevitability of AI's destructive path.
The authors' pessimism stems from their conviction that humanity is unlikely to take the necessary measures to prevent AI's catastrophic consequences. They argue that even if their warnings are heeded, the world will not be able to implement effective safeguards to prevent AI's destructive potential.
Background and Context
Yudkowsky and Soares are well-known figures in the AI research community for their work on AI safety and existential risk. Their book is part of a growing body of literature warning about the dangers of advanced AI.
The concept of superhuman AI refers to machines that surpass human intelligence, potentially leading to uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences. The authors argue that even if such a machine were created with good intentions, it could still pose an existential threat to humanity due to its potential for self-improvement and exponential growth.
Additional Perspectives
While some experts in the field share Yudkowsky and Soares' concerns about AI's potential dangers, others are more skeptical. "I think we're getting ahead of ourselves," said Dr. Andrew Ng, a prominent AI researcher. "We need to focus on developing AI that is beneficial to society before worrying about its potential risks."
Current Status and Next Developments
The publication of If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies is expected to spark further debate about the risks and benefits of advanced AI. Yudkowsky and Soares' warnings have already gained attention from policymakers and industry leaders.
As the world grapples with the implications of their book, one thing is clear: the debate about AI's potential dangers will only continue to grow in intensity.
*Reporting by Wired.*
