The AI Daily Brief (Formerly The AI Breakdown): Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis AI and the Turning Point Moment in Human History
Aug 12, 2023
The discussion dives into an economist's take on AI, challenging common fears with historical insights. It highlights the transformative power of AI, likening it to the printing press, and emphasizes the need to embrace change while managing risks. By examining past technological shifts, the conversation underscores the importance of a long-term perspective on innovation. It also draws parallels between historical upheavals and modern concerns about AI safety, advocating for balanced regulatory policies to better navigate these challenges.
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The End of Stasis
- Tyler Cowen observes that most Americans have lived in a historical bubble characterized by two features.
- These are American hegemony and a lack of radical technological change.
The Printing Press Analogy
- Cowen compares AI's impact to the printing press, acknowledging both its benefits and negative consequences.
- He cites the printing press's role in enabling the scientific revolution but also producing works by Lenin, Hitler, and Mao.
Predicting the Unpredictable
- Cowen argues that humans are inherently bad at predicting the long-term impacts of radical technological shifts, just like with the printing press or even fire.
- He advocates for radical agnosticism, where specific scenarios are unlikely, but acknowledges the possibility of existential risk.